Blogs

Anthony Hanaee, an audacious 11-year-old from Michigan, challenged his father Shawn to a dance-off at his aunt's wedding in Farmington Hills, Michigan last month. Now the laugh-out-loud video has gone viral!

Shawn tells WXYZ Detroit that the spur-of-the-moment battle broke out after the bride asked him to do something to get the crowd going at the reception. His son grabbed the microphone and said, "Listen old man, I heard you used to be a good dancer back in the day...Can everyone please get off the dance floor?" As you can imagine, guests were more than happy to oblige.

Dad busted a move to classic songs including "The Twist," "U Can't Touch This," "Everybody Dance Now," "Tootsee Roll" and "The YMCA." His son took a more modern approach, breaking it down to top hits like "Turn Down For What," "Whip My Hair," "Teach Me How To Dougie," "Gangnam Style," "Single Ladies" and "Soulja Boy." 

So who won? You'll have to watch the hysterical video below to find out!

"I held back a little so Anthony could be in the spotlight, because what kind of dad would I be if I didn't," Shawn joked to WXYZ Detroit.

After my amazing shopping experience at Kleinfeld, I still needed be sure the dress I had found was the one, so I made an appointment to try on more dresses at Bridal Reflections in Carle Place, NY. It was a wonderful shopping trip, the staff was extremely helpful, and they had some great gowns — just nothing that was right for me.

My consultant Lisa was really great, if you go there I recommend asking for her. I tried on about 7 dresses and there were a few that I liked, but none made me feel how I felt when I put on the Mark Zunino gown that I fell in love with at Kleinfeld.

Here are a few of the gowns that didn't make the cut: 

I am beyond thrilled to announce that after leaving Bridal Reflections, I finally made my decision and went back to Kleinfeld to order my dress! I'm so happy that I confirmed that the dress I love is what I'm meant to wear when I marry Renne. 

Check out our complete guide to finding your dream dress here! 

Now that I've finally found my wedding gown, I need to step up my game in order to be 100% happy with the way I look in the dress. I have been keeping up with my workouts, eating healthy, and losing more weight (not as quickly as I’d like), but I decided to try some new things to spice it up.

When the time was right, Alexander Serruys planned to propose to his longtime love Marieke on a beach somewhere during vacation. However, a Facebook post would forever change the course of this Belgian couple's "I do's," leading them to get married in a surprise wedding on an airplane! The craziest part: They weren't even engaged when they boarded the flight, so the proposal took place the same day, too.

Watch their incredible journey here (skip to the 3:12 mark to watch the proposal):

It all started on Valentine's Day, when Thomas Cook Airlines posted, "If you could marry your love on a plane, would you do it?" Serruys, a 24-year-old bus driver, commented, "Immediately!" Thus, preparations for the #FlightYes14 conspiracy began. The groom hid his phone when he was home and became tight-lipped in an effort not to slip up: "Yes, she did become suspicious of me. Bad start for a marriage!" he jokes.

With the help of the airline, he convinced Marieke, 20, that she and her sister won a free girls trip to Rhodes, and a camera crew would film their getaway. Forty of their closest friends and relatives boarded the plane and hid in the back until the bride-to-be arrived and took her seat in the front of the aircraft.

Close siblings share everything with one another: their joys, sorrows, support...and in the case of the Fortney family, even their wedding day!

Sisters Grace (23), Meagan (23), and Jessica (19), and brother Marcus (21) all tied the knot to their respective spouses on June 14. They each had their own half-hour ceremony at the St. George Utah Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, followed by a joint reception at a local ballroom with around 1,000 guests (yep, you read that right).

Photo Credit: Amber Davis via KSL-TV

Yahoo Shine reports that the idea was set into motion after Marcus returned from a Mormon mission trip in Mexico and started planning his wedding with his longtime girlfriend. At that point, Grace was already engaged and Meagan and Jessica also began discussing the prospect of marriage with their significant others.

"With most families, this really wouldn't work, but thankfully, I have wonderful, wonderful sisters and a wonderful brother," Grace Fortney Weaver tells KSL-TV.

