The Real Reason Michael Phelps & Nicole Johnson Had a Secret Wedding

Photography by: Getty Images

Last month, Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson said "I do" surrounded by friends and family in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. But shortly before their big day, TMZ revealed that the couple had actually been married for months, since before the 2016 Olympics in Rio—and now we know why! It turns out, it all came down to making the trip easier for Johnson and the son they share, six-month-old Boomer Phelps.

How Michael Phelps's Mom Always Knew Fiancée Nicole Johnson Was "The One"

"We wanted to try to make it as smooth as we could for them to travel," the 28-time Olympic medalist told USA Today on Monday night. The solution? Hold a secret wedding on June 13 in Paradise Valley, Arizona, then have a second, more formal wedding in the fall.

"It was small," Phelps said of the initial nuptials, which longtime friend and agent Peter Carlisle officiated. "It was our closest friends and family there. It was perfect."

But Phelps and Johnson didn't confirm their marriage until just before their second wedding—even dismissing rumors of already being married when Johnson wore a wedding band in Rio.


Celebrities Who Got Married at Home Like It was NBD

Phelps himself confirmed reports of their marriage in an October Facebook Live. "I've been married for a while, a couple of months," he said. "I had to keep it a secret from y'all, I had to keep it hush-hush from you guys. But Nicole and I are married, we're officially married." When fans commented asking why he decided to keep it from the public, Phelps replied, "just because." Well, now we know for sure! It was because of baby Boomer.

Speaking of babies, could Boomer be a big brother soon? In the same Facebook Live, Phelps alluded to just that: "Baby number two may be coming soon," Phelps said. "Who knows, though?"

Looks like this couple will continue to keep us on our toes.

Married at First Sight’s Season 4 Participants Share What They’ve Learned About Marriage: Exclusive

Married at First Sight's Tom and Lillian, Sonia and Nick, and Derek all discuss what they've learned about marriage following the season 4 finale. (Photos / Gio Morales for FYI)

By: Kelly Spears 10/31/2016 at 10:00 PM

So many lessons learned. The six-week Married at First Sight process proved to be an intense experience for the season 4 participants; One duo called it quits early, while the remaining two couples announced on the October 25 season finale that they will continue their marriages.
Now that the experiment is complete, The Knot rounds up what the Miami-based participants previously shared with us about marriage — at first sight.
Derek Schwartz was devastated when his wife, Heather Seidel, decided to end their marriage after only a week into the experiment. Derek was determined to fix the couple’s issues, but Heather believed their problems were insurmountable.
“I never thought marriage was going to be easy, but now I see why people are willing to work so hard for it,” he told The Knot after Heather made her choice. “I think that a great deal of problems in relationships come from misunderstandings, big and small. If a couple [could] avoid that by having the ability to communicate in a fair and positive way, I think they would be on the path to success.”

Married at First Sight’s Derek opens up about his mentality on Heather’s decision day. (Photo courtesy of FYI)

Tom Wilson and Lillian Vilchez were smitten from the moment they saw each other on their wedding day, but differences in their lifestyles and communication caused friction between the pair.
“I need to be more careful about how I convey my feelings… I don’t have a very good filter,” Tom admitted to The Knot early in the experiment.
Despite their issues, Tom and Lillian were willing to do whatever it took to make their marriage work. “I learned that you give 100% in marriage and the same goes for you partner,” Lillian noted. “Both parties have to be 100% committed to making it work. I realized the importance of communication and listening.”

Married at First Sight season 4 participants Tom and Lillian

Many viewers were surprised when Sonia Granados chose to continue her marriage to Nick Pendergrast beyond decision day. Communication was also an issue for this duo throughout the six-week process. After one particularly heated argument, Sonia chose to move out of the couple’s home. But with help from Married at First Sight’s relationship experts, Sonia was able to forgive Nick, and throughout the emotional process, both parties learned valuable lessons about sustaining a marriage.
“This process has taught me so much about myself, how to treat people, and how to sit back and think about how your thoughts and actions might affect others before you act upon them,” Nick told The Knot after his blow-up. “Sometimes talking about certain things after a couple glasses of wine at dinner isn’t the best idea, but I think learning how to respond and not react was another big take-away for me.”
Nick urges couples to designate time for open and honest discussions. “Have moments where you allow your partner to tell you exactly what they want to say without any interruptions or reactions. Just let them vent in one full train of thought, then the other has the opportunity to do the same,” he told us previously.

Nick and Sonia also learned to communicate more effectively after reading Gary Chapman’s book, The 5 Love Languages. “It’s hard to connect with someone when you’re speaking different languages,” Sonia shared with The Knot ahead of the finale. “Thankfully we realized this early on so we could learn each other’s language.”
While it was important for Nick and Sonia to work through their problems together, Nick explained that having an outlet is also vital. “Find something you can do personally to relieve stress or anxiety,” he encouraged. “For me, it was golf. It could be yoga, tennis, working out, bike riding etc. Just something… I think having personal time is important!”
Nick told The Knot that learning to be selfless was his biggest takeaway. “I’m sure if I were more self-aware in the moment and put myself in her shoes, that outburst wouldn’t have been so extreme or maybe not even have happened at all,” he noted.
Sonia has learned that it’s important to make big decisions as a couple. Going into decision day, she and Nick discussed their options privately before choosing to stay together. “Nick and I didn’t want to regret our decision,” she explained. “At the end of the day, our decision was made by Nick and me and no one else. We respected each other enough to be a united front at the end of the experiment.”

