Get your arms wedding-dress ready with this easy fitness move. The best part is: you can do anywhere!

 

1. Find a sturdy table that can withstand your full body weight
2. Hang from the edge of the table with your arms fully extended and your knees bent at a 90-degree angle
3. Using the resistance of your body, lift your chest toward the table
4. Do 10 repetitions and repeat after a 60-second break
5. For a challenge: straighten your knees so your legs are fully extended

 

*Before trying any new physical activity, please consult with your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough for physical activity.

Look gorgeous on your big day! Watch as makeup artist and real-life blushing bride, Susannah, gives step-by-step instructions on how to achieve flawless destination wedding makeup from Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

She showcases three different styles: natural and polished (think Jennifer Aniston), shimmering and sparkly (think Jennifer Lopez), and classic sophisticated (think Elizabeth Hurley). 

 

 

The moment has finally come! Your significant other has popped the question and you’re swimming in happiness – but what is next? Here are a few steps to help you get started on your journey to everlasting bliss!

1. Announce it! You have big news and word will inevitably spread fast! Make sure you tell the most significant people first. Mom wouldn’t want to hear about your engagement through a Facebook relationship status change. If at all possible, tell the crucial people first and follow with sharing it on your social networks.
   
   A fun way to keep your friends and family updated is to build a wedding website. Write your love story, upload a photo album, announce your wedding party and give important information to guests. You can even have guests RSVP – which will give your poor writing hand a much needed rest!
    
2. Party! This is a celebration! Go out for a bar night with friends or ask a close friend (probably your maid of honor or best man) to organize a small gathering to celebrate the occasion!

   

    

3. Get Down Who is Paying for What. Traditionally, the bride’s family pays for: the ceremony, wedding dress, flower arrangements at ceremony, photos and video, reception, stationary and transportation. The groom’s family pays for the marriage license, officiant, tuxedo, bouquet and flowers your attendants will wear, honeymoon, and rehearsal dinner.
   
   Feel free to think outside the box when setting a budget and figuring out who pays for what. Tradition doesn’t always dictate. You can register your weddingmoon online and have attendants make a contribution to your weddingmoon destination! Visit the Wedding and Honeymoon Registry for more information.

 

Read the rest of the steps after the jump: Just Got Engaged? Follow these Steps!

 

Pantone just announced its 2012 Color of the Year. And the winner is... Tangerine Tango! This soft, yet vibrant color is perfect for destination brides.

 

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While the exact color may be a challenge to find – hues and shades of this yummy color are in no shortage! If Pantone’s Tangerine Tango has stolen your heart as it has mine, bring its flavor to your island wedding with delicate pinks, limey greens, soft greys and – of course- sandy tans! If you’re really feeling the island spirit – create a wedding cocktail to match!

Indulge in island inspiration...

This color pattern mimics the Caribbean sunset. Brilliant oranges, corals and tangerines make your wedding gown glow against the warm hues.

 

After the jump...  more Tangerine Tango destination wedding inspiration.

 

                            Rondoval Suite, Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Spa and Beach Resort

In the January 2012 issue of BRIDES Magazine, Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Spa & Beach Resort, and Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa was mentioned as the ultimate resorts for romance with “all-inclusive awesomeness”! In fact, Sandals Resorts has held the honor of being voted Top Honeymoon Destination in the Caribbean for 2011! 

 

BRIDES Magazine, the #1 bridal publication in America, loves Sandals Resorts, and we love BRIDES!

 

If you have decided to share your destination wedding with friends and family, there are lots of ways to make your guests feel special and create those lasting memories! Here a few ideas to consider:

• Welcome them with beach bags filled with sunscreen, disposable cameras, bottled water, personalized flip flops, a map of fun things to do on island and a few island inspired snacks!
• Celebrate their arrival with a party in the sand and enjoy island inspired hors d'oeuvres and Caribbean Rum Punch!
• Arrange for a little family-friendly competition with a game of beach volleyball or pool basketball!
• Have a champagne filled pamper day at the spa
• Enjoy a  scenic round of golf
• Have an underwater adventure on a snorkeling trip
• Explore the island and the mesmerizing Caribbean sea on a Catamaran cruise

Speak to your personal wedding consultant to arrange for any or all of these activities.

 

Did you have 'The Time Of Your Life' at Sandals or Beaches? If so, why not show your support and vote for your 'Ultimate Romantic' resort and/or destination in the About.com Readers Choice Awards.There are four categories, listed below, so make your opinion count and cast your vote!

Please follow the link below:

http://honeymoons.about.com/od/wordsofwisdom/qt/readers-choice-awards-2012.htm

Thanks a bunch!

Wedding Ideas Magazine, one of the best selling Wedding magazines in the UK, has voted Sandals Resorts the Best Destination for a wedding! Sandals Resorts went up against the crème de la crème of the travel and wedding industry and came out out on top, as voted by readers and announced at the annual ceremony held in London.

Add a splash of flavor and originality to your wedding by creating a signature cocktail. Your guests will love sipping on your personalized couple concoction.

You can even incorporate the drink into your wedding theme by adding ingredients that match your colors, local location or vibe. Try these cocktails below to add a special twist!

Caribbean Sunset – a carefree and exotic cocktail for the beachy bride

Ingredients:
3/4 oz  coconut rum
3/4 oz melon liqueur
2 oz cranberry juice
orange juice

Instructions:

Combine melon liqueur and coconut rum together in a hurricane glass. Slowly pour cranberry juice on top until it fills half the remaining space. Float orange juice on top, and serve.

Tip: for a true island feel, garnish with a pineapple!

 

Sparkling Cranberry – romantic bubbles for the classic bride

Ingredients:
1/2 oz  Cointreau
1/2 oz cranberry juice
6 oz sparkling wine

Instructions:

Pour first two ingredients into a champagne flute and top with sparkling wine or champagne.

Tip: If pink doesn’t fit your bridal color, try subbing with blue curacao, green apple liquor or any other colored cordial to match your special day!

 

Chocolate Orange Martini – rich and smooth for the decadent bride

1 1/2 oz orange flavored vodka
1 1/2 oz white creme de cacao

Instructions:

Stir with ice, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with shaved chocolate.

Look flawless on your special day with these breeze-ready styles. "Although you may know the perfect products to suit your hairstyle at home, trust the professionals when it comes to climates that your hair is not accustomed to. Make sure to book a hair trial a day before the wedding with your stylist" says Yolanda Huyler, Red Lane Spa, Sandals Royal Bahamian.

These are two hair trends that won’t have you gasping at your pictures on your 20^th anniversary!

    

Photo Credit: Pinterest

The Braided Knot

1. Split you hair in half like you would with pigtails
2. Braid each section away from your face
3. Tie a knot with each section
4. Pin any loose ends
5. Finish with a hairspray that can withstand humidity

Photo Credit: WENN

Mimic Kristin Cavallari’s Headband with a Bump

1. Divide hair into sections and curl the ends with a 1” barrel curling iron
2. Pull up the front section of your hair, approx. 2-3 inches from your hairline
3. Spritz your hair with hairspray and begin a gentle backcombing for a subtle lift
4. Secure a headband in front of the volume

**For an extra romantic touch, add a flower that matches your wedding colors, like a sweet magenta dendrobium orchid:

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