Five-Year Engagement

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj22S3L1gt2WpICDEje1R-lzm63aoDrYIGePvI00RbXJVTf2PBcsp03Pm9VGmFmg4fGfTdl2P_mfOArhHhfrr98dELUWy0oh2DX0PKDJuOziw2ihn2ivnH9XxQaGq94xZd7MC3smhmr_4/s1600/img8.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735703160008369522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj22S3L1gt2WpICDEje1R-lzm63aoDrYIGePvI00RbXJVTf2PBcsp03Pm9VGmFmg4fGfTdl2P_mfOArhHhfrr98dELUWy0oh2DX0PKDJuOziw2ihn2ivnH9XxQaGq94xZd7MC3smhmr_4/s400/img8.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 185px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaWh1smTMtMr6SoPxyyK0Q5aL-WqHVw4BdlzM0ggNIfAqbaYiaAuXF60x7itEETghFkuavPR-0qFsq-SL4Iq9VUC1-cNQykdAqPtTnA6WGqzbsp3qjhgdOXQd8oAvSTxr-eigx7W-NqU/s1600/img1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735703150241590994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaWh1smTMtMr6SoPxyyK0Q5aL-WqHVw4BdlzM0ggNIfAqbaYiaAuXF60x7itEETghFkuavPR-0qFsq-SL4Iq9VUC1-cNQykdAqPtTnA6WGqzbsp3qjhgdOXQd8oAvSTxr-eigx7W-NqU/s400/img1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 185px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8jN9zCaym5BwA_Fx7GL0PMi-VkpKOWL6599BwyRCpe8XGisXqszRLgcP0d0m2CICOKHpDaIbMrjUGMhAiwd4Zx6JWDu9rNaaHfrSTv50rCQWSqrMxSgp_4bX1ShfWpb3p6vAmu7CLnE/s1600/img10.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735703148711664850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8jN9zCaym5BwA_Fx7GL0PMi-VkpKOWL6599BwyRCpe8XGisXqszRLgcP0d0m2CICOKHpDaIbMrjUGMhAiwd4Zx6JWDu9rNaaHfrSTv50rCQWSqrMxSgp_4bX1ShfWpb3p6vAmu7CLnE/s400/img10.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 185px;" /></a>Have you guys seen the trailer for <a href="http://www.thefiveyearengagementmovie.com/">Five-Year Engagement</a>? The romantic comedy starring everyone's favorite funny man (<em>and <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2009/03/man-candy-monday_23.html">Man</a> <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2009/04/i-love-you-jason-segel.html">Candy</a> vet</em>) Jason Segel and Emily Blunt follows the couple's adventures and misadventures on their long walk down the aisle.<br /><div align="center"><iframe width="400" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xiDittXjJ9E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>And in a clever nod to modern engagements, there's even <a href="http://tomandviolet.com/blog/">a blog</a> written by the fictional couple, Tom and Violet, which includes their story, videos and a guest book. Genius! Plus, the film is produced by the same people who did <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1478338/">Bridesmaids</a>, so you know it will be laugh-out-loud funny! Will you be seeing it, friends? xoxo<br /><br />P.S. I'll be writing more about long engagements next week, but until then, a <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2012/04/central-park-engagement.html">Central Park engagement</a> and <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/10/zombie-engagement.html">Zombie engagement</a>. :)

Five-Year Engagement

Have you guys seen the trailer for Five-Year Engagement ? The romantic comedy starring everyone's favorite funny man ( and Man Candy v...

Read more »

Love Lounge: How old were you when you got married? Did you feel any pressure to tie the knot?

