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As of last Friday, I officially have one year until I say I do! I can't believe how fast time went, and I can only imagine how quickly these next 12 months are going to go. Ah! Now it’s all really starting to sink in how close the big day actually is — and the need to lose the weight and plan the wedding of my dreams are both top priorities in my mind.

Last week, Rene and I attended a bridal expo on Monday and Tuesday night, where we met with various vendors and were able to schedule appointments and get information. So far, we decided on our florist and picked out the centerpieces, booked our photo booth (which was a must-have for Rene and me), and decided on a few little surprises we want to have at the reception. My next step to check off my list is finding a photographer and videographer. I know how important it is to find a great one, and I want to get my engagement photos done soon to get out my save-the-dates. Saturday morning, we met with a photographer/videographer, but I wasn't too impressed, so I need to make more appointments for this coming weekend. I need to find the perfect fit for us, and if it takes a few weeks to find it, then it’s all worth it.

Loverly is the heart of weddings: a visual inspiration search engine designed to help brides discover ideas, people to hire, and things to buy. Loverly makes finding beautiful wedding inspiration easier than ever! Their images are powered by the best wedding publishers and wedding shopping partners on the web. Find Bridal Guide on Loverly >>

You don’t have to live in a cramped New York City apartment (as my husband and I do) to appreciate the mini-me-sized approach to design. These products pack mega benefits in petite packages. Here, five ways to live large in a small space.

Who wants to push around a mongo vacuum cleaner when the Dyson DC50 gets the job done so efficiently? It’s lighter and smaller than its full-sized sister models, yet packs the same high performance, along with a new and more sophisticated patented brush-bar technology that self-adjusts to clean fine dust from hard floors with carbon fiber filaments, while stiff nylon bristles remove dirt from carpets ($499.99, dyson.com).

With its click-on, click-off handles, Cristel — stylish, stainless cookware from France — transitions from stove to tabletop with ease. But what we really value is how each piece stacks and nests into another for space saving of the highest order (from $99, cristelusa.com).

Even though Tuesdays are never high on the list for a preferred wedding day, this Tuesday is different. Because of its sequential numbers, 11/12/13, many couples are choosing to tie the knot today.

We spoke with renowned event planner, Harriette Rose Katz, Founder and President of Events/Gourmet Advisory Services (gourmetadvisory.com), who has planned hundreds of dream weddings for 35 years, about this numerical phenom. “People like feeling special, no one more so than a bride!” says Harriette. “And this is a special date. Brides are competitive, and this is a unique one-off that can’t be beat beyond next year!” Harriette even heard of one couple who met on 7/7/07 and planned a long engagement so they could keep number patterns a part of their relationship. Because a mid-week wedding is often difficult for guests to attend, Harriette thinks couples may just get married on Tuesday and then have the bigger celebration on the weekend.

And the numerical fascination won’t end this year. In fact, Harriette already has couples booking for 12/13/14 and expects even more weddings on that day, since it falls on a Saturday, the most popular day for wedding celebrations. “This is a chance to really go all out,” says Harriette. “The entire day can be planned and themed around the date from the morning ceremony through to the evening celebration. The numbers can be incorporated into the event through table decorations, gifts or through artwork such as the monograms, the program and menu.” Harriette also recommends booking hotels and clubs, as they’ll already be decorated for the holidays (saving you lots of money!) and leaving only the table décor to think about.

Winter is such a beautiful time of year to tie the knot. Not only is it a less popular season for weddings — instantly making yours stand out — but there are so many décor elements and fashion ideas that just wouldn't work during any other season. We checked in with Emily Reifel, Senior Social Sales Manager for CPS Events at The Plaza Hotel, to see what's hot for cold-weather weddings right now.

Birch Trees and Branches 

Birch branches are a cost-effective and elegant way to decorate a winter wedding ceremony space. Add even more romance by conducting your ceremony by candlelight. 

White Fur

Keeping warm doesn't have to mean throwing your regular winter coat over your gown. Try an elegant fur stole instead, which will perfectly complement your gorgeous gown. "I would get married in the winter just to be able to wear one!" said Reifel.

Warm Sips

Just because you're getting ready for your big day does not mean the whole month or two before has to be boring and restrictive. After all, it’s more about the journey than the destination. And sometimes, we just need a little treat that tastes good and guilty — and it doesn't hurt when it's festive for fall!

The good news is that you won't blow your calorie budget (or your waistline) with this one, even though it's totally one of my "cheat" recipes. Why? Because it's not all 'whole food' clean eating — yes, there's flour and sugar in these. But hey, we still have to live a little and indulge!

The 59-Calorie Pumpkin Dark Chocolate Chip Cookie

Prep time: 10 min.
Bake time: 15 min.
Makes: 32 servings

Ingredients:

For this month, I decided to set some goals for myself, and I wanted to share them with you in case you'd like to join me! 

November Goals:

► Lose 10 pounds by December 1.
► Do my weight-training workout from Bonne Marcus two to three times per week. 
► Eat better on the weekends.
► Breathe!

Last week was a busy one for me, both at work and in my personal life. Over the weekend, we celebrated Rene's mother's birthday on Friday, attended a wedding on Saturday, had a training session with Bonne on Sunday afternoon, and then attended a christening Sunday night. 

Here’s a photo of Rene and me from my girlfriend’s wedding last October and then again this past weekend, where I wore the same dress. When I put it on, I definitely noticed that it felt much looser than it did last October. It was great to see the small difference between my size then and now, and it only gives me more motivation to keep it going.

If you're getting married in the winter, you can generally expect to receive big discounts from most of your vendors during this less-popular season. The exception — your florist. While you can save big by choosing in-season blooms, you still may not find as many budget-friendly options as spring or summer brides. Lately, we've seen many winter brides eschewing flowers altogether and choosing keepsake bouquets instead. Here, some of our favorite ideas. 

Pinecones

Using pinecones is a wonderful way to reflect the season. Add some pine branches, wheat, or flowers carved from birch to fill out the bouquet. 

Photo Credit: Live View Studios

Photo Credit: Amber Shaw Photography

Loverly is the heart of weddings: a visual inspiration search engine designed to help brides discover ideas, people to hire, and things to buy. Loverly makes finding beautiful wedding inspiration easier than ever! Their images are powered by the best wedding publishers and wedding shopping partners on the web. Find Bridal Guide on Loverly >>

A library is a charming venue for your big day — you're surrounded by some greatest love stories in literature. Say 'I do' with vintage book centerpieces, card catalog escort card displays, and custom-wrapped books to hold your vows. Here are our favorite library and book-inspired décor ideas to make any reception space a literary masterpiece.

1. Get creative with your table numbers by incorporating charming vintage books.

Winter weddings are just around the corner, and we've fallen head-over-heels in love with this sparkly inspiration shoot produced by Fearson May Events. From the snowy cake to the dramatic branch centerpiece to the glittery silver and blue color palette, there are so many wonderful ways to create a gorgeous winter wedding.