The thrill of trying on a wedding dress is a cherished experience for many brides. Take it from Ruth Sullivan, who at the age of 92, finally got that princess moment she had been longing for her entire life.

"I like something with a full skirt and I like glamour," Sullivan told The Today Show.
Photo Credit: April Cole/Kathy Woodhouse with Digital Expressions

The Frankfort, Kentucky native married her husband, Norman Sullivan, in Columbus, Ohio in the year 1946. World War II had ended, and there weren't too many big weddings at that time, so she didn't get to wear a grand white wedding dress, although they did spring for a hotel stay to celebrate her nuptials.

Sadly, Norman passed away in 2004, but throughout their 58-year marriage, Ruth always wondered, “What if?”

"I really wanted to know if I would look pretty. It was something that I never got to do and I just wanted the experience of trying them [wedding gowns] on," Sullivan tells us.

Thanks to the help of Second Wind Dreams — a foundation whose goal is to change the perception of aging — and David's Bridal, she enjoyed a fun-filled day trying on beautiful wedding gowns with her loved ones in attendance.

The Harry Potter series has provided an endless supply of wedding inspiration, from proposals to engagement photos to themed weddings. And when Harry Potter fanatic Marissa married Kyle Pick in September, the groom and their photographers, Patrick Meyers and Joe Mowczko of Heroic Photography, secretly planned some Harry Potter-inspired photos for the big day! They gathered a Gryffindor scarf, a magic wand, and the entire book series for the portraits, culminating the photo session with an epic battle against Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Check out the amazing photos:

Photo Credit: Hoffer Photography

When the words “holiday” and “wedding” come together in the same sentence, what comes to mind? A goth Halloween ball? An ugly Christmas sweater party? If you’re European, perhaps you think simply of a honeymoon. While New Year’s Eve weddings are nothing new, there is a consistent trend of couples striving for an event to remember, aiming to differentiate their nuptials from the rest.

One advantage to planning a holiday wedding is an instant theme. The season lends itself to a distinct color palette and design direction — but how do you create an elegantly themed atmosphere without going too kitsch or campy? The answer lies in delicate balance and unexpected details. Consulting with a professional planner can help keep you on track and ensure your event comes across as you.

Here are four different holiday wedding themes and tips on how to incorporate subtle yet impactful décor details into your big day.

Christmas

After the cake is cut and your gorgeous flowers have wilted, there are just a few things that will last long after your reception and well into your marriage. That's why so many of us brides splurge on a professional photographer, and maybe even a videographer, since film is the best way to preserve our memories from that special day.

However, your guest book can also serve as a fun memento of your wedding day. Skip the standard notebook and let your creativity shine with these fabulous finds!

1. Have your guests sign wine bottles, each of which represents a marriage milestone (your 1st, 5th, 10th and 25th wedding anniversaries). Read their heartfelt messages and toast to how far you've come together.

Photo by: EVC Creations

2. If you or your future spouse loves music, then consider asking guests to sign your favorite musical instrument. This alternative guest book idea will hit just the right note! 

Bonus: You could also name various tables at your reception after meaningful love songs.