Their parents were supportive of their unusual plan: "There are few things that can compare to the fullness of joy that you feel when your children are happy," father Kevin Fortney said. 

Recently, we were honored to be a part of the judging panel for the third annual bridal gown design competition from the High School of Fashion Industries (HSFI), in partnership with Kleinfeld Bridal. The incredibly talented students created beautifully detailed gowns that were nothing short of amazing.

Last year, each student designed the dress she'd wear to her own wedding. This year, the students were asked to create a gown that represented their vision of what a woman should wear on her big day. From 40 sketches, the judges chose three finalists who then with the help of fellow classmates, brought their vision to life using fabric provided by Mori Lee.  Students also attended a master class beforehand at Kleinfeld from Dorothy Silver, Director of Sales and Merchandising.

The designers and models with instructor Sandra Manning, Robert di Mauro and Mara Urshel.

An early-spring press trip to the glorious Grace Bay Club on Turks & Caicos was a welcome change from the polar vortex of 2014, but with the fabulous invitation came panic: which beauty products to pack? I decided to road test some of the latest offerings that had landed on my desk. Here, some favorites that proved to be not only Caribbean beach worthy — they’ll also stand up to what promises to be a steamy summer back home in NYC.

Say Yes To Cucumbers Natural Sunscreen SPF 30
This brand says yes to natural ingredients like green tea and shea butter and no to petroleum, phthalates, silicones and chemical sunscreen ingredients (which are unstable, and can break down in sunlight!). Zinc oxide and titanium oxide are the natural skin protecting stars of this water-resistant Skin Cancer Foundation-approved broad-spectrum formula ($11.99, yestocarrots.com).

Mosquitno Bandz
Now here’s a concept: chic, waterproof silicone wristbands infused with enough mosquito-repelling citronella oil to keep the bugs at bay for up to six days ($3.99 each, mosquitnoband.com).

There's no question that all eyes will be glued on you as you walk down the aisle in your beautiful wedding dress and take it for a whirl during your first dance. However, the second most fabulous woman in the room will be the person who helped you get to this point — your mother!

MOBs and MOGs (mothers of the groom) have tons of great options available to them while shopping for their child's big day. Check out some of our favorite on-trend styles to help Mom look and feel her best.

Fit-and-Flares
This sophisticated and versatile silhouette can be adjusted to suit different body types. Accentuate Mom's waistline with a belted look or try a dropped torso if she's slightly short-waisted. Most importantly, make sure that the dress still allows for plenty of movement so she can dance the night away!  

Dress pictured at left by: Special Occasions by Mon Cheri (Style 213895) / Dress pictured at right by: Montage by Mon Cheri (Style 214953)

Guest blogger: Bonne Marcus
A fitness industry expert for 27 years, Marcus holds numerous certifications from the Aerobic Fitness Association of America (AFAA), including Step, Spin, Bosu™, Pre/Post Natal, Youth Fitness, Aqua, and Personal Training. She has taught for New York City’s top health clubs, including Crunch, New York Health and Racquet, and Reebok Sports Club. A recognized name on Long Island, Bonne has taught at Dany Holdstein’s Two Worlds, North Shore Health Club, LA Fitness, Sport time, Equinox and currently teaches at the Sid Jacobsen JCC in Roslyn. Learn more at getfitwithbonne.com.

It’s no surprise that cardiovascular exercise is the cornerstone of most weight loss programs and the key to shedding excess body fat. Aerobic activity also nourishes a positive mental attitude by increasing the body’s level of serotonin (one of the feel-good hormones that helps reduce stress) and most brides agree stress comes along with wedding planning! The question is what is the best cardiovascular exercise? 

There are arguments on whether the elliptical is better than the treadmill, or the Stairmaster better than the stationary bike, but the reality is that you will reap the most benefits from any cardio that you do consistently.  The secret to success is to find an activity you love. 

Below I've highlighted the benefits of five different types of cardiovascular exercise. Read and decide which one is best for you.