Do you ever talk to other women who are engaged and hear about the unexpected ways their grooms proposed? I love hearing stories from my brides about the men who plan something totally unique and meaningful whether than just blurting out the question during a normal dinner. Hopefully not a lot of guys out there are still doing that, but you would be surprised the stories I hear. That’s why I was excited to find that the local Aquarium here in Cincinnati (Newport Aquarium) offers Wedding Proposal packages. There are currently 3 options of how the Aquarium can make your proposal memorable:
1. The Penguin Proposal: It’s what you think it is… these cute, tuxedoed groomsmen may not make it to the wedding, but they can still help you pop the question. The groom and bride-to-be will get an exclusive, 20-minute encounter with three African Penguins, who will crowd around her while the groom drops to one knee. The Penguin House can accommodate up to 12 guests if you want to have family/friends watching your special moment.

2. A Very Engaging Dive Show: A fun date to the aquarium becomes the surprise of her life when the groom joins the audience for a seemingly normal dive show. When the curtains rise to reveal a diver in the tank holding a sign that reads, “Will You Marry Me?” the gasp you hear won’t be for air. The final step is simple – seal it with a kiss. Your special moment can take place in any of these underwater exhibits: Amazon, Coral Reef or Surrounded by Sharks.

3. The Behind-the-Scenes Tour: The aquarium offers a 40-minute behind-the-scenes tour of their facilities. Then, when she least expects it, the groom can give her the highlight of the tour – a proposal she’ll never forget.

What other creative and memorable ideas do you have?  How did your groom propose?

There are loads of beautiful wedding photos out there and many we love and use for inspiration and others… well we just can’t forget. Here’s the top 10 wedding photos you will remember (for whatever the reason).

All photos seen here first.

What better way to announce you’re “taking the plunge” than to do so, literally? Check out this awesome save-the-date announcement inspiration from Steep Street where the bride & groom-to-be donned wedding gear and jumped in feet first, so to speak!

Just admit it. Half the reason you attend weddings in the first place is for the delicious wedding food and consequently, the wedding cake. Or maybe that’s just us.

But wedding-goers be warned. You may soon experience a new nuptial tradition in the form of wedding pie.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that more and more people are requesting pie as a supplement to their wedding cake, or else are asking to have pie as the main dessert.

And as noted by Vincent Rossmeier, an avid pie lover, there are plenty of reasons to choose this delicacy over the common cake.

First, it’s cheaper, with wedding pies going for about $15 for the entire shebang, the same price for one piece of cake. Pies can also feature seasonal fruits such as strawberry and apple. And with pie, it’s the filling that counts, not the frosting.

Pie is moist where cake is too often arid; it’s complex where cake is too often banal.  Pie offers me lasting contentment, whereas all cake can tender is a cloying sugar rush.

It’s not just the traditional dessert that’s changing this wedding season. Other trends include having flower girls dress up as fairies, wings and wands in tow.

Wow,  I can’t tell you how much I love when couples pick a really fun location like this… something that they’d do on a date perhaps. There is so much fun stuff to shoot, and this Houston-based photographer did a great job!  Check out Kelly Hornberger for more photos!

There’s no rule that says you have to get married in a traditional place of worship — even if you plan to have a religious wedding.  When choosing a ceremony site, first examine your shared history as a couple and mutual interests for inspiration.

Are you and your fiance into art?  Having a small intimate wedding? Consider an art gallery!

Love animals?  How about you and your groom tie the knot at a Zoo?

Outdoor Zoo not your thing?  Prefer indoor aquarium exhibits?  Then consider the Georgia Aquarium.

Is one of you a pilot?  Or maybe just never outgrown the fascination of all things aeronautical?  Then consider renting an airplane hanger for your site!

Zoo photo courtesy of  LA’s Furious Photographers.

I can hardly think of anything more fun that browsing through all the dress designs that were showcased at Bridal Fashion Week.   Based on everything I’ve seen, here’s my top 6 trends in Wedding Gowns.

Trend 1: Pops of Color

General wedding tradition dictates that the wedding gown will be all white.  Well, not so, says one of the top trends of 2010.  This is not to say that the dress has little to no white, but it’s totally hot to have a hint of color in your wedding dress!  This could be a beautiful colored flower or bow, it could also be a colored streak or ribbon around your waist.

Trend 2:  Bows

NOT the super poofy kind that adorned the worst bridesmaids dresses of the 80’s… but rather more beautiful satin creations as small accents.

Trend 3:  Metallics

When I first heard that some bridal designers had metallics in their dresses, I was a bit worried.  Gawdy, anyone?  However, these designs give you a bit of shine & glamour, without feeling the least bit “over the top.”  This fashion can be built into the details of your dress, be added on with a shiny gold/silver sash, or hinted at with glitzy shoes.  Beware of too much.  This trend can go wrong quickly in bad hands.

Trend 4:  50’s Flair

Is everyone obsessed with Mad Men?  By looking at the runway, one might think so!  Plenty of classy tea-length styles and tulle skirts were found.  And it’s oh so cute!  Especially for an outdoor summer wedding, or a rustic fall wedding.

Trend 5:  One Shoulder Dresses

This trend has been huge in Hollywood during 2009 and now it’s carrying over to wedding gowns.  And I love it!  One of my favorite designers is Maggie Sottero and she’s all over this!  So, say “so long” to strapless, and welcome the asymmetry!

Trend 6:  Tiers & Raw Edges

Whether it’s chiffon, organza, tulle, or even feathers (my personal fave), designers are layering tons of fabric to create dramatic dresses.   When I think of this, I immediately think of Monique Lhuillier, and her designs worn by Heidi Pratt and most recently Molly (as in Jason & Molly from The Bachelor).  They are stunning… soft, yet dramatic.  I’m using the same Vera Wang dress I used earlier as an example.  This dress is lovely and shows how the trends can easily be combined, and still be classy.

Bridal Fashion by Vera Wang, Sottero & Midgley, Amsale, Alan Hannah, Justin Alexander, Maggie Sottero, Reem Acra, Monique Lhuillier