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8p2SFy2R1lanT0m-5SSPTCRCTgkykIgjIl5AtmQ7QHkm8rEfVD9BxQ6Gs9V-mDSYnvEufqR5LeSbne24OBm6gFv1PmwTtK9xGxCrPhVvcdqMI54zKvqj5xEAcwAW1cAl9Y73LvhGP1tI/s1600/marry2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735026557417471186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8p2SFy2R1lanT0m-5SSPTCRCTgkykIgjIl5AtmQ7QHkm8rEfVD9BxQ6Gs9V-mDSYnvEufqR5LeSbne24OBm6gFv1PmwTtK9xGxCrPhVvcdqMI54zKvqj5xEAcwAW1cAl9Y73LvhGP1tI/s400/marry2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" /></a>It's sort of an odd coincidence: Most everyone in my mom's family (<em>her mom, her sisters...</em>) got married when they were 22. And although I <em>haven't</em> given much thought to is the age I'd like to be when I tie that knot, I did find myself going though a bit of self-doubt when I turned 22.<br /><br />Then, when my best friend got married a few years ago, I found myself bringing out the old metaphorical yardstick yet again. It's not that I actually wanted to get married <em>right then</em>; I just wondered if I <em>should be</em>. With so many of my peers marrying in their mid- and late-20s, the whole subject of marriage was hard to ignore. <br /><br />"The peer pressure to marry doesn’t necessarily suggest a problem with marriage itself, but a lack of other cultural models," says <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/23/reasons-to-get-married_n_1447389.html?ref=weddings&ncid=edlinkusaolp00000008">psychologist Lyla Cicero</a>. "This results in a lot of people choosing marital and family structures by default rather than by intention -- a kind of compulsory monogamy."<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFzK8i5v6Sq3ggmvgbNo_dOgSjv5670w-dqjsWZQXryzaGZ1zXOm23JVzjgPN-O6BmQAy3Aw_V_uI8a1iUx54YK-z9kg83gXIh1E55CnwNAgRGmMiUhzrFrJ9Vd7BFsqkDWXEOcD_aSk/s1600/marry.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735026566722403106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFzK8i5v6Sq3ggmvgbNo_dOgSjv5670w-dqjsWZQXryzaGZ1zXOm23JVzjgPN-O6BmQAy3Aw_V_uI8a1iUx54YK-z9kg83gXIh1E55CnwNAgRGmMiUhzrFrJ9Vd7BFsqkDWXEOcD_aSk/s400/marry.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 227px;" /></a>And, as it turns out, the mid-20s is the perfect time to get married, at least according to <a href="http://www.cosmopolitan.com/celebrity/exclusive/marriage-age?hootPostID=ee8d539df8da463f0806b035a2b7c824">new research</a>. Having higher education, financial security and a firm sense of your goals and values in your mid-20s make for a perfect marriage recipe -- and lower the chances of going down the divorce path. <br /><br />But honestly? I don't want to get married until <em>I'm</em> ready, not when my peers or society think I should be ready. I think a lot of women -- and men -- feel this way too. Marriage, at the core, is such an individual thing. It can't be placed on some sort of arbitrary time table, full of neat little boxes of steps to check off. It's something you have to feel in your heart instead of calculate in your head. <br /><br /><strong>So, I'm curious, friends: Are you married? How old were you when you got married? Did you feel any of that peer pressure? Would you do things differently now if you had the chance? If you're not married, do you envision yourself being married by a certain age? xoxo</strong><br /><br />[Photos by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/superbomba/">superbomba</a> and <a href="http://www.rachelthurston.com/">Rachel Thurston</a>]

Love Lounge: How old were you when you got married? Did you feel any pressure to tie the knot?

It's sort of an odd coincidence: Most everyone in my mom's family ( her mom, her sisters... ) got married when they were 22. And alt...

Read more »

Central Park engagement

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13504000/13504001_74ca_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13504000/13504001_74ca_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 542px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXzGk3CZxgHaEMMxu_KK608yvP21KVDFIGWYoDo4R8Vl8-2B-fiN5cxH7zT6gLFeeQySaOBrPnHEtQdGSLZOzrlx-v7_FhmtkfXE5xSUWtzBhyvXfosiFskkgYmWIkGXsX9JhAL0DApk/s1600/03.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729538416746148466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXzGk3CZxgHaEMMxu_KK608yvP21KVDFIGWYoDo4R8Vl8-2B-fiN5cxH7zT6gLFeeQySaOBrPnHEtQdGSLZOzrlx-v7_FhmtkfXE5xSUWtzBhyvXfosiFskkgYmWIkGXsX9JhAL0DApk/s400/03.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXE1utOFDV8cEJ-XPyMwiEnl-wp1zhdHlp88OXMTE5Q2jeQq1n3BInByy7T2I3kYZAsi1UnVNxjamfQmBNGv_dhmf88bMUvn8NBateEvXvZmAsAkmUtc2Mysk_SlX-4QwZjwepDvA8p8/s1600/06.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729538413531662386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXE1utOFDV8cEJ-XPyMwiEnl-wp1zhdHlp88OXMTE5Q2jeQq1n3BInByy7T2I3kYZAsi1UnVNxjamfQmBNGv_dhmf88bMUvn8NBateEvXvZmAsAkmUtc2Mysk_SlX-4QwZjwepDvA8p8/s400/06.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUS4nju6hGPWiensbFKX6HHG7zWh2-UQZudfOKPjohEs90iQjVQ0paJppFyLXJ2CPdfQ_cmY4MZGoDX_nEmB0A5i5qATQ86z1PK8AY_ZKiODzgwOW_sGTREbm_Y-fhzdBJ1dZ_BPNYRg/s1600/07.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729538662469001330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUS4nju6hGPWiensbFKX6HHG7zWh2-UQZudfOKPjohEs90iQjVQ0paJppFyLXJ2CPdfQ_cmY4MZGoDX_nEmB0A5i5qATQ86z1PK8AY_ZKiODzgwOW_sGTREbm_Y-fhzdBJ1dZ_BPNYRg/s400/07.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 297px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1cch8usYdsOjwO4udHWl83m47a49TqQ9IoePDjy-a7oHaTCzmNjk8QI6Sfzx0-TiJxmRc6kacy9lYV9cznzIOCwLhy_R91-s-tuQVWEVpLs3ini10oS_sgkAwM_bSPtlgva2exYu6zg/s1600/02.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729538429313571538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1cch8usYdsOjwO4udHWl83m47a49TqQ9IoePDjy-a7oHaTCzmNjk8QI6Sfzx0-TiJxmRc6kacy9lYV9cznzIOCwLhy_R91-s-tuQVWEVpLs3ini10oS_sgkAwM_bSPtlgva2exYu6zg/s400/02.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 270px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4vUbZHcHHEHe9-7BA2CroDQIkxib01uLPTc2ItZcVm1w17S4JBe8RVknQ0z6MO3RQZZXcbHKsrsuBka1cwcIV7JB1IEJk-q2Qif-a8_9l-QRNk8MYKqPoQEBBp3-rFMyrIMEdjYHMVU/s1600/04.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729538418779810162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4vUbZHcHHEHe9-7BA2CroDQIkxib01uLPTc2ItZcVm1w17S4JBe8RVknQ0z6MO3RQZZXcbHKsrsuBka1cwcIV7JB1IEJk-q2Qif-a8_9l-QRNk8MYKqPoQEBBp3-rFMyrIMEdjYHMVU/s400/04.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 270px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13504000/13504150_9447_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13504000/13504150_9447_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 601px;" /></a>Let's kick off this wonderful Tuesday with <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/engagement">a</a> <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/marriage">little</a> <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/Weddings">love</a>, shall we, friends? Dave popped the question to Erica in a rowboat on the lake in Central Park. Aren't these photos from their special day breathtaking? It's simple, romantic and you can feel the couple's love leap off the photos -- plus, I can't stop staring at the rich color of that lake. Perfect! And I love how New York City becomes such a perfect backdrop, don't you?<br /><br />P.S. Yikes -- <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/10/zombie-engagement.html">a zombie engagement</a>! :)<br /><br />[Photos by <a href="http://www.trentbailey.com/gallery/erica-dave/">Trent Bailey</a>, via <a href="http://www.snippetandink.com/photo-features/love-shoots/central-park-row-boat-engagement-photos/">Snippet & Ink</a>]

