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Forget drive-through chapels—the hottest new trend is curbside weddings. For just $99, the Las Vegas Wedding Wagon will marry you in 15 minutes, max, at your desired location (the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign is a crowd-pleaser). Co-founders Andy Gonzalez and James Cass ditched their corporate jobs to find their true calling. Inspired by the Hangover Truck, which gives tuckered-out revelers intravenous aid, their mobile matrimony idea was borne.

Sure, it sounds like a scene in a rom-com: Lonely girl meets lonely boy at wild party, and after a brief, but promising conversation (and five too many rounds of margaritas) they decide to make it forever. But there’s only one problem: They don't have a car, so they text the Wedding Truck to meet them on the Strip. Not so fast—they require that you obtain an official marriage license in advance, but you can speed up the process with this online form. Gonzalez and Cass are available for immediate service between 12 – 9 pm, but you can schedule your nuptials in advance on their website.

I recently met with Kate Harrison, creator of greenbrideguide.com and author of "The Green Bride Guide,” the definitive bible on how to have an eco-chic wedding on any budget.

It might seem strange to have Dad as your wedding planner, but with my circumstances, it just made natural sense. (As I've mentioned in past posts, my fiancé Michael is deployed in Afghanistan, so I'm planning our wedding in San Diego from across the country, in New York.) A couple of months ago, I realized I needed to call in reinforcements, so I found a planner in Cali who completely shared my vision. I was enamoured with her ideas—until I got the quote. I was seriously considering dropping $2,400 for her help, but when I brought it up to my dad, he enthusiastically offered to plan the wedding himself. I knew he'd always have my back, but I was surprised by just how thrilled he was to take part in my wedding. It was a big relief.

Since I've asked him to take over, my dad has secured the venue, DJ, rentals and linens, florist, and photographer. Basically, all the heavy lifting is done. Luckily, we haven't had any disagreements yet. He's happy to hear me out if I don't like something or would prefer a more affordable vendor, so I never feel pressured to go with his first choice or afraid to say no. The planning process is new to both of us, so we're learning everything together and having fun in the process! Dad's a natural—he talks to strangers with ease and even thrives on it (much to my embarrassment as a teenager). He loves to brag about his son-in-law, too, so he'll use any excuse to bring up his brave soldier in conversation.

From classic exits to fun thank-you cards, sparklers are everywhere lately in wedding photos.

Photo Credits: B&G Photography (left);  Ruth Anne Photography (right)

If you're thinking about using sparklers, keep in mind a few safety tips:

► Don't pass around already-lit sparklers. 
► Sparklers are not recommended for kids under 12.
► Keep your distance; everyone using a sparkler should stand six inches apart from one another. Also, when holding a sparkler, keep it at arm's length. 
► Check the legal status in your area; sparklers are banned in several states.
► Because the sparkler stick remains hot long after the flame is gone, drop used sparklers into a bucket of water.

And now, some of our favorite photos with sparklers!

Photo Credit: Heidi Rae Photography for Ron Parks Photography

Guest blogger: Rosanna Casper, co-founder of Idojour.com, a new wedding website where brides, grooms, family and friends can purchase a stylish and affordable mix of beautifully curated pieces.

When you think about your wedding-day look, I'll bet you picture the beautiful, white gown you spent weeks picking out. However, your dress is just one piece of the puzzle: there are shoes, makeup, undergarments and jewelry to consider. But we brides don't stop there. Many of us, including myself, even want to accessorize our hair. And oh, the choices there are! Here, 20 adornments that made it into this brunette's Etsy shopping cart.

1. Jeweled Clips

I am head-over-heels about Swarovski crystal-encrusted clips and combs right now. Boasting a royal feel, these vintage-inspired combs and hairpieces are quite the statement piece. Big or small, these work on up-dos and down-dos flawlessly. 

Art Deco rhinestone hair comb by Etsy seller GlamorousBijoux 

"Reese" rhinestone-encrusted hair comb by Etsy seller SomethingIvory

My wedding is only two months away, and it's all starting to feel so real, for two reasons: We sent out invitations and had our first bridal shower! It took place in Dayton and was hosted by my future in-laws and some of their close friends. I've never been to a bridal shower before my own—that's something most gals probably can't say. I have a couple of baby showers under my belt, but I didn't know what to expect for a bridal shower. I pictured a group of ladies in sundresses, eating appetizers, unwrapping lingerie and enjoying one another's company. In many ways, the bridal shower we actually had was very different. The most noticeable difference: The presence of testosterone, since couples were invited (this is also referred to as a Jack and Jill shower).

The men and women mingled together, and it was fun to see all of the surprises my fiancé Corey's parents had planned for us. We had a sit-down lunch (including the most delicious salmon ever), rather than snacking throughout, which I really enjoyed. My parents came from Indianapolis and were happy to use that time to get to know some of Corey's relatives and friends better. Another surprise: Our shower had a vintage/historic theme, so the planners arranged to have a guest's wedding dress displayed on a mannequin! The fake eyelashes were a little creepy, but I enjoyed seeing this unique heirloom. Another guest wore the shoes from her wedding day, while others brought in their wedding albums for everyone to browse while we opened gifts.

He shoots, he scores!

The Obamas cheered on Olympics-bound Team USA in a basketball game against Brazil last night, but the crowd cheered for someone else. What what happened when the President and First Lady Michelle saw their faces on the big screen at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.:

It's so sweet how in love these two are (and how 14-year-old daughter Malia encouraged the smooch). The President showed that he's just a regular guy who enjoys a little PDA with his wife. And the way Michelle looks down with giddy embarrassment reminds us to let our men squeeze in a public kiss every now and then — it's fun! If the Obamas don't care who's watching, why should you?

With their 20th wedding anniversary coming up this October, we're definitely taking notes on how they keep it together. 

Tell us: What do you think of this presidential kiss? 

—Paulette Safdieh

During your wedding ceremony, you promise to take each other for better or worse, in good times and in bad. On the day of your wedding, when you’re more in love than you’ve ever been before, it can be hard to even imagine that you might go through a rough patch a few years down the road that has the ability to break your relationship.

Let’s face it: You’re going to fight. In fact, it can be healthy to fight. But there may be a time when you need to remind yourself why you fell in love your husband-to-be in the first place.

Enter the Fight Box.

Photo Credit: Jennie Andrews Photography

Before your big day, gather a wooden box, a bottle of wine (or the alcohol of your choice), and two glasses. Write love notes to each other, explaining your feelings as you prepare to start your new life together as husband and wife. Seal your letter without letting your soon-to-be read what you’ve written.

During the ceremony, place the love notes inside the wooden box with the wine and glasses. Take turns hammering the box shut, one nail at a time, until the box is sealed. 

Agree to keep the box sealed until a special anniversary, like your 10th or 20th, unless you hit a rough patch. Then, break open the box, pour the wine, read the letters, and remember what it’s all about!