Khloe Kardashian Is Wearing a Ring Clearly From Tristan Thompson on That Finger

Photo: Getty Images

Well, it seems that there's no denying that Khloe Kardashian's new bling is from her NBA star sweetheart, Tristan Thompson! We first became suspicious that the youngest Kardashian sister is planning to tie the knot with Thompson when she first stepped out with a glittering diamond ring on that oh-so-special finger. Cue our excited screams about another over-the-top televised wedding spectacular! (Oh please, don't act like you're above it...) And today, the reality star offered up an up-close and personal look at her blinged-out left hand — and it's obvious that the latest addition to her collection of ice is courtesy of Thompson!

In case you haven't been Keeping Up with the Kardashians lately, "Khloe and Tristan have been seeing each other for a little bit," a source previously shared with People. "He's a really nice, good guy and she seems very happy with him." Between Snapchat smooches and PDA around Tinsel Town, the two have been showing off their love and we've been loving every second of it. But now, Kardashian is showing off something else that's got us talking...

Is this the engagement ring — or rings — selfie that we've been waiting for? (Really, you didn't expect a Kardashian to only have — gasp! — one engagement ring, did you?!) The KUWTK star was first spotted with a suspicious stack of diamond eternity bands on her left ring finger late last month. But now she's added another piece of bling to the mix that says her heart definitely belongs to Thompson. In a recent social media snapshot Kardashian shared, that trio of dazzling diamond rings are seen shining bright — but with a Cleveland Cavaliers band right alongside 'em. That's right, Kardashian is wearing a ring that shows support for her beau's NBA team in her latest Instagram share. And even better? She's resting her hand atop of Thompson's, who is also sporting matching Cavaliers bling.



Before we get too excited, a source shared with E! News that Thompson has yet to pop the question, so sadly, it seems that those glittering diamonds are not of the "I do" kind... But we have a feeling that Kardashian's Cavaliers ring won't be the only bling she'll be receiving from the basketball pro! "There is a lot of chemistry between the two of them and they are happy together," another insider shared with the gossip site. "She's even gotten close with a few of his friends and they all hang out sometimes. Khloe hasn't had this much fun with someone in a while."

That certainly sounds promising, no? Consider us still on engagement ring lookout...

14 Wedding Moments From 'Sex and the City,' Ranked Worst to Best

Full disclosure: I watched way too much Sex and the City in college. Like, to the point where my friends and I didn't have cable and permanently kept a few SATC discs in the DVD player on rotation instead, so we could flip it on and casually watch Carrie and Co. conquer New York City anytime we wanted. Now, 12 years after the series ended, Sarah Jessica Parker recently told the Press Association that reprising the series or making another movie is a possibility (!). And let's be real: I don't care how bad the second movie was—in the words of Big, I'll abso-f***ing-lutely watch whatever the fabulous foursome is up to these days.

So now that this hopeful news is out there, what's a wedding editor to do with all her encyclopaedic knowledge of Cosmos and Manolos? Write a wedding story about the show, of course—specifically, all of the wedding, engagement or bridal moments, ranked from worst to best (in my humble opinion).

14. Charlotte's proposal to Trey

Somehow, Charlotte accidentally proposed to Trey after she suggested he have a tomato salad at dinner, and then casually suggested they also get married—to which he responded, "Alrighty." Carrie says, "Alrighty? He said alrighty? Now I'm thinking the upsetting thing isn't that you proposed, it's that you proposed to a guy that says 'alrighty.'" True, "Alrighty" definitely isn't the best response—and that, coupled with Bunny, Trey's intrusive mother, and uh, his bedroom issues, paved the way for a rocky relationship.

13. Big and Natasha's marriage announcement

There's nothing like brunching with your girlfriends only to have your eggs Benedict ruined by your ex's perfectly hateful marriage announcement, complete with an intimate Southampton ceremony at Nastasha's family's estate. "She's just...you know, shiny hair, style section...Vera Wang," Carrie says. "And I'm the sex column they run next to ads for penile implants." At one point or another, haven't we all felt that way?

12. Aidan's proposal to Carrie

Ohhh, Aidan. I have such a soft spot for him. He loved his tools, his dog, his questionable upstate cabin and Carrie (though not necessarily in that order), and when he proposed, it was such a sweet moment that I think we all knew would never come to fruition. Especially, you know, after Carrie threw up when she caught a glimpse of the first ring he chose and broke out in hives while trying on wedding dresses. Good times!

11. Steve's proposal to Miranda

While we're on the topic of ill-fated proposals, how about Steve's first shot at marriage with Miranda? After she tells him she's pregnant with their child, he dutifully proposes to her with the first ring that Aidan got for Carrie, and her response is true Miranda real talk that still makes me LOL (at 1:25).

10. Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte's 'Witches of Eastwick' moment

Can we all just take a moment to look at this gif? Who wouldn't want to sit with these incredible wedding guests (who look like they're going to a sexy funeral)? When the gals attend a wedding early in the series, Carrie sums up their guest situation: "It was your average $100,000 wedding. Investment bankers and the women who hate them, classmates from Steiner, Dalton and Brown—and us. We looked like The Witches of Eastwick. A wedding this size always has two singles' tables. We were at the other one."

9. Charlotte trying on wedding dresses at Vera Wang

When Charlotte is attempting to find her dream wedding dress, she realizes she needs expert help and hires stylist Anthony Marantino, who's hard not to adore. "You want pasta, you go to Little ltaly. You want wedding, you go Wang," he says. It's almost like he knows her taste better than she knows herself.

8. Carrie's poem reading at Madeline Dunn's wedding

So okay, Miranda's crush/houseguest marries her interior designer at the Plaza, then much to her chagrin, Charlotte's new love interest/groomsman goes off on her at the wedding, and Big won't even sign his name with Carrie's on the gift, plus he steps out during her poem reading at the reception too. Not a perfect situation—but Carrie's reading is kind of cute and always memorable:
"His hello was the end of her endings
Her laugh was their first step down the aisle
His hand would be hers to hold forever
His forever was as simple as her smile
He said she was what was missing
She said instantly she knew
She was a question to be answered
And his answer was 'I do.'"

7. Charlotte and Trey's wedding

Even though their marriage was ill-fated from the start (and Carrie broke up with Aidan during it), Charlotte and Trey had picture-perfect nuptials, with Charlotte wearing a lovely strapless Vera Wang ball gown. Carrie mused, "Charlotte was 34, single and standing in a $14,000 dress. She was getting married. Not even a low libido could stop her."

6. Miranda's proposal to Steve

Sometimes when you're drinking cheap beer with the love of your life, the words, "Will you marry me?" can just roll right off your tongue. Case in point: Miranda sweetly—and unexpectedly—proposing to Steve at Pete's Tavern.

5. Harry's proposal to Charlotte

Single's night at the synagogue was never the same after the ever-beloved Harry gave Charlotte a second chance and popped the question after he realized she was the one. Her teary reaction gets me every. Single. Time.

4. Stanford and Anthony's wedding

What do you have when you get swans, a chorus singing show tunes and Liza Minelli? Stanford and Anthony's long-awaited wedding in Sex and the City 2, of course.

3. Charlotte and Harry's wedding

Basically, everything that could go wrong at Charlotte and Harry's nuptials did. Harry's face has a questionably-placed smudge in their marriage announcement photo, he spills red wine on her Badgley Mischka wedding dress at the altar, he can't break the ceremonial glass, Samantha's bracelet breaks during the ceremony with jewels flying everywhere, Carrie has a fling with the best man that ends in the drunken wedding toast of your worst nightmares and so on. Carrie has to remind Charlotte, "You already had the perfect wedding, and the marriage—not so perfect. I think this is a good sign. I think the worse the wedding, the better the marriage."


Oh, and this also happened.

2. Miranda and Steve's wedding

Okay, Miranda and Steve's wedding seriously gives me all the feels. Not only did they do what felt right for them as a couple—have a small ceremony in a random garden wearing nontraditional wedding attire—but when Samantha tells Miranda she has breast cancer on her wedding day, I still need a tissue or two.

1. Carrie and Big's wedding

After much, much (did I say much?) wedding drama, Carrie and Big realize that all that will make them happy is Carrie wearing her label-less white suit and blue Manolos to city hall, and brunching at Juniors after the ceremony with all of their friends. Who says planning a wedding has to be hard?

Wedding Ideas + Etiquette

Couple Gets ‘Big’ Surprise When Tom Hanks Crashes Their Wedding Photos

Life is like a box of chocolates: You never know when Tom Hanks is going to jog into your wedding photos.

Photographer Meg Miller had what can only be described as the ultimate New York City celebrity moment over the weekend when Hanks approached the bride and groom she was photographing in Central Park.

Miller said joggers in the park were mostly staying far away from the shoot, but at one point she put her camera down to let “this guy” pass when he came too close to the couple.

Except the guy didn’t pass. Instead, he approached the newlyweds, Elisabeth and Ryan, “took off his hat, just leaned right into the group and said ‘Hi, I’m Tom Hanks,’” she said.

Meg Miller Photography

According to Miller, he then proceeded to shake hands, kissed the bride’s hand and wished the pair congratulations ― even offering up a few wedding services of his own.

“He asked if they needed a wedding officiant, because he is an ordained minister,” she said with a laugh.

After taking a selfie with the couple, which he posted on his own Instagram, Hanks just “sort of took off running,” Miller said. “Had he just run past us we would have never known it was him.”

