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Standing Up to Cancer: Mom's Inspiring "Wedding"

Netis Negron recently fulfilled her lifelong dream of dressing up as a beautiful bride. The 36-year-old mom from Avondale, Arizona, feared this day would never come; not only because her cancer had spread to her bones, but also because she didn't have a groom. Her family members, friends and community rallied together to throw a wedding shoot in her honor. It served as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, love is capable of performing extraordinary things.

"I don’t want people to see this as a fake wedding," Netis explained to Good Morning America. "It was a celebration of life. It was an amazing experience, a symbol for hope and faith. I was with family, friends and complete strangers that I now call friends, and I wouldn’t change that for the world."

The idea came to light in February, when she asked close friend (and photographer) Laura Gordillo if she could take photos of her trying on wedding dresses at a local bridal shop. "Once I found out the cancer was back [Netis was first diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago], I wanted to give her something more than that! I wanted her to feel like a queen for a day. I envisioned a beautiful setting and Netis in a gorgeous gown with her hair and makeup done, posing for photos with her three sons, mom and sister. We never imagined her little idea would become something way more than that!" Laura told BG.

See the sweet photos here:

Bow Wow is Engaged! See the Gorgeous Ring He Picked Out

Bow Wow (formerly known as "Lil" Bow Bow) is all grown up and ready to walk down the aisle! The 27-year-old rapper is engaged to Love & Hip-Hop star Erica Mena.

E! Online reports that the bride-to-be spilled the news at Saturday's BET Hip Hop Awards. When a reporter asked if Bow Wow was her boyfriend, she responded, "Uhh...he's actually my fiancé!"

Bow Wow (whose real name is Shad Moss) not only posted a photo on Instagram of the stunning ring that he gave to Mena, but he also used it as an opportunity to show off some coordinating bling of his own:

bow wow engagement ring
Photo Credit: Bow Wow's official Instagram account

bow wow engagement ring
Photo Credit: elliotavianne on Instagram 

The lovebirds met on the set of 106 & Park, where Bow Wow is a host, and they dated for six months before getting engaged. They each have a child from a previous relationship: Mena has a son named King and Bow Wow has a daughter named Shai Moss.

Congratulations to the happy couple!

— Stefania Sainato

20 Wedding Lessons We Learned from 'Friends'

September 22 marks 20 years since Friends premiered on NBC. During the show's decade on the air, we witnessed plenty of weddings (and Ross was responsible for "just like half of that"). The lessons learned are just as relevant today. Here, the top 20:

1. Don't over think the proposal
Chandler tried to throw Monica off guard by pretending he hated marriage, and he almost lost her to ex-boyfriend Richard. And Mike got so caught up in planning a perfect (albeit cliché) proposal for Phoebe, from using the big screen at a game to hiding the ring in a slice of cake in a restaurant, that he lost track of what really mattered. Eventually, Monica proposed to Chandler (or at least tried to, until she was crying too much to get the words out — “There's a reason why girls don't do this!”), and Mike realized a simple proposal was all he needed: “I keep trying to propose in these stupid ways, and all I want to do is tell you that I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Related: 48 Heartwarming Proposal Stories

monica chandler proposal friends

All the Details on Lauren Conrad's Wedding Gowns

Lauren Conrad married William Tell on September 13th and since then, we've been eagerly awaiting all the deets on this style icon's one-of-a-kind gown. As it turns out, she had three wardrobe changes! 

First, she wore a ceremony ensemble that she collabored on with Mark Badgley and James Mischka. The gown features two-tone Chantilly lace embroidered with Alençon lace appliques. Crystals, pearls and baby glass beads added a dose of sparkle. An intricate illusion back and 10-foot train made the look just as stunning from the back.

lauren conrad wedding dress sketch

In an official statement released by the designers, they reveal that they were "delighted" when LC came to them with her special request. With her young, modern, and sophisticated fashion sense, she embodies the ideal Badgley Mischka Bride. "She wanted a simple and classic yet glamorous gown which paired perfectly with the Old Hollywood element we love to put in each of our designs," Mark and James added.