Central Park engagement

Let's kick off this wonderful Tuesday with a little love , shall we, friends? Dave popped the question to Erica in a rowboat on the ...

Read more »

My 100-Word Love Story: On how my vacation fling turned into the real thing

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6913638833_92ed3ca372_z.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6913638833_92ed3ca372_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 603px;" /></a>Vacation romances aren't meant to last. They are just flings. Traveling to Seattle was a last-minute decision. Life was a mess. Just before I left, my company folded. Romance wasn't in the picture. Then I met Russell. I was sitting at a computer searching for a job at a hostel, and he came by. The moment I saw him, I knew he was The One. He became my best friend. It was the romance that shouldn't have worked, but three years later, we have a daughter, are engaged and happy.<br /><br /><strong>--By Samantha from <a href="http://www.reinventedsamantha.blogspot.com">Reinvented In Seattle</a></strong>

My 100-Word Love Story: On how my vacation fling turned into the real thing

Vacation romances aren't meant to last. They are just flings. Traveling to Seattle was a last-minute decision. Life was a mess. Just be...

Read more »

My 100-Word Love Story: On marrying my best friend

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7198/6886379433_b317dc55cf_z.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7198/6886379433_b317dc55cf_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 535px;" /></a>I realized that I loved him late one night. March 2008. Watching a movie. Sipping a red <em>way</em> past its prime. We had just attempted our <em>second</em> first date -- sushi. <br /><br />I sat there nervously, hoping he wouldn't notice the ferocious pounding in my chest. And after four years of friendship, I didn't just want him to kiss me, I wanted him to want me. And he did. <br /><br />This August, he asked me to share my life with him. I, of course, agreed! After knowing him eight years, I'm still surprised when I must remind my heart to be still. <br /><br /><strong>--By Ryan from <a href="http://www.thismustbetheplaceryan.blogspot.com/">This Must Be The Place</a></strong>

My 100-Word Love Story: On marrying my best friend

I realized that I loved him late one night. March 2008. Watching a movie. Sipping a red way past its prime. We had just attempted our seco...

Read more »

Wanted: 100-word love stories

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuVSC82evvcEzNx-FpNl0dQcgLayl4qdusovnTajEgdoqAD4s4WgrFKtUs0-7taUiHX0nhrPJzWrWDF_SBuQ48ktO0gHamjw_xYDto7nGXfTXvTpJU9RtVlDJyWQxcz7smmLXkuL7_CE/s1600/01.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706066645050142274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuVSC82evvcEzNx-FpNl0dQcgLayl4qdusovnTajEgdoqAD4s4WgrFKtUs0-7taUiHX0nhrPJzWrWDF_SBuQ48ktO0gHamjw_xYDto7nGXfTXvTpJU9RtVlDJyWQxcz7smmLXkuL7_CE/s400/01.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 223px;" /></a>As part of our <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/valentine%27s%20day">Valentine's Day celebration</a>, I want to feature <em>your</em> stories, friends. Your loves. Your heartbreaks. Your first crushes. Your most embarrassing moments. I want to hear it all...stories about your significant other, mother, father, best friend, former best friend. The fun twist? I want to hear these stories in 100 words! Doesn't that sound like fun, friends? I'd love to hear from you, so feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol [dot] com), and look for stories this week and next week! Are you in the Valentine's spirit yet? xoxo<br /><br />[Graphic by <a href="http://www.someecards.com/valentines-day-cards/valentines-day-date-boyfriend-girlfriend-love-funny-ecard">Someecards</a>]

Wanted: 100-word love stories

As part of our Valentine's Day celebration , I want to feature your stories, friends. Your loves. Your heartbreaks. Your first crushes....