Miller told The Huffington Post the experience was pretty much a first for her. While she’s had minor celebrity encounters at other nuptials she’s worked, they were “no Tom Hanks-level celebrity.”

Thanks to a video taken by the couple’s videographer, First Day Films, the unforgettable moment has been immortalized on film, too. Just try not to smile over the bride’s reaction faces.

Nothing like a “Big” surprise on your wedding day, eh? Head to Miller’s site and Instagram to see more of her work. And congrats from us, too, Elisabeth and Ryan! 

Beyoncé Wore a Wedding Dress to the Grammys Like It's NBD

 

 

Photography by: Kevork Djansezian-Getty Images for NARAS

We knew that Beyoncé would slay in whatever she wore to the Grammys, and not surprisingly, all eyes were on her when she stepped out to announce the Record of the Year winner. The singer commanded everyone's attention in a sheer white Inbal Dror gown with thigh-high slits that's actually a wedding dress! We fell in love with the dramatic creation from Inbal Dror's Fall 2016 bridal collection when it first hit the runway in October. The Israeli designer described the line to us as "bold, regal, and sultry"—three words that also happen to sum up Queen Bey.

 

 

Photography by: FirstView

Thousands of beads and crystals (from delicate pearls to metallic caviar beads) adorned Dror's Fall 2016 wedding dresses. To create dimension, she layered unlikely fabrics. "By delicately draping semi-sheer silk organza over beautiful hand beading, it softens the look," Dror told us of the collection. "You will also see use of metallics and rich gun metals which catch the light beautifully." 

So that's how the "Formation" superstar managed to shine even brighter than usual under the Grammy stage lights. Although Dror did not listen to Beyoncé's music or any music while creating the collection ("except the one in my heart"), she did look to New York City—Bey's hubby Jay Z's hometown—for inspiration. "I was inspired by the bright lights, the modern architecture, and the incredible spirit that is New York."

Bright, modern, spirited? Sounds like Beyoncé to us!

Get a Sneak Peek at Our Brand New Wedding Book!

Photography by: Bryan Gardner

We're thrilled to announce that our brand new wedding book, Martha Stewart Weddings Ideas & Inspirations, has arrived and with it, more than 250 pages of planning advice, fresh ideas, and need-to-know info on working with vendors, finding inspiration, and keeping your guests happy and comfortable. The 12 chapters cover the planning process chronologically, from announcing your engagement (woo-hoo!) and finding a venue to picking a palette, designing your big-day look, and deciding on stationery and flowers. You'll also get ideas for putting together a personal—and meaningful—ceremony, a fun and fabulous reception, and a delectable dinner menu and desserts. Consider it your ultimate guide to planning a wedding!

Preorder your copy of Martha Stewart Weddings Ideas & Inspirations and receive an autographed copy from Martha, or grab it when it hits shelves on December 1 ($60, Clarkson Potter). Know someone else who's engaged? It makes an awesome wedding gift! In the meantime, here's an exclusive look at what you'll find inside its pages:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter One
YOU'RE ENGAGED!
First things first: Share your news, set a budget, and draft a guest list.

Chapter Two
DREAM UP YOUR THEME
Select a place that speaks to you, then start personalizing your party.

Chapter Three
JUST ADD COLOR
Five strategies for picking a palette and fun ways to carry it through your day.

Chapter Four
STYLE YOUR LOOK
How to find the gown of your dreams, look gorgeous, and dress your attendants.

Chapter Five
SELECT YOUR STATIONERY
Everything you need to know about invites and extras from escort cards to thank-you notes.

Chapter Six
FIND YOUR FLOWERS
Blooms for all seasons, styles, and budgets, plus hiring the right florist for you.

Chapter Seven
START TO CELEBRATE
Registry tips and ideas for engagement and bachelor/ette parties, showers, and rehearsal dinners.

Chapter Eight
WELCOME YOUR GUESTS
Help invitees plan, and get them to the right places—and in the best moods—all weekend.

Chapter Nine
MASTER YOUR CEREMONY
Vows, music, rituals: all that adds meaning to this momentous occasion.

Chapter Ten
DESIGN YOUR RECEPTION
Give guests the time of their lives with great food, amazing music, and a well-planned event.

Chapter Eleven
CREATE YOUR CAKE
Filling, frosting, and finery to serve a sweet sensation, and dazzling dessert-bar ideas.

Chapter Twelve
PLAN YOUR SEND-OFF
Festive farewell moments: Toss confetti, give fab favors, and make a grand getaway.

Photo: Courtesy of Sofia Vergara via Instagram 
 

Talk about major aisle envy! Sofia Vergara is officially a married woman after saying, "I Do" to beau, Joe Manganiello, E! News reports. The gorgeous duo, gave us major FOMO this weekend, by documenting their wedding extravaganza through breathtaking Instagram photos of their star-studded events at The Breakers Resort in Palm Beach, Florida.

After kicking off the festivities with private bungalows by the pool, and elegant dinners with a personalized touch, like the couples custom napkins that read, "he had me at hola," Vergara, and her hunky fiancé, made it official on Sunday in front of 400 guests.