The bride explains that "I was so thrilled to have Mark and James work on my dress. Not only have I been a longtime fan of their designs and aesthetic, they are also the nicest guys. They were so sweet and made the process really enjoyable. I love my dress."

A Father's Song to His Daughter Moves Everyone to Tears

For many fathers, the most emotional part of the wedding day is when he walks his little girl down the aisle. One dad made it even more special by singing "Walk With You" by Edwin McCain as he and his daughter made their entrance. What a perfect song for the moment! And the dad's voice is pretty incredible, too. Watch the sweet video:

Plus, check out our favorite father-daughter moments ►

—Kristen Klein

Groom's Wedding Surprise Proves That the Best Gifts in Life are Free

Before their wedding, Michael and Jessica agreed to skip the tradition of giving each other a gift. Jessica found a way around that promise by writing a a heartfelt letter, but Michael planned something a little bit more elaborate. After the couple shared their first dance together, 80 of their friends and family members joined the groom in a choreographed dance for the bride. Watch the heartwarming video:

—Kristen Klein

9 Things Bridesmaids Don't Realize Annoy the Bride

Whether you're a first-time bridesmaid, or have 27 dresses hanging up in the back of your closet, it's good to keep in mind bridal-party faux pas, so we chatted with real brides to find out their pet peeves. Here are nine things you didn't realize were annoying the bride in your life, plus practical tips for avoiding these mistakes.


Photo Credit: Jennifer Eileen on Wedding Chicks via Lover.ly

1. Being MIA

Why it's annoying: By not responding to emails, missing showers, or skipping out on favor-making night, you are slacking on your duty to support the bride and might make her regret asking you in the first place.

How to avoid it: You don't need to drop everything else in your life to be a bridesmaid, but you should make it a priority. It doesn't take much effort to reply enthusiastically to her emails with wedding details, and if you can't make a shower or bachelorette party, go the extra mile and send along a gift or card after picking up the phone to tell her why you won't be able to make it.

Inside the New Issue

You are going to love our November/December 2014 issue! It’s filled with great advice, fabulous ideas, and the most gorgeous new fashions.

bridal guide november december 2014 issue

In fact, if you’re on the quest for just the right dress, check out our “Shape Finder” story that shows beautiful styles that are perfectly suited for your body type.

bridal guide november december 2014 issue

And if you picture yourself in an ultra chic, sophisticated style, turn to “Uptown Girl” for an array of knockout looks.

bridal guide november december 2014 issue

If your preference is for a dress that’s sweetly romantic and ethereal, we’ve got you covered with the prettiest floral-accented gowns.

bridal guide november december 2014 issue

We also take you behind-the-scenes to some of the top bridal runway shows for tips from the pros on how to achieve camera-ready and oh-so-pretty hair and makeup.

Coping With Grief: One Bride's Inspiring Photo Shoot

Two months before her wedding day, Janine experienced a nightmare worse than she ever could've imagined — her fiancé, Johnny, passed away unexpectedly, turning her life upside down.  

Through her healing process, she came up with the idea of doing an underwater photo shoot in her custom-made wedding gown that she never had the opportunity to wear. She's always been a believer in the healing powers of water and thought the photo shoot would help her find closure. While searching for underwater bride photos, she came across Del Sol Photographers and decided to reach out.

"After I heard Janine’s story, I really wanted to do what I could to create a magical adventure for her," photographer Matt Adcock wrote on his website. "I knew that the natural aquatic wonders of the Riviera Maya would offer great comfort and would be the perfect vehicle for her healing process."

Janine and her photographer developed the shoot at Dreams Tulum to contain several liberations from grief, including a balloon release and falling into a natural pit to represent "letting go of the past and opening herself to the future."

"I really felt that Johnny was smiling down at me and finally giving me closure that I can live my life in a positive way, but never forgetting why I was here," Janine told her photographer. "I actually had fun for the first time in three month since Johnny passed away."

Check out the inspiring photos:

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