One thing that I love about the season are all the fabulous ways my favorite hotels decorate their public spaces. The Gran Melia Fenix in Madrid puts up a tree that glitters in gold and red decorations. The Bellagio in Vegas goes va-va-voom with bigger-than-life-nutcrackers, awesome light displays and an assortment of awesome Christmas trees. And every year, Claridge’s in London has a fashion designer outfit a tree in the lobby. This year it is one of my favorites—Alber Elbaz of Lanvin!

But the hip NYC James Hotel did a little something different this year. Instead of stringing silver bells, the hotel commissioned local artist Shintaro Okamoto to create a mini-city of ice. The display, which is open to the public, is on view in the hotel’s outdoor Urban Garden for the next few weeks. Watch the video clip for a look inside the artist’s studio. 

—Jenna Mahoney

The first trailer for The Five-Year Engagement, starring Jason Segel and Emily Blunt, has just been released. The movie follows Tom (Segel) and Victoria's (Blunt) ever-lengthening road to marriage as career opportunities (and life in general) get in the way.

We love that you see some of the classic guilt from relatives about a lengthy engagment ("Grandparents do have a tendendy to die, you know."), guest list debates with the parents, and much more that that will hit close to home for so many brides.

The movie hits theaters on April 27. Check out the video and let us know what you think! 

—Kristen O'Gorman Klein

Still haven't figured out the color palette for your wedding but need to order those bridesmaids gowns? Choose a neutral tone for the girls. It always looks elegant and pairs well with any other color you decide to add to your wedding theme. Neutrals look great paired with bright, poppy tones (try a bold bouquet) and are also sublime when matched with pastels. Another great reason to choose a neutral color: your girls will love you because neutral dresses are so easy to repurpose and wear again. Here, a few of our favorite neutral dresses from Jim Hjelm (jlmcouture.com), Amsale (amsale.com), Noir by Lazaro (jlmcouture.com), Allure (allurebridals.com), Enzoani Love Social Occasion (lovebyenzoani.com) and Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids (moniquelhuillier.com).

—Naima DiFranco

Prospective grooms, take note! Hiring a photographer to covertly capture your engagement may be the latest trend when popping the question, but this groom took it a step further: Josh kept it a secret for almost a year that the proposal was photographed so that, on the morning of the wedding, he could surprise Jenn with a framed photo of the engagement! 

Photo Credit: Alyse French Photography

We chatted with Jenn to find out what was going through her mind when she opened up Josh's incredible gift. 

Bridal Guide: What was your reaction when you saw the photo?
Jenn Morrissey: I was truly amazed by it. I didn’t have the slightest idea that he hired a photographer on that day, and I couldn’t believe he was able to keep it a secret for almost a year!  It was such a thoughtful idea and a really sweet gift that commemorated our engagement season as we looked ahead to an even greater chapter of our life together. 

Looking at the photo transported me back to the proposal, and it was fun to relive those feelings of excitement and surprise. I think you can see that on my face in the picture!