The Modern Family star posted a photo of her "custom-made, fairy-tale frock" by designer Zuhair Murad, showing a close-up view of the detailed white gown, embellished with ornate embroidery and a matching, cascading train.

Vergara also commented on her big-day beauty look by saying, "Personally, I know that I don't like the natural look that some brides do. I'm 43, I don't really need to look like a virgin getting married," People reports.

One of our favorite pics of the Palm Beach nuptials (after all, we love a good flower shot) was a photo posted by Vergara, showing off the abundance of Jeff Leatham flowers that graced the venue of the ceremony site.

The photo shows a beaming Manganiello in the view of Vergara as she is being escorted down the aisle. The Magic Mike actor, who looked flawless in a John Varvatos tuxedo, sealed the deal with wedding bands designed by celebrated jewelry designer, Lorraine Schwartz.

The recent newlyweds also published a post-"I Do" snapshot displaying their elated smiles while looking adoringly at one another. Could these two be any more adorable?

Some of the couple's high-profile celebrity attendees included Modern Family co-stars, Julie Bowen, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Sarah Hyland, Ariel Winter, and Eric Stonestreet, while Channing Tatum and Reese Witherspoon rounded out the rest of the A-listers. Guests were graciously asked to make donations in honor of St. Jude's Children's Hospital in lieu of wedding gifts.

When it came to talking about honeymoon plans, Vergara made it clear during a game of "Say It Ain't Sofia" on Good Morning America that her "honeymoon" is "the thing that I'm not going to be able to have much of after my wedding...because I'm gonna have to go back to work."

Vergara also told Redbook magazine that when it came to the subject of kids, "Joe is younger than me. He's 38. He's never had kids. How am I going to say no?"

We can't wait to see what the future brings for this gorgeous twosome!


http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2015/11/sofia-vergara-joe-manganiello-wedding-weekend-pictures.html?mbid=social_facebook

6 Steal-Worthy Details from Celebrity Weddings

There is something magical about celebrity weddings that seems to capture the country's attention. Maybe it's all the famous guests, the incredible fashion or the over-the-top receptions, but they are exceptionally popular or they wouldn't continually grace the covers of our favorite celebrity gossip magazines. If you have ever felt like you wanted your wedding to feel like one of these celebrity weddings, consider adding any of these steal-worthy details into your own to add a little celebrity sparkle.

Lauren Conrad & William Tell: Loveseat for the Newlyweds 
 
If there is one photo that pops up on almost all of my client's Pinterest boards, it's Lauren Conrad and William Tell sitting on a fabric tufted loveseat at their wedding reception. There is something about it that just looks cozier and more romantic than chiavari chairs or any other individual seating options. As rental companies have loveseats in styles ranging from modern to vintage, you can find one that will perfectly match your wedding reception décor and channel your inner LC.

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Messina and Us Weekly
Neil Patrick Harris & David Burtka: Fireworks
 
Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka's wedding in the Italian countryside near the city of Perugia was intimate and spectacular by all accounts. The couple had arranged for fireworks to explode over the dance floor at the peak of Kelly Clarkson's A Moment Like This during their first dance. If the idea of fireworks excites you too, talk to your planner or local fireworks company to see what options are available in your budget from a full fireworks display to having your getaway car drive through a tunnel of remote controlled sparklers.

Photo courtesy of Danielle Levitt
Piper Perabo & Stephen Kay: New Orleans Second Line Brass Band
 
Piper Perabo and Stephen Kay's NYC wedding proved that you don't need to be in New Orleans to incorporate a New Orleans-style second line brass band into your wedding. The Second Line includes wedding guests walking and twirling parasols or handkerchiefs in the air along with a jazz-playing brass band. If you met your fiancé on Bourbon Street or in class at Tulane or if you got engaged at Mardi Gras, then adding a Second Line as guests walk from your ceremony to reception (as long as it is only a few blocks away) is a fun and memorable idea that your guests will love. Most local entertainment companies can get you a quote on a brass band and it's pretty affordable since they will be performing for less than an hour.

Photo courtesy of Dave Robbins Photography
Olivia Palermo & Johannes Huebl: Non-Traditional Wedding Dress
 
Olivia Palermo, who is often considered the best dressed New Yorker, stayed true to form by wearing a non-traditional wedding day look designed by specifically for her by Carolina Herrera. Palermo wore a simple cream cashmere sweater and chic white shorts with a full tulle skirt overlay. While you might not have Carolina Herrera's number on speed dial, you can still create a look that is totally you. It is no longer a requirement to wear white, ivory or any other version of cream favored by traditional brides for decades. Champagne, blush and even black, red or blue are making more and more appearances at Bridal Fashion Week.

Photo courtesy of Johannes Huebl and Olivia Palermo
Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent: Let Your Venue Shine
 
Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent were married at the gorgeous New York City Public Library - yes, the same place Carrie was supposed to marry Big in the Sex and the City movie. The venue is so incredibly spectacular that Berkus and Brent opted for beautiful but understated décor elements to really let their venue shine. The lesson here is to select a venue that complements the aesthetic of the wedding you are planning instead of having to hide the walls behind pipe and drape. When you select a stunning venue that fits your style, you might save a few dollars in the long run by spending less on flowers and décor.