Read more »

Floral wedding dress

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6807276687_a9aae7e6c9_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6807276687_a9aae7e6c9_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHf8AzZSIGBMrW-omfZEjKqbqRB7TGg4kD7kTdNh4R3wLDk_-36uhODMrhQY_ymOJG_dWK1MOhKuLgekwp9FsrzNRJGoBpfTpKEZIXLiqxHm7KQEQdZQPbiipf2iTerkGsm78nq9mx50/s1600/03.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704572871824743762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHf8AzZSIGBMrW-omfZEjKqbqRB7TGg4kD7kTdNh4R3wLDk_-36uhODMrhQY_ymOJG_dWK1MOhKuLgekwp9FsrzNRJGoBpfTpKEZIXLiqxHm7KQEQdZQPbiipf2iTerkGsm78nq9mx50/s400/03.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6807278563_1399523f62_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6807278563_1399523f62_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 616px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aAIVY4IHvZP8deALZU-Yua4FXhJttUOBaUU7H9CCWdmJ8SExbh0m8lP8lPHiQ00BltWBFvtrA-T49MDnUsscZB-9OwFG5W2KcPwdjIKJmqVZEqlKmyWvd1N5QtBjm6rF6P_cd8nzGDE/s1600/04.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704572872200907826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aAIVY4IHvZP8deALZU-Yua4FXhJttUOBaUU7H9CCWdmJ8SExbh0m8lP8lPHiQ00BltWBFvtrA-T49MDnUsscZB-9OwFG5W2KcPwdjIKJmqVZEqlKmyWvd1N5QtBjm6rF6P_cd8nzGDE/s400/04.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a>I've always leaned toward more <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2010/05/inspiration-spring-wedding-dresses.html">traditional</a> <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2010/12/elizabeth-dye-wedding-dresses.html">wedding</a> <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/03/wedding-dresses.html">dresses</a>, but how perfect would this floral dress be for a spring bride? Can't you imagine getting married in a garden full of blooming flowers?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What's your dream wedding season, friends? xoxo</span><br /><br />P.S. Two more unconventional wedding dresses: The <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/11/fashion-friday-everyday-wedding-dress.html">everyday wedding dress</a> and the <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/01/salvation-army-wedding-dress.html">Salvation Army dress</a> (<span style="font-style:italic;">for a whopping $69!</span>).<br /><br />[Photo by <a href="http://becjohnsonphotography.blogspot.com/2012/01/mary-lewis.html#comment-form">Bec Johnson</a>, via <a href="http://shannoneileenblog.typepad.com/happiness-is/2012/01/a-floral-wedding-dress.html">Happiness Is...</a>]

Floral wedding dress

I've always leaned toward more traditional wedding dresses , but how perfect would this floral dress be for a spring bride? Can'...

Read more »

