Photo: Courtesy of Cory Weber Photography

We've been asking our favorite wedding photographers around the country to share some of their go-to spot for wedding portrait backdrops. Michigan-based Cory Weber of Cory Weber Photography suggested Crooked Creek Ranch in Cedar. "There's a plethora of gorgeous locations to choose from—everything from birch tree forests and the shores of Lake Leelanau to rustic horse pastures and lush wildflower fields," he says. "I've photographed wedding portraits there often and have a completely different experience each time." For more ideas on the best portrait backdrops in Michigan, pick up the latest issue of Brides Michigan magazine on newsstands now (and turn to page to page 104 to see a lovely wedding that took place at Crooked Creek Ranch). —Heather Lee, Editor, Brides Michigan

Photo: Marla Aufmuth

Generally, photos of the wedding cake after it's been sliced aren't all that pretty. This shot, however, is an exception to the rule—I'm so very in love with this rainbow-colored wedding cake baked by Simran Winkelstern of Swinkels Cakes in Los Angeles.

So, why a rainbow cake, you ask? "I discovered that my maternal grandmother had what was called a 'rainbow wedding,' a theme from the mid-20th century," says bride Alexis Frazier Olle Ward. "She had five bridesmaids who each wore a different color dress. Inspired by my grandmother, we decided to have our own rainbow wedding—we wanted it to be whimsical and personal and above all lots of fun! My mom and college friend Simran had the idea of incorporating the rainbow theme into the cake."

What about you? Would you consider serving rainbow-colored cake? —Lauren Matthews, editor

The best storybooks are filled with captivating colors and enchanting imagery, so their palettes, fonts, and illustrations can easily serve as a starting point for creating a fabulous wedding look.

See our style ideas for weddings inspired by:
- Waiting for Wings
- Miss Rumphius
- All in a Day
- Madeline

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

The red carpet frequently inspires bridal, bridesmaid, and groom fashion (check out this slideshow for more on that), but at the recent Emmy Awards, we saw some really adorable flower girl style too! Ten-year-old Kiernan Shipka, who plays Sally Draper on "Mad Men" wore a custom-designed dress of embroidered organza over taffeta and tulle by Papo d'Anjo, one of our favorite flower girl dress designers. The dress would make a perfect flower girl dress for a spring garden wedding, I particularly love the subtle hint of blues, greens, and yellows—it's traditional yet whimsical, and totally age-appropriate. For more cute flower girl dresses, check out our Flower Girl Index. —Kim Forrest

Courtesy of CMP Video Productions

There's really nothing like having a video record of your wedding—hearing your favorite aunt's voice, and watching your five-year-old cousin dance will be priceless years down the road—and there's a new videography team in town to create the film version of your wedding. Chad Michael Peters, one of the most talented event designers and coordinators in the Boston area, has teamed up with Ocean One Productions to create CMP Video Productions. They'll create a 12-15 minute wedding highlights film and a 40-50 minute full movie using music and live sound, check out this lovely sample on their website. And for lots more stories and tips from Brides Boston, check out our Facebook page. —Kim Forrest, Editor, Brides Boston

Courtesy of Lafco New York

There really isn't much room for out-of-the-box thinking when it comes to candles. Of course the scent is important, but we still love when companies come up with new ideas for the candle container like Lafco New York did with their new Little Luxuries collection. The lid, made to look like the top of a coffee cup, twists off to double as a stand for the candle. Available in all of Lafco's most popular scents, these candles (that have a 30-hour burn time) would make a great bridesmaid gift for only $20. —Cari Wolfert

When it comes time for Lea Michele to choose a wedding gown, she should look no further than her closet of red carpet dresses. The Glee actress wore an Oscar de la Renta dress to the Emmys this past weekend that has a gorgeous "bridal" equivalent (see below), which marked the third time in the past year that she wore a dress that was easily translated to, and already available, in wedding form. —Cari Wolfert

Photos: Courtesy of WWD/Courtesy of Oscar de la Renta

It all started out at the Golden Globes in January when Lea wore this beautiful, black Oscar de la Renta ballgown (below). Though not a perfect match, the sweetheart neckline and embroidered skirt on the white dress has the same, fashion-forward yet princess-like feel.

Photos: Courtesy of WWD/Courtesy of Oscar de la Renta

At the Grammy's in February Lea wore this navy, one-shoulder dress by Romona Keveza (bottom, right) which was shown next to a strapless, bridal style on the runway.

Photo: Dan Lecca

Conclusion: The "special" factor of a dress that appeals to celebrities when choosing a dress for the red carpet is similar to what brides are looking for in their wedding gowns, except in white.

See more of our favorite styles and bridal fashion takeaways from the 2010 Emmys.