Photo courtesy of Genevieve de Manio and People Magazine
Molly Sims: Mis-matched Bridesmaid Dresses
 
If the Lauren Conrad loveseat if the most pinned wedding image by my clients, the Molly Sims mis-matched bridesmaid dresses is second! Sims decided that she didn't want her bridesmaids to look like traditional bridesmaids and opted for custom designed dresses to flatter each of her friends. The good news is you don't need to have your bridesmaids dresses custom made to achieve a similar look. Work with your local bridal or bridesmaids salon to select dresses that look great together and complement your girls. Stores like J. Crew also have options available that you can order online and try on at home.

Photo courtesy of Gia Canali

EXCLUSIVE: Ayesha Curry on 11 Things Every Bride Should Know

Photo: Ayesha Curry via Instagram
 
It's safe to say Ayesha Curry has her hands full: Not only is she married to basketball superstar Stephen "Steph" Curry, point guard for the 2015 NBA Champions' the Golden State Warriors, and mom to Riley Curry (the cutest superstar in the making — seriously, have you seen her NBA postgame press conferences?!), but she is also nine months pregnant! And with her booming lifestyle and food blog, Little Lights of Mine, Ayesha is way more than just a basketball wife.
Now married for nearly four years, Ayesha and Steph met at their church youth group when she was 14 and he was 15, yet they didn't start dating until college. After Steph proposed to Ayesha in his parents' driveway (the exact place where the two shared their first kiss!), the two tied the knot on July 30, 2011 at their church in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Since she's "been there done that" when it comes to wedding planning and the first year of marriage, we asked Ayesha to share some of her top tips for brides-to-be. Take notes, ladies!

1. When planning your wedding, do what makes you happy.
"Don't let others determine what should happen on your big day. Ultimately, it's your day to dream and have everything you want," Ayesha tells us.

2. Ask your groom to help out!
Oftentimes, the bride takes the lead on wedding planning, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't put your groom to work. According to Ayesha, Steph was extremely involved in the wedding-planning process — from helping out with the color schemes, to picking the DJ and the food.

3. Don't forget about your bridesmaids.
"I wore a magical Amsale gown — the goal is try on my dress for our five-year wedding anniversary and see if it still fits!" But Ayesha wanted to make sure a few other people looked just as great on her special day, too: "Finding the right bridesmaid dresses was really important to me, too. I wanted to make sure everyone felt their best!" (See her dress and bridesmaids' looks below!)

Photo: Kristin Vining Photography
 

4. Soak it all in.
Your wedding day may be the most hectic day of your life, but be sure to stop and enjoy the moment. For Ayesha, the most memorable part of her day was the look on Steph's face as she walked down the aisle. "I'll never forget his face," she says, "I felt so special and adored." The couple also made sure to take a moment for themselves. "I'll never forget sharing a piece of cake with my husband in our room after our reception," Ayesha remembers. "It was so much fun to enjoy it quietly and reflect on the evening."

5. Consider your guests when choosing (most of) your menu.
"When is comes to food, think about having three options for your guests — a meat, fish, chicken and vegetarian option," Ayesha advises. The one place where you should be selfish? The last course! "I love dessert. So make sure you pick the flavor of cake you and your groom like," Ayesha says.

6. Marriage will change your life.
Don't be alarmed; it's a change for the better! "Marriage has given me a little family of my own. We hold each other accountable, love each other and always are there for each other," she says. "I feel more balanced now because I know what it's like to care for others. Marriage has given me the gift of compassion."


7. Communication is key.
For brides entering their first year of marriage, Ayesha recommends that you keep all lines of communication open with your spouse. "Don't be passive. It's so important to talk everything out, in order to create an environment and home that's peaceful and open. Also, never forget to say I love you!"

8. Motherhood is not what you expect.
If you're planning on starting a family soon after taking the plunge, listen to this: "Motherhood is far better than I expected. I love it with all of my heart," she says. "I feel like I'm getting to live life again vicariously through my daughter Riley. It gives me a more positive outlook. She's so bright and vibrant. I can never have a bad day as a mom."

Photo: Ayesha Curry via Instagram
 

9. Balance is vital once you tie the knot.
"Luckily, my daughter is in school a couple of days a week. Those are my work days!" Ayesha says of balancing work and her personal life, adding, "iPhones and tablets also make it far easier to get my work done!" And Steph is key in making it all work, too. "My husband is extremely supportive of my career. I feel so blessed to have him. So, if I need a helping hand at home to get something done (like this interview!) he is always there for me."

10. Dinner parties should never stress you out.
Organizing your first newlywed dinner party can be a little nerve wracking, but here's how to impress your guests according to Ayesha: "Lamb chops are quick and easy, but look super impressive! Serve them with roasted asparagus and potatoes." And for dessert? "You can never go wrong with a fruit crumble and vanilla ice cream. In the Curry household, we like to end the night with an espresso, too."

