Attention, jewelry-lovers. While your engagement ring might offer plenty of sparkle, chances are, you’ll need a few add-ons to complete your stellar wedding look. A piece of costume jewelry can really be unique; anyone can wear pearls but are they truly memorable?

If you need some standout pieces, consider borrowing. We love this Chanel cuff featured above (borrowed from a friend!). If your nearest and dearest don’t have anything too enticing try Bag Borrow or Steal, you’ll find plenty of choices from the illustrious ranks of Chanel, Gucci, Vera Wang, Tiffany & Co., David Yurman, and loads more.

And if you really fall in love, there’s always the option to buy!

I know traditionally it’s bad luck to see your groom before the wedding (although I’m fairly certain no one has ever used it as grounds for divorce!) but Alex and I wanted to celebrate with our guests immediately after saying “I do”; so we decided to see each other before the ceremony and it was one of the best decisions we made. Plus, our brilliant photographer, Christian Oth, promised that the overcast winter light would give us gorgeous photos (and he was right!). As our guests prepared for the big night, Alex and I snuck away to spend the afternoon together.

Not only did the streets of New York’s Meatpacking and Tribeca Districts provide a romantically chic atmosphere for our first meeting, but Christian used a long lens which gave us the privacy we desired for such an personal moment (we suggest a trial run/engagement session with your photographer, so that on your big day you’re not camera shy!). Afterwards we captured a few formal portraits and enjoyed some private time with our families and wedding party. For those few intimate hours we were able to diminish any stresses; and truly focus on what was really important, before the action of the ceremony and reception kicked into high gear.

The decision to see your fiance prior to your wedding is truly a personal one. But don’t lose any sleep over it; and make sure it’s for the right reasons, not because of a silly superstition.

If it’s any consolation, those few hours I spent with my husband to be, made me feel like the luckiest girl in the world!!

Nothing spells independence like a little “to me, from me” gift! Celebrate this 4th of July with a sparkler all your own. Check out this shooting star ring and other amazing pieces at www.chanel.com, part of the Comete Fine Jewelry collection. The 4th of July spirit can be with you forever with this stunning piece. They’ll be ooohing and aaahing all night long. And we think you will too…

P.S. Wouldn’t this make a unique engagement ring as well? Certainly worthy of fireworks!

Hi everyone, it’s Beth. June 4th was a truly an amazing day–I married my best friend Corbin. Given that I design bridesmaid gowns and wedding dresses for a living, you might think I’d be flanked by two dozen maids at a big, splashy venue, with 250 guests. But that’s just not me. And yes, if you look closely, I am seven months pregnant, but this was no shot gun wedding. This was my dream wedding.

Corbin and I and our two best friends high tailed it down to City Hall on a Wednesday afternoon. Make no mistake, I had fun planning all the little details(see below), but the focus remained on the importance of the moment-the two of us saying “I do”!

The look was very sixties, I wore a rose faille Marc Jacobs dress (I bought it on sale!) with a Miu Miu headband and Chanel rhinestone bow bracelet. (Check out this amazing Balenciaga one-it’s on sale at Barneys for $399!) Given that City Hall in New York is not the most elegant place, we had our photographer take black and white images, which gave it a glam aura. We used Miho Kosuda (212-922-9122) as our florist; she’s a favorite of the fashion set for crisp, always chic designs. Our wedding rings were simple Cartier bands. And we rented a 1962 Rolls Royce from Silverstarlimo.com-perfect for drinking rose champagne on the ride to Blue Hill at Stone Barns, a destination romantic restaurant and working farm outside of the city that serves the most amazingly fresh food. This is the place you go for a very memorable occasion!

So as a new bride and a mom-to-be, here’s my wedding takeaway: I think so many couples get caught up in all that planning that they forget about the importance of the event. Think about it: If one morning, your fiance asked you to head down to the courthouse and tie the knot, what would you say? If you’re not game, then re-think the vows you’re about to take. Consider that your test!

The Cloister in Sea Island, GA

We love Capri as much as the next girl but with the ever increasing euro, not to mention your carbon footprint, why not stay closer to home? Domestic travel offers just as many exotic options, and you don’t even have to brave the international departure terminals of the airport. Besides, after all the planning and excitement, you’ll be thrilled not to be searching for your passport. Instead, head to one of these nearby gems and get right to the point of it all: Romance, Rest and Relaxation(and not Reality quite yet!)

Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, CA. Nestled on the cliffs of Big Sur, this is a truly special and unique experience. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with stunning views of the coast, you can escape into the Ventana Mountains or take a drive into Monterey or Carmel.

Twin Farms, VT. If peace and quiet is what you crave then you’ll love this quaint hotel and spa nestled on three hundred acres of wildflowers, rolling hills, wandering trails. And better yet, they’ll mind every last detail for you… picnic baskets at the end of a hike, grilled lunches at the Cabana, after dinner bonfires under the winter stars.

The Horned Dorset, Rincon, Puerto Rico. An exclusive and luxurious Relais & Chateaux resort embraces the best of the island’s west coast. If surfing is your thing, this is your spot!

The Mayflower Inn and Spa in Washington, CT. This secluded, romantic spot allows you to achieve utter remoteness merely two hours outside of New York City. Perfect for the on the go couple that don’t have the time for a 2 week honeymoon. Their spectacular spa makes all the difference, you’ll feel like you’ve been away for a month.

The Milliken Creek Inn in Napa, CA. Even if you love the Auberge du Soleil, this small hotel in the heart of wine country is located on a lush creek that feels more like a dream B&B. Enjoy a nightcap in their comfy living room-style lounge.

The Cloister in Sea Island, GA. With private access to five entire miles of solid beach, this exquisite Travel & Leisure favorite also boasts a top-rated golf course. It’s all the amenities of a large hotel but privacy is easy to find.