Photos: Courtesy of Jayson Home & Garden

Lately we've been loving the look of rustic wedding receptions with lush flowers and ripe fruit arranged in wooden baskets. Recently, I came across these clever ceramic riffs on the farmers market basket, currently available at Jayson Home and & Garden in Chicago. They're clean and modern, and totally functional—I can imagine incorporating the ceramic vessels into an all-white tablescape featuring an assortment of white vessels filled with monochromatic flowers and fruits for bold pops of color. —Heather Lee, Editor, Brides Chicago

Courtesy of My Little Cupcake POP

I'm not a great baker, nor cook, nor really good at anything related to preparing food, so when I came across this no-bake mini cupcake mold for $6 I was instantly intrigued. I've seen similar mini cupcake recipes on various blogs and baking sites, but none that offer a fool-proof mold as a helper. The only ingredients you need to make these "cupcakes" are a package of OREO cookies (that you grind in a food processor), and package of cream cheese that you mix in with the cookie crumbs in a hand mixer. If you're feeling adventurous the variations are endless (add coconut, coffee, etc). Place each treat on a lollipop stick and cover in the chocolate and sprinkle color of your choice. Get more information and recipe instructions and ideas at mylittlecupcakepop.com. —Cari Wolfert

Photo: WWD

When Susan Sarandon and daughter Eva Amurri hit the red carpet at the Emmys this past weekend we couldn't help but think that they looked like they were going to a wedding. Sarandon, 63, wore a glittering Donna Karan gown and her daughter, 25, looked like a bride in a charmeuse Thierry Mugler dress.

We also thought these actresses (all 45+ years old) rocked age-appropriate yet stylish dresses that would work as MOTB gowns. —Cari Wolfert

Photo: WWD

Edie Falco (in Bottega Veneta) and Julia Louis-Dreyfus (in Narciso Rodriguez) jazzed up basic black with their fashion-forward dresses.

Photo: WWD

Berry seemed to be the winning color of the night. Both Kyra Sedgwick (in Monique Lhuillier) and Jane Lynch (in Ali Rahimi) took home statues.

See more berry-colored mother-of-the-bride dresses and browse all of our mom style stories.

Photos, Kaitlyn Iserman (Lula Kate); Thuss Farrell (Simple Silhouettes), Courtesy of Coren Moore (Coren Moore)

Choosing bridesmaid dresses that your girls will love and actually wear again is so important. We asked Mandi Jackson, owner of the Bella Bridesmaid salon in Atlanta, which bridesmaid dresses are destined to generate an enthusiastic response. Click here to read more about her top three picks. And visit our Facebook page for lots more stories and fun from Brides Atlanta. —Kim Forrest, Editor, Brides Atlanta

Photos: Cristina Lozito

Mint is a little jewel box of a store, overflowing with treats and gourmet snacks from all over the world. The shop's owner Hassan Jarane encourages the sampling of cheeses, chocolates, cured meats, nuts, and honeys that spill over counters and out of old time display cases. The whole experience of the place always leaves me feeling like I've happened upon a secret, and a bit drunk off of really good salami, pleasant conversation, and cheese laced with truffle oil.

Hasan has catered our photo shoots to rave reviews, as well as composed the most beautiful and delicious cheese platter for my own wedding vow renewal last summer. The vows were wonderful—the cheese was to die for. It got me thinking about how perfect Mint would be to cater a small wedding. Call or stop by for details—you'll leave happy and well fed, and hopefully with a bag of nuts and a roast chicken sandwich for the ride home. Mint, 18 Main Street, Tarrytown; 914-703-6511. —Cristina Lozito, Photo Editor, Brides.com

Photos: Courtesy of ThinkGeek.com

I just came across these awesome Stay Puft Caffeinated Marshmallows available on ThinkGeek.com. Each mallow features about 100mg of caffeine per piece and comes in a collectible, rubbery, marshmallow-like box. Buy a package for you and your groom and share the treats with your bridesmaids and groomsmen when they need a quick wedding-day pick-me-up. —Heather Lee, Editor, Brides.com

Courtesy of Ariat

If you're looking for a really fun and Texas-themed "something blue," check out these gorgeous ostrich boots from Ariat. They're the perfect special something to peek out from under your dress. How fun! Visit our Facebook page for more stories and style ideas from Brides Houston. —Kim Forrest, Editor, Brides Houston

Photo: Paige Elizabeth

For Sam and Brad, their choice of wedding site, Planet Bluegrass Ranch, was an easy call. "It's primarily used for music festivals," says Sam. "We've been going to bluegrass festivals there for years, and it's home to some of our favorite memories together. So it was only fitting that we get married there, too!" The couple said their vows on a lawn overlooking the St. Vrain River under a chuppah made of birch branches adorned with clusters of sunflowers, hydrangeas, delphiniums, and organza streamers. The reception was held in the open-air pavilion which was decorated with swags of organza and hanging lanterns. Some reception tables featured arrangements of green and blue hydrangeas. "We used blues, greens, and natural wood tones to complement the colors found outdoors and in the pavilion," says Sam. See more from this couple's wedding here.