How to look (extra) pretty on a first date

The absolutely positively most nerve-wracking moment of a date? Right before you see each other. Answering the front door or walking into the restaurant...eeks! Just writing this paragraph gives me butterflies.

So how do you look extra gorgeous for the big moment? My #1 random trick from my single days: Pinch your cheeks. Honestly, whenever I'd walk into a date, I'd pinch the apples of my cheeks, then gently rub them to "even" it out. Your rosy cheeks will make it look like you just walked in from the cold, and the color will suit your face perfectly since it's your natural color. (Or you can just cheat and wear blush; here are my two absolute favorites:)

What beauty routines do you have for dates? I'd love to hear your secrets! xoxo

How to look (extra) pretty on a first date

The absolutely positively most nerve-wracking moment of a date? Right before you see each other. Answering the front door or walking into the restaurant...eeks! Just writing this paragraph gives me butterflies.

So how do you look extra gorgeous for the big moment? My #1 random trick from my single days: Pinch your cheeks. Honestly, whenever I'd walk into a date, I'd pinch the apples of my cheeks, then gently rub them to "even" it out. Your rosy cheeks will make it look like you just walked in from the cold, and the color will suit your face perfectly since it's your natural color. (Or you can just cheat and wear blush; here are my two absolute favorites:)

What beauty routines do you have for dates? I'd love to hear your secrets! xoxo

10 unforgettable wedding moments

The most memorable wedding moments often come when you least expect them. Here are ten amazing moments, a few of which were actually mistakes!

Putting on the dress.

A groom's first look.

Enraptured.

Sweet kisses with old-fashioned veils.

The most beautiful dress (maybe tied with this and this:)

"Irene and Alison rode the freight elevator up to the roof to make their grand entrance, but the lift got stuck for about five minutes. (The band played the 'Wedding March' on repeat till they finally emerged.)" Eeks! Here, they're dancing the hora. -- New York Weddings

"We choreographed a dance to 'If There's Such a Thing as Love," by the Magnetic Fields. But we hadn't practiced with Mary wearing her dress; plus, we were nervous and maybe a little intoxicated. The dance was falling apart; then her veil fell off when I dipped her. Our friends started cracking up, and we just made up our own dance. It ended up being one of our favorite moments of the wedding." -- our friends Austin and Mary

"People kept asking me if I was going to do a split; it's my signature move. I was like, 'Absolutely not!' But later there was a dance-off with break dancing and an older gentleman spinning on the ground. That set off the happy endorphins. I did the split and Ninja Turtled out of it on my back." -- Kim Zatina, New York Weddings

Sparklers at Rob and Susan's wedding.

What was your favorite moment of your wedding--or any wedding you've been to? :)

(Photos by Ali Harper, Rob Meyer, Tec Petaja, Braedon Weddings, SNAP, Jenna Walker and Lauren Ross, via Snippet & Ink; Lynn Michelle, via Glamour; Sarah Tew, Our Labor of Love, Jess + Nate)

10 unforgettable wedding moments

The most memorable wedding moments often come when you least expect them. Here are ten amazing moments, a few of which were actually mistakes!

Putting on the dress.

A groom's first look.

Enraptured.

Sweet kisses with old-fashioned veils.

The most beautiful dress (maybe tied with this and this:)

"Irene and Alison rode the freight elevator up to the roof to make their grand entrance, but the lift got stuck for about five minutes. (The band played the 'Wedding March' on repeat till they finally emerged.)" Eeks! Here, they're dancing the hora. -- New York Weddings

"We choreographed a dance to 'If There's Such a Thing as Love," by the Magnetic Fields. But we hadn't practiced with Mary wearing her dress; plus, we were nervous and maybe a little intoxicated. The dance was falling apart; then her veil fell off when I dipped her. Our friends started cracking up, and we just made up our own dance. It ended up being one of our favorite moments of the wedding." -- our friends Austin and Mary

"People kept asking me if I was going to do a split; it's my signature move. I was like, 'Absolutely not!' But later there was a dance-off with break dancing and an older gentleman spinning on the ground. That set off the happy endorphins. I did the split and Ninja Turtled out of it on my back." -- Kim Zatina, New York Weddings

Sparklers at Rob and Susan's wedding.

What was your favorite moment of your wedding--or any wedding you've been to? :)

(Photos by Ali Harper, Rob Meyer, Tec Petaja, Braedon Weddings, SNAP, Jenna Walker and Lauren Ross, via Snippet & Ink; Lynn Michelle, via Glamour; Sarah Tew, Our Labor of Love, Jess + Nate)

Office romance

My jaw dropped when I saw these effortlessly sexy J. Crew work dresses. If you're in the mood for an office romance, I think these would do the trick.

Which of these would you wear?

Office romance

My jaw dropped when I saw these effortlessly sexy J. Crew work dresses. If you're in the mood for an office romance, I think these would do the trick.

Which of these would you wear?

Star projector

Picture this: Your crush invites you over for dinner, and, when you arrive, you're greeted with a glass of wine, Sigur Ros on the iPod, and this star projector. How amazing would that be?

I'd love it for quiet married nights at home, too. Would be a fun way to eat burritos and watch Curb your Enthusiasm, haha.

Star projector

Picture this: Your crush invites you over for dinner, and, when you arrive, you're greeted with a glass of wine, Sigur Ros on the iPod, and this star projector. How amazing would that be?

I'd love it for quiet married nights at home, too. Would be a fun way to eat burritos and watch Curb your Enthusiasm, haha.

On relationships

My sweets, I LOVE doing Motherhood Mondays and talking openly about all things parenthood. Thank you so much for the fascinating discussions and eye-opening comments.

So, I had an idea! I'd like to start a new series: Relationship Thursdays. (Is there a catchier name?:) I keep thinking of relationship-y things that I'd love to discuss, but so far, there hasn't really been a place on the blog for that. So, now, we can talk in honest and fun ways about everything from first dates and break-ups to weddings and spouses, as well as other relationships, like those with friends, parents and siblings.

What do you think? I'm excited. Let me know if you have anything in particular that you'd want to talk about! xoxoxo
(Top photo by Corey Arnold; bottom photo of the sweet Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward)

On relationships

My sweets, I LOVE doing Motherhood Mondays and talking openly about all things parenthood. Thank you so much for the fascinating discussions and eye-opening comments.

So, I had an idea! I'd like to start a new series: Relationship Thursdays. (Is there a catchier name?:) I keep thinking of relationship-y things that I'd love to discuss, but so far, there hasn't really been a place on the blog for that. So, now, we can talk in honest and fun ways about everything from first dates and break-ups to weddings and spouses, as well as other relationships, like those with friends, parents and siblings.

What do you think? I'm excited. Let me know if you have anything in particular that you'd want to talk about! xoxoxo
(Top photo by Corey Arnold; bottom photo of the sweet Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward)

New York City Hall wedding

Our good friends Maz and Lee tied the knot at New York's City Hall. The following evening, they threw a big party in Brooklyn for our friends. The weekend was so relaxed, easygoing and full of love. These photos look straight out of a 1960's French film!

Would you ever consider getting married at City Hall?

(Photos by Stephen K. Schuster. Lee's dress was from Theory; her veil, jewelry and shoes were vintage.)

New York City Hall wedding

Our good friends Maz and Lee tied the knot at New York's City Hall. The following evening, they threw a big party in Brooklyn for our friends. The weekend was so relaxed, easygoing and full of love. These photos look straight out of a 1960's French film!

Would you ever consider getting married at City Hall?

(Photos by Stephen K. Schuster. Lee's dress was from Theory; her veil, jewelry and shoes were vintage.)