Your wedding is a chance to be a star for the day, so why not draw inspiration from the Oscars? After you’ve walked down the red carpet aisle and struck a pose for the paparazzi, show off some glitz and glamour at your reception with a few of these academy awarded ideas:

1. Movie Screening Lounge

Play your favorite movie for those who need a break from dinner and dancing.

 Photo: Lindye Galloway Events 

The most popular reason to take engagement photos is for your save-the-dates. But, it’s also a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera with your wedding photographer and see how your photographer operates. (Think of it as a test run.) Trust your photographer to bring out you and your fiances’ personalities in a creative way. So, when it comes time to introduce yourselves to your guests, why not choose one of these 5 unique engagement session locations:

1. Carnival 

Still little kids at heart? Relive your childhood by spending an afternoon at a carnival. Play games, ride the carousel, eat cotton candy and maybe win a prize or two!

Photo: Indigo Photography

2. NFL Football Stadium

Die hard football fans? Score a touchdown on your favorite NFL football stadium.

Photo: Vanessa Joy Photography

3. Ski & Snowboard Resort

Adventurous? If you love colder weather and hitting the slopes, trek down the mountain together.

Photo: Jason + Gina Photography

4. On the River

Down to earth? Float down the river in a little canoe. Nothing’s more romantic than reenacting “The Notebook.”

Photo: Natalie Franke Photography

5. Pumpkin Patch

Is your favorite season fall? What better way to celebrate Halloween by heading over to your local pumpkin patch.

Photo: Alexandra Hunt Photography

For more creative engagement session locations, consider a flea market, coffee shop, train station, or even revisit your high school or college if you first started dating there. And remember, don’t forget to smile for the camera!

Photo: Natalie Franke Photography

Tis the season to be engaged! Jewelry stores are filled with silver and gold, sparkling with a diamond (or diamonds) awaiting a ring finger to adorn. According to our infographic, 43 percent of couples get engaged between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. Hence, why it’s no surprise that more couples get engaged during the holiday season than any other time of the calendar year. Perhaps, it’s one of these top reasons why your significant other proposed:

• You didn’t suspect anything when he/she went out to do some holiday shopping.
• It was the perfect opportunity to ask your parents’ permission.
• Having your family around made it more memorable.

Did your significant other pop the question? Let us know in the poll below.

 Loading ...

Photo: Natalie Franke Photography

Not only is there a possibility you may receive an antique engagement ring that’s been passed down from generations, but also a possibility you may receive a new engagement ring. Whatever your groom chooses (or you choose), your engagement ring symbolizes your commitment and love for each other. You’re bound to fall in love with its unique style, craftsmanship and character, but what if you got a secondhand ring when you thought you’d get a first rate? Let is know in the poll below which type of ring you would prefer.

 Loading ...

Photos (from left to right): Christy Whitehead Photography and Natalie Franke Photography

After checking “pick a cake” off your wedding to-do list, the next step is to pick a cake topper. Cake toppers are meant to accent your cake and wedding theme but also show off you and your husband’s personality together.  Whether you choose an animal cake topper like the ones pictured or a floral cake topper that accents your theme, remember it’s all comes down to how the cake tastes! For more cake topper inspiration, check out our gallery.

Photo: Kristen Marie Photography