Fashion Friday: Disney wedding dresses

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6731428721_cba9e779c0_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6731428721_cba9e779c0_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 317px;" /></a>If my <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2012/01/talk-nerdy-to-me.html">inner geek</a> was smiling this morning, my inner child is dancing and twirling over Alfred Angelo's debut collection of wedding gowns. The dresses, inspired by Disney's classic princesses, make me want to bust out Disney movies and break into song. Here are a few I've been eyeing...<br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6731425891_08f355d626_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6731425891_08f355d626_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 535px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUc8yW5qTkbE4GCh3NwD5BYfIFruG7S_XDtp_0-KhxfkKRGCTmiR5o15YMXw23ucRQ1R0P-_6cO09MC9SJhM59t9lbJHBCpA0lqh6l-HXDEjUCYe_VRRfp08hyphenhyphenxPVPIpvXnvMnRLrjCe8/s1600/01.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699754758808604850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUc8yW5qTkbE4GCh3NwD5BYfIFruG7S_XDtp_0-KhxfkKRGCTmiR5o15YMXw23ucRQ1R0P-_6cO09MC9SJhM59t9lbJHBCpA0lqh6l-HXDEjUCYe_VRRfp08hyphenhyphenxPVPIpvXnvMnRLrjCe8/s400/01.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 276px;" /></a><a href="http://www.alfredangelo.com/collections/productdisplay.aspx?productID=51283c80-8222-4990-992c-7d4f403b7ee0&categoryID=1975d565-34d2-4d81-90c9-437deabe902d&pg=1&colorId1=">Jasmine</a>, for following her heart.<br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6731426191_8709e4c9fc_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6731426191_8709e4c9fc_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 531px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoMynykQ7E6rxvYOBREya-nGwRlIfaoz4TyxLvZU_0B1Ox_Lk9d7p5SJ57feCCDB-76YsOmjCCu638iIt7D17h6Vz0Xx3agdUoE9E71LKtIxMXLaK1bApTw37i5kiNhWCwujvIRt4mqU/s1600/02.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699754760762225426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoMynykQ7E6rxvYOBREya-nGwRlIfaoz4TyxLvZU_0B1Ox_Lk9d7p5SJ57feCCDB-76YsOmjCCu638iIt7D17h6Vz0Xx3agdUoE9E71LKtIxMXLaK1bApTw37i5kiNhWCwujvIRt4mqU/s400/02.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 285px;" /></a><a href="http://www.alfredangelo.com/collections/productdisplay.aspx?productID=672066ba-c1e3-4dd2-84af-138fa3e3bf99&categoryID=1975d565-34d2-4d81-90c9-437deabe902d&pg=1&colorId1=">Ariel</a>, for dreaming big and being fearless and fierce in going after what she wants.<br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6731426539_475e20f95c_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6731426539_475e20f95c_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 530px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZRRwvcd2Usy4om64FSsa5VgRCU5Pauk1_ztGyXUm0H2KSZFAX-BOlGZbA8JO5EEaoGntbqOT1Ztpp1eZQ4R4aXAWWN0kdst6TvRQnc7IuLLSpOG4rZfXHCFE9AwIHjcc_z2bV-ssvLU/s1600/03.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699754760980732482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZRRwvcd2Usy4om64FSsa5VgRCU5Pauk1_ztGyXUm0H2KSZFAX-BOlGZbA8JO5EEaoGntbqOT1Ztpp1eZQ4R4aXAWWN0kdst6TvRQnc7IuLLSpOG4rZfXHCFE9AwIHjcc_z2bV-ssvLU/s400/03.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" /></a><a href="http://www.alfredangelo.com/collections/productdisplay.aspx?productID=4ff26054-46fb-4639-b0df-ad83dc596199&categoryID=1975d565-34d2-4d81-90c9-437deabe902d&pg=1&colorId1=">Snow White</a>, for not letting anything get in her way -- not even an evil stepmother. <br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6731426791_ac531efc42_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6731426791_ac531efc42_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 529px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXsnlhz1r2zHhm5srwzrkSnFMGBSk2wIMv49OKHyjwbUajjwOJJz8vDcVbmP_kahCbO75sNJht3KAnHjvmMtpXOBRWocz0b56qoMuqUCk7iCL0LAFZg5aFgB67b5G_VX5bdvpzmwu0tk/s1600/04.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699754755930529122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXsnlhz1r2zHhm5srwzrkSnFMGBSk2wIMv49OKHyjwbUajjwOJJz8vDcVbmP_kahCbO75sNJht3KAnHjvmMtpXOBRWocz0b56qoMuqUCk7iCL0LAFZg5aFgB67b5G_VX5bdvpzmwu0tk/s400/04.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 276px;" /></a><a href="http://www.alfredangelo.com/collections/productdisplay.aspx?productID=7f10717f-3879-4f77-acd0-cb6a71d65ffe&categoryID=1975d565-34d2-4d81-90c9-437deabe902d&pg=1&colorId1=">Belle</a>, for looking beyond the surface and loving someone for who they are.<br /><br /><strong>What about you, friends? Which dress is your favorite? Who's your favorite Disney pricess? xoxo</strong>

Fashion Friday: Disney wedding dresses

If my inner geek was smiling this morning, my inner child is dancing and twirling over Alfred Angelo's debut collection of wedding gow...

Read more »

Letters To My Future Husband: Letter #148.

Dear Mr. Melissa Blake:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpM0VPePSm-75V2s8Nm8gm_L1-J5ETrsbV6QKEkGXFGpYSVRIgiU9-C4oxgJax-cF7um8hxOCkQS0KhjyK1KE-anPRIyfgjiUJY-SKF3q_LYpv-OvSMDXb0yooubxkczl4rZQgIBEwjU/s1600/01" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699439118056937602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpM0VPePSm-75V2s8Nm8gm_L1-J5ETrsbV6QKEkGXFGpYSVRIgiU9-C4oxgJax-cF7um8hxOCkQS0KhjyK1KE-anPRIyfgjiUJY-SKF3q_LYpv-OvSMDXb0yooubxkczl4rZQgIBEwjU/s400/01" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 277px;" /></a>Well, leave it to <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2009/11/glee-ful-joy.html">Glee</a> and a little ditty by Rihanna to get me thinking about you on a freezing winter's night in January 2012. What's that, Sweetpea? I've never told you about my love-bordering-on-obsession fondness for the show? I blame it all on the fact that I was in my school's choir in junior high and my freshman year of high school, but that's a topic for another time and another letter.<br /><br />Tonight, though, I can't help but feel like a bit of my life was played out on the small screen. This week's Glee saw two main characters, Will and Emma, getting engaged, but not before facing some real insecurities and serious questions about Emma's illness. There's no sugar coating it; Things won't be easy. Things are going to seem overwhelming sometimes. Things are going to seem hopeless sometimes. I won't lie and say I didn't want to reach through the television and punch Will square in the face when he said, "I know it’s not your fault that you have this disease, but some days it just seems so hopeless. How will you handle spit-up on your special Wednesday sweater?” No one would have faulted Emma from walking away at the prospects of all that. But she didn't. In fact, she did quite the opposite, using words like incomplete person unabashedly. She made no excuses. She made no apologies. She made it clear that she wasn't the least bit sorry for who she was.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCj4Gb9tRb58ILboeDkNqmtGXjf7beSyFemwUY0s8daumNe5DrqzRfBzMB25zY_e5iT_Mpj06K6OH13bRTGo_f6VUcyWtk5YyEevlyTnwBb_0Lra0cqd86qHeh9LdKKD084YMKG-T2as/s1600/02.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699439117548590402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCj4Gb9tRb58ILboeDkNqmtGXjf7beSyFemwUY0s8daumNe5DrqzRfBzMB25zY_e5iT_Mpj06K6OH13bRTGo_f6VUcyWtk5YyEevlyTnwBb_0Lra0cqd86qHeh9LdKKD084YMKG-T2as/s400/02.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" /></a>It was inspiring, to say the least, Sweetpea. Why? Because <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/07/letters-to-my-future-husband-letter-129.html">last</a> <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/07/letters-to-my-future-husband-letter-130.html">summer</a>, I definitely wouldn't have had the courage to react that way. Maybe I would have just been too scared, afraid that everything would come crumbling down. Not today -- not right now. So, yeah, we could probably think of thousands of reasons why this will never work and why it's a waste of time for us to even try. And maybe we'll even start convincing ourselves that these reasons are actually true. But I have to believe that even in those hopeless of places, you can still find love. Just because the odds are stacked against you doesn't mean you should go down without a fight. Because in the end, love is worth fighting for. Quirks and all.<br /><br />I'll jump of the edge of glory if you'll jump with me, Sweetpea. What do you say? Until we meet... xoxo<br /><br />[Top photo via <a href="http://src.web.buddytv.com/glee.aspx">Buddy TV</a>, bottom photo via <a href="http://www.leloveimage.blogspot.com/2012/01/think-of-you.html">Le Love</a>]

