For the new Jan/Feb 2012 issue of Bridal Guide, out on the stands now, Bridal Guide's fashion department had the luxury of shooting at Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa in Riviera Maya, Mexico. It was an incredible week shooting 3 fashion stories (look out for the March/April issue to see more) in a picturesque, relaxing environment—ideal for destination weddings!

The first day, we had the treat of hearing a local mariachi band play for us—they would be amazing for a wedding party! (We have a cute picture of our bride with the band.)

We also loved the romantic beach, perfect for a private dinner or a charming morning stroll, not to mention some fun in the sun.

There is a lovely blue chapel on the grounds that has a historic, elegant look that would be fantastic for the service.

Asking loved ones to be in your bridal party is such a joyful moment—why not sweeten the deal with a keepsake that shows how much they mean to you? (P.S. I'm thrilled to report that my friend Chrissy asked me to be her Maid of Honor this week, which is why this topic is on my mind!)

Bethany, one of our fave bloggers from Rinse.Repeat, had the brilliant idea to create a DIY box popping the question to her long-distance BM's, who live seven states away from her in Wisconsin.

Her inspiration was to convey the true role of a bridesmaid: "It DOESN'T mean someone who plans a shower, a bachelorette party, buys me some ridiculous gift or tags along to every wedding-related appointment for the next year. Truly, I don't want any of those things!"

"Their role is to know that I love them, how much I've appreciated their presence in my life, and that I couldn't imagine the biggest day of my life without them next to me every step of the way. I'm honored to have their friendship and love," she writes.

"In short: wear a bangin' dress, wipe away my tears and have an amazing time," Bethany added.

We couldn't have put it better ourselves.

With almost seven months until the big day, Michael and I are so happy to see our massive to-do list slowly shrinking. The save-the-dates have been sent and now we are on the hunt for our own version of Cinderella’s horse-drawn carriage.

I personally love when brides stray from the ordinary. A 1950s Rolls Royce is beautiful, but a very safe choice. Opt for a great vintage convertible or try a charming pickup truck for your "something blue" instead.

Feeling daring? Why not make your getaway on a colorful Vespa or matching "his" and "her" bicycles?

And don’t forget your most cost-effective option—your own two legs! If your ceremony site and venue are in close proximity, start a parade leading your guests from point A to point B. Use props and festive music to amp up your friends and family while in transit!

Crista asks: What are you and your hubby-to-be driving off in after you say "I Do?"

Photo Credit: Longs Photography

Photo Credit: Shannon Kelley

Could you imagine planning your perfect proposal for six years?

The groom, a pilot, often took his girlfriend with him as he traveled the world. A year into their relationship, they started documenting their trips by snapping a photo together in each location holding a single letter. Those letters would eventually spell out, "We always knew."

"We wanted to prove that if one day we got married... that ''we always knew''. What my girlfriend didn't know is that for our final letter (which we had done in our home town), I had something bigger planned," wrote the groom.

As the couple posed for their final letter, "W," two friends quickly snuck behind the couple with a banner reading, "Will you marry me?"

When the groom took back his camera from the bystander, he showed the photo to his shocked girlfriend—she burst into happy tears as he got down on one knee!

Check out this AMAZING video of their journey and proposal:

With the unveiling of Bella Swan's long-sleeved wedding gown and Kate Middleton's McQueen wonder earlier this year, sleeves are trending big for weddings. Designers showed many sensual options for this "call to arms," from sheer and lacy to delicately beaded. If you only want sleeves for the service, consider a sheer sparkly capelet, like the Alvina Valenta above (you can easily take it off revealing a strapless.)

Tell us: Which sleeved option is your favorite?

—Naima DiFranco

Photo Credit: Scarlett & Stephen

You know what they say: “A wedding is about the couple, but mostly about the bride.” Well, I do and don’t agree with that. The bride gets the pretty dress, does most of the planning (usually) and likely cares a heck of a lot more than the groom about the little details, but a wedding is still a union. No groom? No union. In my opinion, it’s important that our wedding reflects us as a couple and gives my handsome husband some of the spotlight as well!

Here are some ideas on how to do it:

1. Let him stand out. Unless you're asking guests to wear white, spotting the bride in a crowd should be easy. But what about the groom? I love the idea of having the groom wear a different color tux or tie than his groomsmen (pictured above). When Corey and I were looking online at tuxes the other night, I asked, “Are you going to pick out your tux without me, since you’re not seeing my dress ahead of time?” He said, “No, I just figured you would go with me.” And I gladly will be there (I don't want top hats!), but I will let him pick out his attire (minus said top hat).

A few weeks ago, I was in Morocco (look for my fantastic story in an upcoming issue!). It is a fascinating country that is on the serious uptick when it comes to welcoming romance travelers. There is a big push on development, which includes wide, bump-free roads, loads of new hotels opening (Four Seasons, Marrakech—love!—and the Sofitel Essaouria Mogador Golf & Spa) and buckets of leisure activities starting to emerge—I went surfing! And golf courses are gaining ground.

Photo courtesy of Fours Seasons Marrakech 

Of course, what makes the destination so seductive to travelers are the traditional aspects that stand proudly over the country. There is the awesome (and I mean truly awe-inspiring) Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the active fishing village in the Old City of Essaouria, and the world famous (and infamous) souk of Marrakech. An endless maze of rug sellers, fabric peddlers, and spice vendors, the old-school Moroccan-style mall is a must-see, -do and -experience for every visitor to the Red City. As is the Moroccan (Thai, Indian, parts of Mexico, and Zimbabwean) way, fixed prices are rare and bargaining is expected.

Each week, we feature wedding music recommendations from Scratch Weddings, the nation's leader with the best wedding DJs at affordable prices. This week's post comes from DJ Dan Chaves, who has been rocking dance floors across the US for well over a decade. .Dan's expert mixing skills keep the energy high, and his considerable music knowledge helps the couple to throw a party that reflects their personal taste. "I love the moment when I play that one song which gets everyone on the dance floor, young and old, and creates that special memory for the bride and groom."

Photo Credit: Muriel Silva Photography

When music is a very important part of your life, it’s especially key to find the right song to complement your first dance as a newlywed couple.