What would make a bride want to grab her sleeping bag and camp out overnight in San Francisco’s North Beach? The Glamour Closet’s once-a-year, first-come-first-served blowout Sample Sale, that’s what! Last year’s intrepid and determined brides-on-a-budget left Glamour Closet very happy, with their discounted designer wedding dresses in tow.

The Dream Inn, a Santa Cruz landmark, has just reopened after a fantastic retro-chic makeover—and their stylish new oceanview banquet space is so ready for primetime.

Picture this: The spotlight’s on you and your new husband as you finish your first dance at your wedding reception. Waiting in the wings is the other important man in your life: your dad. As the final notes of that first song fade, Dad holds out his hand, ready to lead you back to the dance floor for the father daughter dance. But when the first few bars of the Village People’s “YMCA” scream their way out of your iPod, you’re frozen in horror…did you really forget to add a father-daughter dance song to your wedding playlist?!

I saw a super simple DIY way to decorate your cocktail tables for your wedding while hanging out on the harborside terrace at The Ritz-Carlton Marina Del Rey.

But then there are those who are country. People who consider cowboy boots and a sundress “formal wear”. People who frequently brake for farmer’s markets and dream of freeing the wildlife at the county petting zoo because keeping sheep in such a small area “just ain’t right.” People who say “y’all” because, well, doesn’t it roll off the tongue a little bit easier than “you all?”

Sure, plenty of zoos have the requisite elephant or giraffe… but the Santa Barbara Zoo has something more: 30 acres of lush, exotic gardens laced with majestic ocean views! Such stunning scenic attributes make the location a “natural” setting for out-of-the ordinary weddings.

I spent my 4th of July at The Carneros Inn in Napa for the wedding of Christy & Christian. It was such a treat to be a part of this event. Not only did I get to go to one of my favorite places in Wine Country but I got to witness a truly beautiful wedding. Martha Stewart eat your heart out!

A Guide Bride wanted to incorporate the groom’s Middle Eastern heritage in the invites and place cards, so she recently asked me if I could help her find Arabic wedding stationary. As someone who did the same fruitless search 7 years ago, I suggested an alternative that didn’t involve ordering invitations from an international vendor (will it arrive in time? what’s the currency exchange again?).