Letters To My Future Husband: Letter #148.

Dear Mr. Melissa Blake: Well, leave it to Glee and a little ditty by Rihanna to get me thinking about you on a freezing winter's night ...

Read more »

Wedding bouquets

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5Ua1VboTXT505JHQ47QGXLOkWZqZ6KTGw2hmJ5f9lBXHQCmFQ8FQzcTrjp9Z60_tph2NvN_HMn_pvCQxnH6_8zX-FkwZ6ihHb97L1TVHmvmB_RZstjq3ZgKgJqp-1KLlhg4m6LUvvPs/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699164549887422290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5Ua1VboTXT505JHQ47QGXLOkWZqZ6KTGw2hmJ5f9lBXHQCmFQ8FQzcTrjp9Z60_tph2NvN_HMn_pvCQxnH6_8zX-FkwZ6ihHb97L1TVHmvmB_RZstjq3ZgKgJqp-1KLlhg4m6LUvvPs/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0e3hEpqbtc3YoKLegOBvC3fcldlQq6CqEU8lEAs_1tjxLk1BStuoszXLejT8mAVRSWwt45QaVGuhydRMpe0_9xFGxnIEcE78ysHn2Rh1RfGve2NIhfnpJLt7RehU6HW0EJBaVg2eYIk/s1600/aa2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699164544723774066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0e3hEpqbtc3YoKLegOBvC3fcldlQq6CqEU8lEAs_1tjxLk1BStuoszXLejT8mAVRSWwt45QaVGuhydRMpe0_9xFGxnIEcE78ysHn2Rh1RfGve2NIhfnpJLt7RehU6HW0EJBaVg2eYIk/s400/aa2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 296px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunMK7LtuJe5fOqwzwdTfuce-J9M7HMEK4qdezxwAZpd3awmFbJFnLrM1qg7YoiIrifPcIz87PVITCvMOZVTtPh9ieZlL0G4dveZg1SrFpjuQSyux_m16P52ZCg3Av1C4zdvUbVZPkwsQ/s1600/aa3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699164540342215666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunMK7LtuJe5fOqwzwdTfuce-J9M7HMEK4qdezxwAZpd3awmFbJFnLrM1qg7YoiIrifPcIz87PVITCvMOZVTtPh9ieZlL0G4dveZg1SrFpjuQSyux_m16P52ZCg3Av1C4zdvUbVZPkwsQ/s400/aa3.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" /></a>Besides the frigidly cold temperatures and <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/02/snowstorm.html">blustering snowstorms</a>, one of my least favorite things about the winter months is the lack of color. Everything is bare -- the trees, the ground -- and I just want take a spray can full of eye-popping colors and go to town a la those classic paint-by-number books. Until then, these wedding bouquets put a little cheer in my winter step this morning; they're so beautiful and romantic. Wouldn't they be perfect for a winter wedding, friends? xoxo<br /><br />[Via <a href="http://www.bellethemagazine.com/2012/01/25-stunning-bouquets.html#.TwtAa0pAOIN">Belle The Magazine</a>]

Wedding bouquets

Besides the frigidly cold temperatures and blustering snowstorms , one of my least favorite things about the winter months is the lack of co...

Read more »

Would You Rather: Have a large wedding or a small, intimate one?

