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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.

If you are one of the many brides-to-be preparing to walk down the aisle in a strapless, spaghetti strap, or sleeveless gown, here are a few of my favorite exercises to help tone your arms for the big day.

Triceps Extensions with a Resistance Band


Position yourself on your knees with a resistance band under your shins. Hold the band in both hands, and raise your arms above your head, biceps aligned next to your ears. Bend your elbows to a 90-degree angle behind your head, then fully extend the arms without locking your elbows. Aim for 20-25 repetitions.

The countdown is over: Kim Kardashian is officially Mrs. West, and we've got all the details on her and Kanye's big day! Everyone on the Western hemisphere knew that the krazy-in-love couple would pull out all the stops for their May 24 nuptials, but how exactly do you top a Vogue cover, a baseball stadium proposal, a 15-carat ring worthy of its own zip code and worldwide domination?

Photo Credit: Kim Kardashian's official Instagram account

Well, for starters, the 33-year-old Keeping Up With the Kardashians star and 36-year-old "New Slaves" rapper's wedding festivities were hosted in two different countries. The pre-wedding celebrations took place in Paris — including a private tour of the Palace of Versailles (complete with fireworks and a surprise performance by Lana Del Rey), a bachelorette party at the Eiffel Tower, and a brunch at Valentino's Château de Wideville — before guests were flown out on private jets to Italy for the ceremony and reception. 

The newlyweds exchanged vows at Forte Di Belvedere in Florence, Italy, which reportedly cost a cool $411,000. Both countries have special meaning to the couple but Yeezy recently told La Nazione that daughter North was conceived in Florence "among the masterpieces of the Renaissance" (TMI alert!).

Celeb weddings are a not-so-secret indulgence.  Between the glamorous head-to-toe outfits, the unbelievable luxury, and all of the fanfare leading up to the celebration, we eat it up by the spoonful. And while most brides don't have a celebrity-sized budget, there are a few key pieces that can be worked into your wedding day without accruing that sky-high price tag.

So without further ado, here are 10 steal-worthy tips for translating the details from our favorite celeb weddings into your big day:

1. Pack those bags and get ready to jet set!
Destination weddings are "oh so celeb" — think Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel's Italian nuptials or Stacy Keibler's recent Punta Mita "I do." Hosting your nuptials abroad helps you pare down the guest list and with the beauty of a far flung locale, décor is at a minimum. Plus, you have your honeymoon spot already built in. Another great option is a semi-destination wedding at a domestic locale or even your hometown, which will still give your guests the experience of traveling somewhere new.

Photo Credit: Clary Pfeiffer

Q. When walking up the church aisle, who goes first, the bride’s mother or the groom’s parents?

A. The groom’s parents precede the bride’s mother during the processional. Here’s a rundown: After the ushers have seated all of the guests, the grandparents start up the aisle, followed by the groom’s parents. Then the bride’s mother takes her turn. She is the last to be seated before the bridal party procession begins.

—Diane Forden

Photo Credit: Robin Jolin

During his college career, Jack Hyer spent a total of four months abroad, traveling over 100,000 miles visiting 26 different countries around the world. The University of Montana graduate proves he'd walk 500 more miles to be the man who marries Rebecca Strellnauer, his college sweetheart, in a touching and funny proposal video that he created for her!

"I've seen the world and back. I've been on many adventures. I've traveled on elephant, on camelback, hiked to the lowest point on the earth and I've gotten to see some of the highest. But the best adventure I've had was loving Becca," he says. 

In fact, he knew she was The One from the moment he met her. After going out on their first date, which took place on September 30, 2010, he wrote in his travel journal that "I'm going to marry this girl eventually."

After this life-changing epiphany, it took him four years of planning to bring his proposal vision to life. The end result features Hyer lip-syncing to "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers at iconic destinations including Ankor Wat, the Serengeti Desert, The Great Wall of China, The Golden Gate Bridge and more. Sure, the camera is a little shaky at times and the lip-dubbing can be off, but that's what makes it even more adorable:

Hyer proposed on May 17, the night of their college graduation, under the guise of showing her his 'graduation video.'

Congratulations to the happy couple! 

Plus, check out 48 Heartwarming Proposal Stories.

Tell us: How did your fiancé propose?

—Stefania Sainato

Two weekends ago, I had my first gown-shopping appointment at Kleinfeld Bridal in Manhattan, and it was as amazing as I'd always dreamed it would be. Ever since I was a little girl, I imagined trying on the beautiful white wedding gowns at Kleinfeld and finding the dress of my dreams, which (kind of) happened! Although some people poke fun at the whole “Kleinfeld experience,” I have to disagree, because the way I felt that day was the way every bride should feel when going to find “the dress.”

I brought along my mother, my sister (my matron of honor), my best friend Heather (my maid of honor), and my aunt (and personal trainer) Bonne Marcus. When I walked in, I instantly got excited because they were filming Say Yes to the Dress in the showroom that day, which was pretty cool. Deborah Asprea was my bridal consultant, and she was phenomenal! If you are planning a trip to Kleinfeld, you should absolutely request her. She was attentive, helpful, and so sweet.

Ahhh, summer! My favorite time of year: The days are long, the sun is hot and wedding season is in full swing. Which is why you’re going to love our hot-off-the presses July/August 2014 issue. It’s packed with fabulous fashions, creative reception ideas and a ton of amazing honeymoon getaways.

Have an iPad? Be sure to check out our digital edition! Get one issue for $5.99 or a one-year subscription (six issues) for just $9.99. Click here to download the Bridal Guide Magazine app from the App Store. 

For those of you still on the hunt for the perfect dress we have gowns and accessories that are sure to suit your own special style.

You’ll also find the prettiest hair and makeup looks that celebrate — and complement — your natural beauty.

Yep, things are heating up, and we have gorgeous dresses for you to choose — from sexy, lacy styles to breezy, sensuous tulle and chiffon.

We've seen plenty of celebrity wedding crashers — but Sky News reporter Joe Michalczuk just took it to the next level by creating a surprise video filled with A-listers offering their wedding wishes for his bride-to-be, Jenny. As a reporter, Michalczuk interviews big-time celebrities on a regular basis, so he asked each of them — including Zac Efron, Cameron Diaz, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Anne Hathaway, Kate Winslet, Hugh Jackman, and many more— to record a quick message. Watch the video:

—Kristen Klein

When you're dealing with guest list drama, having trouble sticking to your budget, or trying to diffuse bridesmaid blowups, it can be hard to keep the big picture in mind. You're certainly not alone if you've fleetingly considered just throwing in the towel and eloping instead during those challenging times. But planning a wedding isn't always a major pain in the neck — some parts are just downright fun. Here, our five favorite parts of the planning process.

Telling everyone you're engaged
Sure, some people ask annoying questions. But there's nothing quite like hearing the excited shrieks, seeing the happy tears, popping champagne with your loved ones, and getting 100+ "likes" on your Facebook status update.

Photo Credit: Sweet Little Photographs

Don't be afraid to be unique and let your personality burst through on your wedding day! Some of the best weddings are the ones that bring something new to the table for the guests to enjoy. When choosing the wedding venue, it's becoming more popular for couples to seek out locations that really reflect who they are as a couple. Here, 5 of the most unexpected places to tie the knot.

Museum
Getting married in a venue that holds everything you’re interested in will really give your guests a feel for what you and your partner are all about. Call up your favorite museum and see which galleries and exhibition rooms can be rented for events. You could find yourself saying your vows among the dinosaurs, in front of your favorite painting, or inside a planetarium!

Photo Credit: Lizzy C Photography on Polka Dot Bride via Lover.ly