11. You'll still feel that spark — even after the honeymoon phase ends.
"I don't know how to explain it, but the love I have for Stephen grows everyday," Ayesha admits. "There's never been a day that I haven't felt the way I did on our very first date. I still get butterflies."

For more with Ayesha, head over to her blog Little Lights of Mine!

Let's Dance! Listen to Our Playlist of the Best Celebrity First-Dance Songs Monday, February 2, 2015 by Terri Pous

Even if you can't have your favorite celebrity's wedding dress, venue, or any other crazy over-the-top detail they had (we're looking at you, Kimye and George and Amal Clooney), you can certainly have their first-dance song! Though superstar couples seem to be unattainably cool and glamorous, some have had downright traditional tunes play during their weddings. For your listening and inspiration pleasure, we curated a playlist of some of the best choices, from classic to downright unexpected.
But first, Kimye. Love them or hate them, they had a truly inspired idea for their moment in the dance floor spotlight: They made a mashup of Otis Redding's "These Arms of Mine" and "Tenderness" with Etta James' "At Last." As for George and Amal, they went with a good, old-fashioned standard — Cole Porter's "Why Shouldn't I?".


Lest you think Kimye were the only ones to take a spin as James' song played, you're mistaken. Known to be one of the most popular first-dance songs in existence, it was also played during Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman's wedding, as well as Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed's nuptials.
Some other, less common choices include Drew Barrymore and Will Kopelman's pick, Band of Horses' "No One's Gonna Love You," Kate Middleton and Prince William's pick of Ellie Goulding's cover of "Your Song," and Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan's idea to dance to Green Day's "Last Night on Earth." And in one of the most delightful selections of all, Paul McCartney and wife Nancy Shevell swayed to one of his non-Beatles songs, "My Valentine." How adorable!

We know you'll love imagining your favorite celebrities dancing to them. Enjoy!

Lauren Conrad and William Tell: "You're My Best Friend" by Once

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel: "A Song for You" by Donny Hathaway

Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth: "Make You Feel My Love" by Bob Dylan

Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo: "A Kiss to Build a Dream On" by Steve Tyrell

Kate Moss and Jamie Hince: "If There Is Something" by Roxy Music

President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama: "You and I" by Stevie Wonder

Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher: "Love Never Fails" by Brandon Heath

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi: "Ribbon in the Sky" by Stevie Wonder

David and Victoria Beckham: "It Had To Be You" by The Starlight Orchestra

Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Christina Hendricks and Geoffrey Arend: "Origin of Love" from Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Fergie and Josh Duhamel: "Sweethearts Together" by The Rolling Stones

Joel Madden and Nicole Richie: "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong

Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert: "No Doubt About It" by Neal McCoy

Groom Makes Wedding Vows To 3-Year-Old Stepdaughter In Emotional Video

On his wedding day last January, NASCAR driver Brian Scott recited vows to not one, but two of the important ladies in his life: his bride Whitney Kay and her then-3-year-old daughter Brielle.
The couple tied the knot on a snowy day in McCall, Idaho. At one point during the ceremony, Scott bent down so he could be eye-to-eye with Brielle and made a heartfelt promise to love and care for her, no matter what.

Credit: PenWeddings

"I promise to always hold your hand and skip with you down the street and bring comfort to your life," he said. "I vow to make you say your prayers before you eat. I promise to read you stories at night and to always tuck you in real tight. I vow to show you how a man should treat a woman in my relationship with your mother. And above all else, I vow to protect you, care for you and love you forever."

The emotional video -- shot by wedding videographer PenWeddings -- was posted to YouTube last year, but recently resurfaced and went viral with more than 350,000 views at the time of publication. HuffPost Weddings caught up with Scott on Wednesday and reminisced about that snowy day last year, which he called "emotional and surreal."

"I always felt like my vows to my wife Whitney would maybe affect me more and I would get more choked up during those, making those promises to her," he told The Huffington Post. "But I misread that one. It was really when I was reading my vows to Brielle that I got the most choked up. It really all just hits home in that moment -- you're there and dressed up and all the people around. You're living in the moment. It affects you more than when you write it or plan for it or practice it. You get engulfed by it."


Credit: PenWeddings

The Scotts, who live in Charlotte, North Carolina, first met through mutual friends in 2011. In November 2014, they welcomed a baby boy named Joseph. So far, Scott says he's really enjoying fatherhood.

"Just being there for [the kids] and enjoying family moments together and playing with them and hearing them laugh and seeing them smile -- all of those things are so much better than any of the negative aspects people like to bring up about having kids. It’s not baggage -- it’s great addition [to my life]."

Unforgettable Celebrity Weddings Of 2014

Ah, 2014. The year of the celebrity wedding.

Not only did Hollywood's most eligible bachelor, George Clooney, tie the knot, possibly the most famous couple in the world, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, did too. And how could we forget about Kimye? (Now that was an extravagant affair.)