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6685551501_2cf4116d20_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6685551501_2cf4116d20_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" /></a>Friends, it's finally winter here in the Midwest (<em>the snow is whirling outside my window right now!</em>), so let's daydream about weddings today, shall we? I can count on one hand the number of weddings I've been to; I'm sure there are a couple I'm forgetting, but the number of weddings I can remember attending is under five. My oldest cousin got married when I was 16, and since she and her fiance (<em>my cousin-in-law?</em>) both have a large family, it was one of those big affairs, complete with a reception in a sprawling dining room.<br /><br />A few years later, I attended another cousin's wedding. This one, a quaint affair set against the backdrop of summer in upstate New York, was decidedly smaller, made up close friends and family. And when one of my oldest and dearest friends got married, she and her husband decided to forgo a traditional wedding altogether. Instead, they opted for a short ceremony at the courthouse with a few family members, and then invited friends and family to a backyard reception on a warm July day.<br /><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6685518759_e67208c166_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6685518759_e67208c166_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 602px;" /></a>And my parents' wedding? Well, from the stories I've heard and the photos I've seen, their wedding was even smaller still -- it was held at the church my mom attended growing up, and they invited less than 100 people to both the wedding and reception.<br /><br /><strong>So, friends, I'd love to know: Which one do you prefer? Did you have a huge wedding, inviting everyone from your mom to the school nurse from elementary school, or did you keep it small, only inviting very close friends and family? Do you like going to large weddings or more intimate ones? xoxo</strong><br /><br />P.S. Funny <a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/20979236">wedding comic</a>!<br /><br />[Photos via <a href="http://weheartit.com/">We Heart It</a>]

Would You Rather: Have a large wedding or a small, intimate one?

Friends, it's finally winter here in the Midwest ( the snow is whirling outside my window right now! ), so let's daydream about wed...

Read more »

Love Lounge: Do you know your parents' engagement story?

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpT4nbbHP5BtWIrSF5wkqiMU0y9n878aoNY2WE_Er59joC7aEqUirQDP7p0BgPZgtBIM1kch2urjNvbuSqN5LfTkhOfbC_BDNB0bqu8cV1baa83TscD3ScMcEzn2qrd5hEpMzfkv4jSaXG/s1600/aa.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688286931382098850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpT4nbbHP5BtWIrSF5wkqiMU0y9n878aoNY2WE_Er59joC7aEqUirQDP7p0BgPZgtBIM1kch2urjNvbuSqN5LfTkhOfbC_BDNB0bqu8cV1baa83TscD3ScMcEzn2qrd5hEpMzfkv4jSaXG/s400/aa.bmp" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 316px;" /></a><a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2010/06/wedding-week-my-parents-anniversary.html">My parents</a> got engaged 34 years ago this week -- yesterday, in fact, to be more precise. I was talking about it with my mom last night when I realized that I didn't know very much of the story behind their E Day. So being the curious person that I am, I began to subtly interrogate her with questions. <br /><br /><em>Who proposed?<br />Where did the romantic moment take place?<br />Was a sparkler presented?</em><br /><br />I was expecting an elaborately detailed and romantic proposal, complete with a string quartet. I'd always imagined my father having memorized his speech, with a copy of it in his shirt pocket in case he got nervous and forgot his lines. I pictured my mother sitting next to him after he proposed, looking down at her ring, and then both of them dreaming up plans for their perfect wedding. <br /><br />Surprisingly, though, my mom told me the entire affair was actually pretty low-key. My father proposed to her in his parents' house. He was 26, and my mom was 21. He didn't have a ring at the time, so they went and picked one out together. <br /><br />I'd always thought I'd wanted that fairytale, romantic proposal full of "I love yous" and "forevers" and "soul mate." But maybe you can still have that even with a not-so-traditional proposal. My parents did, and they were the most in-love couple I've ever met. So maybe in the end, that whole grand, over-the-top proposal isn't really all that important. It's romantic, sure, but it's what comes days, months and even years after saying "Yes" that matters the most.<br /><br /><strong>So, friends, I'd love to know: Do you know your parents' engagement story? Was it traditional or more unique? Does your mom still have her engagement ring (that's one question I forgot to ask my mom!)? Are you currently engaged? Are you planning to pop the question soon? Do you think a beau is planning to pop the question to you soon? Let's talk all things engagement, friends... xoxo</strong><br /><br />P.S. <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2010/02/inspiration-romantic-relaxing.html">Four</a> <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2010/03/inspiration-travel-themed-engagement.html">romantic</a> <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2010/11/up-inspired-engagement.html">engagement</a> <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2010/12/camping-engagement-shoot.html">shoots</a>.

Love Lounge: Do you know your parents' engagement story?

My parents got engaged 34 years ago this week -- yesterday, in fact, to be more precise. I was talking about it with my mom last night when...

Read more »

Fashion Friday: Two pretty engagement rings

<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6104/6332176573_5be95aa32f_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6104/6332176573_5be95aa32f_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 499px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6093/6332176577_498221783e_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6093/6332176577_498221783e_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 500px;" /></a>Oh wow, Kate has some really lovely <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/kateszabone?section_id=5037880">engagement rings</a>, don't you think?<br /><br />P.S. This post is extra lucky. Can you guess why? Check the comments... :)

Fashion Friday: Two pretty engagement rings

Oh wow, Kate has some really lovely engagement rings , don't you think? P.S. This post is extra lucky. Can you guess why? Check the co...

