One of our loyal readers and a future Sandals bride sent us a copy of one of her insanely creative wedding invitations for her upcoming wedding at Sandals Emerald Bay, Exuma in November. At first glance Keri-Ann Kraut’s, passport-inspired wedding invite seems so realistic; you may assume you’re looking at an actual passport. Once you get past all the passport stamps and data info however, you realize you’re reading a paradise wedding invite and guest guide book! It’s truly amazing! 

That’s not all! Keri Ann and Andre’s wedding invites are not only ingenious (passports required for international wedding!) they’re personal to the couple who have visited over 3 sandals resorts together (Montego Bay twice, La Toc and soon to be Emerald Bay). Each “passport stamp” located on page two of their invites are stamps of each time they visited a Sandals resorts on different Caribbean islands. How cute is that?

Make the jump for close-ups of this awesome invite!

(Photo Credit: talkingpretty.com)

We get it! The only people in the world you’ve had to worry about for the past few years has been yourself and maybe your mini poodle Suzie who pretty much eats whatever you give her; so naturally, cooking isn’t your strong point. If you happen to be a chef by profession then by all means carry on, but for the not so culinary enhanced, now may be your time to get cookin'. If your freezer is stocked to capacity with frozen waffles, pizza bites and Lean Cuisines (also known as breakfast, lunch and dinner) then we suggest you take one Saturday to sit and watch the cooking network. If you don’t have time to sit in front of the television for a few hours watching Paula Dean sear up a pork loin, then grab any of the expert chef cooking books and watch your mouth water.

Cooking dinner isn’t by any means your “job” in your marriage, for all we know your soon-to-be may make the best lasagna this side of the world. However, if you’ve always loved the idea of being the best cook in your family and hosting Thanksgiving dinners, then learning to cook now makes sense… before you start your family! Cooking can also be a nice way to spend quality time with your new husband, especially if you’re teaching him your secret wine marinade while he stares at you in disbelief!

To get you started, world famous culinary ambassador, Walter Staib, has put together some of his secret mouth-watering recipes that’ll blow your frozen dinners out of the water. Preview one of his delicious fares above: Fresh Shrimp and Vegetable Medley in a Coconut Curry Sauce.  There’s nothing like a little island style cooking to spice up your home date nights. You can also see more of his recipes here.   If you’re hungry for more, you can also check out our “Tasty Palette” pinterest board for tasty tips, recipes and ideas to fill your marriage with exciting new dishes! Happy Eating!

The 2012 Teen Choice Awards aired last night and while we’re sure Justin Bieber’s entrance was the only thing teen girls all over the world cared about, we were more impressed with the pops of color featured on the pink carpet. It truly is the season of vibrant and fun colors (and adorable dresses) and last night was a runway of this season's best and brightest!

(L-R: Candice Accola, Lucy Hale, Zooey Deschanel and Nina Dobrev)(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Then we thought to ourselves, how cute would these dresses be as bridesmaid dresses?!

They’re perfect for summer weddings; cute, colorful and short. While you may not want to have your “besties” splurge on celeb-worthy designer dresses (Monique Llhuillier was quite popular last night), we threw together some cute copycats that we’re sure they'll love to parade down your aisle and into your reception!

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

We really loved the yellow dress, brown wedges and orange clutch that Candice Accola wore. It was simple and tasteful with just a little “oomph!” (which should be the recipe for every bridesmaids dress… btw). We recommend keeping the color combo with a slightly bunched drape neck and waist line. Add just a touch of red-orange to your shoes and accessories for your bridesmaids’ pleasure.

(Dresses L-R: Oasis Silk V-Neck Drape Dress, AX Paris Pleat Front Dress, Victoria Secret The Date Dress; Earrings: Jou Jou Crystal Pave Round Ball Stud; Shoes: red strappy suede’s; Bracelet: Kruger Coral Enamel Hinge Cuff )

Make the jump for more swoon worthy copies of these pink carpet 2012 Teen Choice Award knockoffs!

(Photo Credit: fitbride.tumblr.com)

Getting healthy doesn’t mean you have to get up and join the first army boot camp you can find. Small steps make a giant difference and the hardest part of any lifestyle change is starting! Jogging is a good way to get your gears going to begin changing your exercise habits and becoming a happy, healthy bride. Here’s why:

1. You will lose weight. (Enough said!)

2. You will strengthen your muscles.

3. You will strengthen your bones.

4. Endorphins will be released (your spirits will lift).

5. You will sleep better at night.

6. You will have more energy during the day.

7. You will increase your life span.

8. You will decrease your risk of cancer

9. You will boost your immunity.

10. You will reduce your risk of diabetes.

11. You will reduce your risk of blood pressure and heart disease.

However, the most important reason to start jogging the second you finish reading this post… you’ll be able to pull off any of these wedding dresses that you want! Did you see them? Fabulous, right? Start running now!

*Clearly we aren't doctors. Please consult a physician before you begin any exercise regimen. Moderation is always best!

Ahhh summer honeymoon! Basking in the blazing sun, daily beach trips and tousled summer waves in your hair are all you want. Of course it’s easier said than done when you live on an island (I swear I’m not bragging). Whether you’re planning an island destination wedding or not you can easily get the casual summer wave look yourself, no matter your hair type. Straight, curly, or textured, we’ve cooked up quick tips to get the perfect “straight from the salt water” look (think Kate Hudson, Amel Larriux and Jill Scott)!

(*Photo Credit )

Make the jump for your hair type tips from Red Lane Spa hair experts!

There are only four (yes, four) pairs of shoes that you need to bring along on your island paradise summer honeymoon. Take it from us, shoes will be the last thing on your mind while you lounge around the pools, take in all the flora and fauna of an island tour or hit the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. You want to keep your suitcase as light as your worries, but you can still keep it stylish and cute.With this collection, your personal shoe style (or shoe game) can be practical and fashionable at the same time!

(Styled by Sunny, meshed together by Polyvore.com)

Summer-Moon Shoe Checklist

* Two pairs of stylish sandals - You'll need one for day trips and one for evening wear. You'll be walking around a lot on grass and sand so heels just won't cut it. You can still be comfortable and extremely stylish (especially paired with a maxi-dress). Besides, you don't need shoes at the beach!

* A pair of closed in shoes - It never hurts to have a pair of closed-toe shoes for island tours and things of that nature... again, stylish!

*Wedge Heels - I know, I know! We said heels won't cut  it; we lied a little. You just may want to do a romantic evening at a restaurant and paired with a short dress, wedges do all the fantastic things heels do (make your legs look longer, accentuate a sexy walk) but still keep that summer flare!

See we told you! Now you're covered for everything you could want to do on your honeymoon outdoors (wink, wink). Now pack your bags and have fun!