Here are all the celebrities who said "I do" this year:

• Kaley Cuoco & Ryan Sweeting
   
  Kaley Cuoco/Instagram
  The "Big Bang Theory" star tied the knot with her tennis pro beau on New Year's Eve 2013-2014.
• Leighton Meester & Adam Brody
   
  Getty
  The pair tied the knot in a super secret wedding in early 2014.
• Justin Bartha & Lia Smith
   
  Pacific Coast News
  The Hangover" star said "I do" to Smith on Jan. 4, 2014 in Oahu, Hawaii.
• Alexa Vega & Carlos Pena, Jr.
   
  WhoSay
  The "Spy Kids" star married Big Time Rush singer Pena Jr. in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico on Jan. 4, 2014.
• Kimora Lee Simmons & Tim Leissner
   
  Getty
  The former model secretly married Leissner earlier this year, her ex-husband Russell Simmons revealed.
• Teresa Palmer & Mark Webber
   
  Teresa Palmer/Instagram
  Palmer legally married her fiance on Feb. 7, 2014 while pregnant with their son, Bodhi.
• Stacy Keibler & Jared Pobre
   
   Stacy Keibler/Instagram
  Keibler married Pobre on March 8, 2014 while pregnant with their first child, daughter Ava.
• Jamie Lynn Spears & Jamie Watson
   
  idobridalcouture/Instagram
  Britney Spears' little sister tied the knot with businessman Watson in New Orleans on March 14, 2014.
• Ginnifer Goodwin & Josh Dallas
   
  Splash News
  The co-stars tied the knot on April 12, 2014, while Goodwin was pregnant with their son Oliver.
• Jodie Foster & Alexandra Hedison
   
   Getty
  After dating for almost a year, Foster and photographer Hedison exchanged vows in April 2014.
• Brian Baumgartner & Celeste Ackelson
   
  FameFlynet
  "The Office" star married Ackleson on April 26, 2014. His former co-stars were there to cheer him on!
• Kim Kardashian & Kanye West
   
  Kim Kardashian/Instagram
  The pair tied the knot in an extravagant wedding in Florence on May 24, 2014.
• Casey Wilson & David Caspe
   
  Casey Wilson/Instagram
  The actress married the "Happy Endings" creator in Ojai, California on May 25, 2014.
• Emily Maynard & Tyler Johnson
   
  Emily Maynard/Instagram
  The former "Bachelorette" star married Johnson in a surprise ceremony on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at her new husband's parents' estate in South Carolina.
• Alexis Bledel & Vincent Kartheiser
   
  Getty
  The pair tied the knot very quietly in California in June 2014.
• Zachary Levi & Missy Peregrym
   
  Zachary Levi/Twitter
  The "Chuck" star married Peregrym in Maui, Hawaii on June 14, 2014.
• Katie Couric & John Molner
   
  Katie Couric/Instagram
  Couric tied the not on June 21, 2014 in a ceremony held at the couple's home in East Hampton, New York.
• Olivia Palermo & Johannes Huebl
   
  Courtesy of Olivia Palermo
  Palermo married Huebl on June 28, 2014 nuptials in Bedford, New York.
• Jessica Simpson & Eric Johnson
   
  People
  The longtime couple wed at the San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California on July 5, 2014.
• Naya Rivera & Ryan Dorsey
   
  Getty
  The "Glee" star married Dorsey during an intimate ceremony in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico on July 19, 2014.
• Adam Levine & Behati Prinsloo
   
  Getty
  Adam Levine married Behati Prinsloo in Mexico on July 19, 2014 in front of an intimate group of approximately 275 guests, which included Robert Downey Jr.
• Piper Perabo & Stephen Kay
   
  Getty
  The "Cover Affairs" star married Kay on July 26, 2014 in NYC.
• Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie
   
  Hello!
  The couple tied the knot in August 2014 after nearly a decade together.
• Gabrielle Union & Dwyane Wade
   
   Gabrielle Union/Instagram
  The longtime loves married on Aug. 30, 2014 in Miami, Florida.
• Ashlee Simpson & Evan Ross
   
  Getty
  The couple wed in Greenwich, Connecticut on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014, in front of friends and family.
• Jenny McCarthy & Donnie Wahlberg
   
  Jenny McCarthy/Instagram
  The lovebirds tied the knot in St. Charles, Ill., outside Chicago on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014.
• Neil Patrick Harris & David Burtka
   
   Getty
  The partners of 10 years said "I do" in Italy on Sept. 6, 2014.
• Fran Drescher & Shiva Ayyadurai
   
  Fran Drescher/Twitter
  The couple tied the knot on Sept. 6, 2014.
• Ashley Tisdale & Christopher French
   
  Ashley Tisdale/Instagram
  The former "High School Musical" star and her musician fiancé French wed on Sept. 8, 2014.
• George Clooney & Amal Alamuddin
   
  People
  The couple tied the knot at the historic Aman Canal Grande Venice in Italy on Sept. 27, 2014.
• Scarlett Johansson & Romain Dauriac
   
  Getty
  The pair secretly tied the knot on Oct. 1, 2014 in Philipsburg, Montana, shortly after the birth of their daughter Rose.