Read more »

Zombie engagement

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-BYNGpY3CXfnJUB9-KL52MCMYMfycSO2oDMDQppQ5EiP4GVN_EXQ5s1Hd4l2WMEC_4HTQZoGh3T-4CbeugDhMIopoQR6zYvJwo8cP5-rwXxbjQwLnorzLWnTl4Fn7s8pR84oEuF7t2tH/s1600/aa.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667789610947031714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-BYNGpY3CXfnJUB9-KL52MCMYMfycSO2oDMDQppQ5EiP4GVN_EXQ5s1Hd4l2WMEC_4HTQZoGh3T-4CbeugDhMIopoQR6zYvJwo8cP5-rwXxbjQwLnorzLWnTl4Fn7s8pR84oEuF7t2tH/s400/aa.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRMKThBRwVEDUIlT4fjNNa1juZIDwpw9CgA3kODuwU1t4vl6S3iEd4dtpGNC61HiKToamkMimTRZdqoPcSNIakf8H7Ml9M1LhxBAqoim3C5FJ3FCWfJEgpSRHRomt2PPIbRl0auDUN-0N/s1600/aa2.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667792054641660370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRMKThBRwVEDUIlT4fjNNa1juZIDwpw9CgA3kODuwU1t4vl6S3iEd4dtpGNC61HiKToamkMimTRZdqoPcSNIakf8H7Ml9M1LhxBAqoim3C5FJ3FCWfJEgpSRHRomt2PPIbRl0auDUN-0N/s400/aa2.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" /></a>How's this for a fun and eek-citing (<em>cheesy play on words, I know...</em>) engagement photo shoot: Ben and Juliana look like a quiet couple, don't they? They're quietly sitting in a field looking all lovey-dovey....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrP_fIuN4kt3G4c-kTmQnFXzmBiKHMQrNCVENvVpV77Uyt8ViU0KymEBjoTzqJxx6hiwauZ9IWofZHVR0nxnWoPo3mazSUQol33dpGD182UBO80LhCsIn_ieK1qCrYk74ViLwm1JBr6ob/s1600/aa3.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667792048249659762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrP_fIuN4kt3G4c-kTmQnFXzmBiKHMQrNCVENvVpV77Uyt8ViU0KymEBjoTzqJxx6hiwauZ9IWofZHVR0nxnWoPo3mazSUQol33dpGD182UBO80LhCsIn_ieK1qCrYk74ViLwm1JBr6ob/s400/aa3.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNggsiGAtS250VguXGZM7t0iw1sKcAKvtDtku-eeB-Ol0OkM4pDqQmvXxjlCKLnchXfUv997yY75lsCY1s98m7Z4W3u8OjtsM_yT9jL0A1B4r8hdEe6uhtW97X63jvECPtXwc3VlxGEvcA/s1600/aa4.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667792041268186610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNggsiGAtS250VguXGZM7t0iw1sKcAKvtDtku-eeB-Ol0OkM4pDqQmvXxjlCKLnchXfUv997yY75lsCY1s98m7Z4W3u8OjtsM_yT9jL0A1B4r8hdEe6uhtW97X63jvECPtXwc3VlxGEvcA/s400/aa4.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" /></a>...but wait. What's what? <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ61Uq8jbGbOO9_voUroRZ-kMMUmAHka7tjo3l5TL8DAzeHlmlOcCYx4YUuJBAeTZN3nQINDh6hTMWob3i5KU7OCbNbrH_8UMDbd0td_TNOlctOypLqoQpAevdPW2358GpHLpKe33jworr/s1600/aa5.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667792035562639698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ61Uq8jbGbOO9_voUroRZ-kMMUmAHka7tjo3l5TL8DAzeHlmlOcCYx4YUuJBAeTZN3nQINDh6hTMWob3i5KU7OCbNbrH_8UMDbd0td_TNOlctOypLqoQpAevdPW2358GpHLpKe33jworr/s400/aa5.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" /></a>A mysterious man approaching from the woods. Ack! What will the couple do?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRzPXLZKx-nXVWx1T4XwQchv3XZcGkEHHVstNn8i0PXmMYl2T2nwKsXAMABzqhc1wOl7tKbqWoALdVkGVkeyt6g7SdUgxBjH2Hj33L5uQ0EhaYuUcWsGbCNobIcBN-rfU60hbm9VQnr8B/s1600/aa6.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667792030948098130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRzPXLZKx-nXVWx1T4XwQchv3XZcGkEHHVstNn8i0PXmMYl2T2nwKsXAMABzqhc1wOl7tKbqWoALdVkGVkeyt6g7SdUgxBjH2Hj33L5uQ0EhaYuUcWsGbCNobIcBN-rfU60hbm9VQnr8B/s400/aa6.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 337px;" /></a>Save the day, of course! The idea for the shoot came from Ben, who "wanted to make sure his manliness wasn't lost in an engagement session," says photographer Amanda Rynda. I love how these photos give off a soft, romantic touch and a tough vibe at the same time, don't you? Would you ever try this, friends? You can see all the photos <a href="http://mlkshk.com/p/69H1">here</a>.<br /><br />P.S. Speaking of love, a new <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/Letters%20to%20my%20future%20husband">Letter To My Future Husband</a> is coming up this afternoon! :)<br /><br />[Photos by <a href="http://amandarynda.tumblr.com/">Amanda Rynda</a>]

Zombie engagement

How's this for a fun and eek-citing ( cheesy play on words, I know... ) engagement photo shoot: Ben and Juliana look like a quiet couple...

Read more »