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Here at Bridal Guide, we love to give back to our readers, so we hosted our seventh Race For the Rock, an NYC-based scavenger hunt for the ultimate prize—a $7,000 diamond engagment ring from of-the-moment jeweler GelinAbaci. The tension-set ring features a brilliant, round-cut center stone in a diamond pavé setting. Simply put, it's gorgeous.

The crowd was tense before the race began: The men (and women!) had each of their hearts set on the ring—not to mention a live televised proposal on PIX11 Morning News on Valentine's Day. While pacing around Bridal Reflections, a chic 5th avenue bridal salon, people anxiously texted or their cell phones or perused the ample selection of gorgeous designer gowns. Different strategies were being employed: smart phones (one man even downloaded a Map App), friends and family waiting by the phone to help deconstruct clues, and one woman even went old-school by toting a NYC Subway Map.
 

Happy Valentine’s Day weekend, everyone! I’m sure you have a number of cool things planned—perhaps a romantic getaway, dinner and a movie, or just a cozy stay-at-home evening. And some of you single ladies reading this may soon put a ring on your finger as Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular days for popping the question! So have fun, celebrating and don’t forget to watch one of our favorite TV shows, My Fair Wedding, this Sunday night on WEtv. On this “Mini Truck Bride” episode Fashion Editor, Naima DiFranco, and I team up with the amazing David Tutera to transform one self-professed “tomboy” into a chic, elegant bride. We had a ball working with David and all the crew and loved bride-to-be Michelle. Check out the teaser, and be sure to tune in and enjoy the magic!

In the meantime, keep in mind these four tips on how to keep your love strong throughout your marriage from Dr. Tina B. Tessina, relationship expert and author of nine books:

Vera Wang is known for her romantic bridal gowns—and their consequently hefty price tags. But the designer has teamed up with David's Bridal to launch an extremely affordable collection—dubbed White by Vera Wang—that still has all the hallmarks of an iconic Vera Wang wedding gown. The designer spoke to a select group of bridal editors earlier today (including me!), saying that the collection "embraces her true design aesthetic." Although the gowns feature all of the "whimsical" and "youthful" details that Wang self describes as her trademarks, the prices are what's truly stunning: All gowns cost bewteen $600 and $1400, a far cry from her couture one-of-a-kind dresses. And that's not all the designer is offering: In addition to the twelve gowns, there are also hair accessories, veils and even Vera's oh-so-fashionable belts and sashes. The best part? You don't need to be model-thin to wear these designer dresses! Currently, David's will stock White by Vera Wang in sizes 0-14, but the duo has plans in the next few season to extend their offerings up to a size 26. White by Vera Wang hits 150 David's Bridal locations this Saturday, February 11, and with so gorgeous gowns, they're sure to sell out quick. I call dibs on the blush gown (above right) in a size 6!

—Rachel Jacoby

Unlike the reality stars of today, the crème de le Hollywood crème enjoys the quiet life. They don’t chase the paparazzi and they certainly don’t need the cameras on them 24/7, so it makes sense that they’d choose the gorgeous—and quiet—Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Bridal Guide’s own A-Lister editor in chief Diane Forden recently stayed at the urban hideaway while taping a segment with our television guru and star of My Fair Wedding David Tutera. Always on the lookout for you dear brides and honeymooners, Diane came back with loads of bridal related praise for the gorgeous property, which is tucked away in tony Beverly Hills. First off, check out this incredible lobby! Her room, a two-room suite with views of downtown Los Angeles, was reminiscent of the romance of staying in Europe. She especially loved the French doors, deep bathtub and comfy bed. And Diane told me the room would make the most magnificent bridal suite.  Diane also couldn’t stop gushing about the fabulously renovated Culina restaurant. The modern take on Italian cuisine is divine and the setting even more so. There’s an ample outdoor area with oversize heaters and loads of seating that’s simply perfect for a shower, rehearsal dinner or morning-after brunch. The inside of the restaurant has a hip vibe going on for those of you who are looking for a sophisticated spot to host an intimate reception far away from the prying eyes of those pesky paparazzi.

—Jenna Mahoney

Hilton’s Waikoloa Village “Give Her the Sun, Moon and Stars” package is considered one of the most romantic experiences on the Big Island in Hawaii. Starting at $469 per room per night, couples can relax and enjoy what the package has to offer. With breathtaking accommodations couples receive the Signature Waikoloa Naupaka Love Story Turndown, in-room telescope, Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Adventure, a sunset dinner at KPC and a star certificate. If that does not draw you in, the resort has many other amenities including swimming pools, a snorkeling lagoon, waterfalls, Spa treatments, putting and tennis complex and a Dolphin Quest educational center.

The Signature Waikoloa Naupaka Love Story tells the legend of two lovers torn apart by a jealous goddess Pele. The lovers were turned into the mountain and the beach, and if you touch two flowers found at the base of the mountain and beach together end to end they create one flower and bring a man and women together in unity and luck. Couples are then invited to stargaze with the in-room telescope or go on Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Adventure where in the end, the couple receives a star certificate and are invited to gaze in an area where 90% of the world’s stars can be seen. After a night of stargazing couples are invited to a sunset dinner celebrated with a torch-lighting ceremony at the most romantic spot on the Big Island, where they then get to dine on fresh locally grown Hawaiian cuisine.  

To book a reservation call 1-800-Hiltons, or visit the website, www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com.

—Emily Gardner

   Photography by Amanda Hein
 

Wedding stationery can be hazardous to your budget. We asked Kara Underwood Gordon, owner and designer of Magnificent Milestones in Chicago, for some cautionary tips.

{1} Stick to one color ink. Two-color letterpress requires two runs and will add significantly to your costs. If you decide to stick to one color ink, you can add a colored envelope or liner to pull in your second color for less (and still look oh-so-chic)!

{2} Forgo RSVP envelopes. By using an RSVP postcard instead, you'll save on postage, extra envelopes and printing charges. Plus, it’s modern and memorable!

{3} Condense your inserts! If you have directions and accommodation info to convey to your guests, include it all on one insert--and strive for a unique look. It’s easier on your wallet and on your guests, who will have one less thing to keep track of.

{4} Only order as many inserts as you need (brides do sometimes forget!). If 25% of your guests are out-of-towners, order just that many accommodation cards, then use that extra money to add another color or another detail to invites.

—Susan Schneider