When we posted a request for fun and funky wedding pictures a few weeks ago, we got a huge response—and fabulous photos. Keep sending them! We’re looking for fun and unique pictures from weddings you’ve gone to or been in. Skip the portraits of the family and posed shots of the happy couple. Instead, send snapshots of cool elements you think others who are planning weddings might like to see. We’ve already gotten a picture of a bride and groom playing Guitar Hero onstage at the reception, one of a kickball-themed groom’s cake, and another of a bowling afterparty.

We know you have more, and we’d love to see them. E-mail your photos to lshallcross@washingtonian.com and we’ll start posting them soon.

More>> Bridal Party Blog | Wedding Guide | Wedding Vendor Search

Washingtonian contributor Cathy Alter and her husband, Karl Feldman, were married at the Artists Inn Residence in Dupont Circle.

What woman hasn’t grazed the magazine racks at Borders, spied a glossy cover of Cosmo adorned with a gorgeous, airbrushed celebrity, and wondered if, in exchange for forking over a few bucks, she really could rid herself of underarm jiggle and make men melt at her feet? Is anyone reading this raising her hand right now? I didn’t think so. We all wonder if those captivating cover lines can really work. Washingtonian contributor Cathy Alter spent a year finding out—and along the way, found and married the man of her dreams.

At 37, Alter’s list of accomplishments included a failed marriage, a taboo office romance, a less-than-thrilling writing career, and more cigarettes and alcohol than a convenience store stocks. Her wakeup call came when a close friend told her she was too destructive to be around anymore. So Alter sat down and wrote a wish list of what her life would look like in a perfect world. And when she did, the list bore a stunning resemblance to all the things Allure and Glamour offered—to be loved and successful, to stay looking young, to save money.

Have a photograph from a recent wedding you’d like to share? We’re looking for fun and unique pictures from weddings you’ve gone to or been in. We’re not looking for a portrait of the family or a posed shot of the happy couple. We’re looking for snapshots of cool elements you think others who are planning weddings might like to see. Unusual party favors? A really crazy-looking take on a cake? Bridesmaid dresses you actually can wear again? We’d love to see it.

E-mail your photos to lshallcross@washingtonian.com and we’ll start posting them later this summer. 

More>> Bridal Party Blog | Wedding Guide | Wedding Vendor Search

The choice between a dream wedding and a down payment on a house doesn't always have to be either or. Check out Friday night, rent-a-cake and other ways to save.

It's B.Y.O. costume at the wedding of Betsy Ross and Benjamin Franklin.

Ten reasons to love summer weddings. [via Ritzy Bee]

You sent out the recycled paper invitations, you served organic food at the reception, now it's time to pack your bags for your green honeymoon.

Beware of the carnation cake-turned sign in bulletin board. [via Wedding Dish]

Have bridal news to share? E-mail lshallcross@washingtonian.com.

Thursday morning, wedding planner Jen Stiebel of SoCo Events in Rockville swung by The Washingtonian to answer your questions. And answer she did! She was so intent on giving thoughtful replies to brides- and grooms-to-be that she stayed an extra 30 minutes, busily typing away, showing her vast knowledge of all things wedding in Washington. We tried to keep her all day but thought her bridal clients might not like that.

What are the top bridal-gown styles of the season? What are the "and guest" rules? Where can you cut corners without sacrificing quality? If you missed the chat, check out yesterday's transcript and read Jen's best tips for wedding planning.

Next week, we'll be rocking out with DJ Chris Laich. More details to come, but start submitting questions now! Chris will answer them Thursday at 11.
 

Want more Washingtonian.com online chats? Check out past Q&As with everyone from bartenders to other wedding pros, and submit questions to upcoming chats.

Happy summer! It’s the hottest season’s official start, though it’s been sweltering in DC for several weeks now.

June 20 also places the countdown at 71 days (until we’re hitched). To ensure that our big day goes off without a hitch, we have a bunch to tick off the to-do list, but it’s fun stuff: finalizing the reception’s playlist, choosing the ceremony’s Scripture verses, bachelor and bachelorette parties, dress fittings! Thankfully, God has totally blessed this time with anticipation and joy—and very few freak-outs—so we’re just excited, hence all the exclamation marks popping up everywhere!

In these next ten blog posts leading up to our big day, I’ll give you the rundown of what’s left on the list.

Our do-it-yourself invitations are out, and RSVPs have started rolling in, which got me thinking about the other print project we plan on doing ourselves: the program. In order to make the program, we have to know the ceremony’s order of events. And without a wedding coordinator, we have to also plan that from scratch: processional, vows, exchange of rings, songs, etc.

Being left at the altar didn't stop these women. One used her new-found infamy as a jilted bride to launch a career as an entertainment show host.

If you agree with our Reluctant Groomzilla that the best invitation is one delivered via e-mail, here are a few new reasons to love Evite even more. [via perfect memories wedding blog]

Honeymoon how-to's: book your plane tickets in your maiden name, take a second look at Switzerland, and stick to your budget.

If you throw a theme party, you really can wear that dress again.

"Kind of" engaged. That must be like "kind of" pregnant?

Have bridal news to share? E-mail lshallcross@washingtonian.com.