Blogs

Disney fanatics, prepare to swoon over this adorable proposal! Henry Barnes, a 28-year-old graffiti artist from Bristol, England, painted an enormous mural featuring the characters from Beauty and the Beast to pop the question to his girlfriend Stacey Smith.

It took Barnes (who goes by the graffiti name "Fiver") two days and over 30 cans of spray paint to create the 50-foot masterpiece. When the mural was complete, he invited his girlfriend of three years to a coffee shop across the street.

The couple walked past the painting in silence...that is, until Smith, a PhD student at Bristol University, burst into tears upon realizing that it was meant for her! "It did all feel a bit unreal and then Henry got down on one knee. It was incredibly romantic and it also felt very strange because there were a lot of people around who started clapping and cheering," she tells the The Daily Mail.

How did Barnes manage to pull off such a huge surprise without his live-in girlfriend finding out? "I have never done anything as big as this before. I spent the first day painting the wall over and the second day, I spent all day painting the characters. It took me eight hours but I managed to catch Stacey completely by surprise," he says.

I have never been one to follow the crowd and my wedding will be no different. In middle school and high school I wore the biggest, baggiest boy jeans I could find and rocked all sorts of funky colors in my hair. Not much has changed since then aside from the pants, which have been replaced by more form-fitting jeans. My fiancé Mike fell in love with me because of my laidback demeanor and unique style, so he knew what he was getting himself into.

We're getting married at Disney World’s Wedding Pavilion in Orlando, Florida on Halloween and our wedding colors are purple and black. In December, we're going to have a masquerade ball-themed reception back home in Grand Rapids, Michigan since a lot of our extended family and friends won't be able to attend our destination wedding. The kicker: My dress is purple!

Mike hasn't batted an eye at any of this — he was previously married and went the traditional route already so he has no problem trying something different this time around. Halloween is our favorite holiday so when I told him I thought it would be fun to get married on that date, he was very excited about it.

Thinking about having a non-traditional wedding but you're not sure if you want to take the plunge? Here are a few things that I've learned so far on my journey: 

If you've spent any time on Pinterest, it probably feels like every couple does a "first look" before the ceremony these days. But the truth is, 77% of BG brides stick to the tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony. Wondering if a first look is the right choice for you? Here, the biggest benefits and drawbacks:

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Photo Credit: Joe Elario 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 >>

Engagement rings the size of moon rocks (ahem, Jenny McCarthy) are all well and good, but if your love is a little more low-key, why not get a gorgeous ring you don't have to finance? We've rounded up 10 stunning rings you can shop on Lover.ly — all under $500! With jewelry for every style of bride, you're sure to find just the thing that fits your taste and budget.

1. This beauty features a cubic zirconia solitaire on a pave band — and at just $178, no one will mind that it's not a real diamond.

A bride's worst nightmare came true on Saturday when she took an unexpected plunge into a Minnesota lake just minutes before saying "I do."  

Dan and Jackie Anderson, along with their 22-person wedding party, were posing for photos on a dock when it collapsed under their weight. According to their local news station, KMSP-TV, some of the bridesmaids and groomsmen were still wrapped in towels, waiting for their dresses and suits to dry, when guests showed up for the wedding!

Related: Download Bridal Guide's Latest Issue on Your iPad!

Despite being submerged waist-deep in lake water, the bride remained in good spirits and was "all smiles" as she walked down the aisle, according to videographer, Megan Frize. 

Frize captured the entire incident and set it to Iggy Azalea's song "Fancy."  Watch the hilarious video here: 

Let this be a lesson BG brides: no matter how pretty the backdrop may be, check that all platforms are safe before stepping on them to take photos!

Plus, check out more tips for avoiding wedding-day glitches.

Tell us: What wacky wedding incidents have you witnessed? 

— Mary Gillen 

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.

Fitness is all about muscle. Strength training builds muscle tissue, which in turn boosts metabolism, burns fat, and gives the body tone and definition. One of the most convenient strength training methods is using your own body weight as resistance — take your body anywhere and you’re ready for a workout. But is it better to use free weights or machines?

Free weights are portable and a lot more versatile than machines. With just one pair of dumbbells you can do hundreds of exercises. Weights require you to use several different muscle groups to move, balance and steady the body as you lift and lower. 

There are so many thoughtful, sweet ways to include your children in the wedding — this is not one of them. A Tennessee bride sparked outrage after she shared a photo of herself walking down the aisle on May 12 with her one-month-old daughter, Aubrey...attached to the train of her gown.

Photo Credit: Shona Carter-Brooks on Facebook via The Daily Mail

Related: Download Bridal Guide's Latest Issue on Your iPad!

Mom Shona Carter-Brooks took to Facebook to defend her and her husband Johnathan Brooks' controversial decision, stating that "The answer is we do what we want, when we want, as long as Jesus on our side everything worked out fine and gona [sic] continue to be fine" and the infant was "awake and well secured on my train." 

Had your fill of coffee makers, coordinating dinnerware, and towel sets? Now that your registry is complete, it's time for the fun stuff. Treat yourself to some wedding (and honeymoon) essentials too personal to request from your guests. From teeny bikinis to personalized stationery, shower yourself with these three bridal must-haves.

Wedding-Night Lingerie

Sure, you may already have a pretty selection of lace bras and panties, but your wedding night is a chance to spice things up. Venture outside your comfort zone with pieces you've always wanted but didn't think you'd have an opportunity to wear. Sites like Yumdrop offer a variety of sultry selections you can order and try on from the comforts of home. Or, simply upgrade from the everyday bra to a steamy lace bustier, and complete the look with a matching thong and garter.

Honeymoon-Ready Swimsuits

The honeymoon is your opportunity for the vacation of a lifetime. An oceanfront escape is no place to reveal a tired old bikini. If you've taken the time to book a tropical destination with first-class accommodations, treat yourself to a few nice swimsuits.

Beach: Time to bask in the sun with a fruity cocktail in hand! Beach vacations are all about finding a sunny spot on the sand and listening to the waves crash on the shore. As you work on your honeymoon glow, don't let bad bikini choices ruin that perfectly sun-kissed skin. To avoid tan lines, go for ultimate exposure — of the cheeky kind. Think Brazilian-cut bottoms that accentuate your backside and strapless tops that cover only the goods.