Hi.  I really can’t figure out why but my fiance’s parents HATE me.  We are getting married in two months and have been dating for two years.  They love his ex-girlfriend who fit into the exact mold they wanted for him.  She was more traditional – wanted to be a stay at home Mom and my career is very important to me.  I get that they want that type for him, but we are really in love and I am always polite and kind to them.  They even tried to get him back with his ex. They are barely civil to me and I cannot take it.

Just Want To Get Along, Austin, TX

Have a question?  Need some advice, support or opinions.  Email Liz (at) recycledbride (dot) com

One of the most famous couples are finally tying the knot!  And there is much to be learned from past weddings of fellow celebs.  READ MORE

To celebrate National Pet Week The Huff Post has created one of the cutest Pinterest boards we have ever seen!  More and more people are including their pets in their big day.  If you love animals as much as we do you must check this out. READ MORE.

I could use some support or advice.  I am engaged to a man I have been with for four years.  We really love and support each other.  Last night I mentioned I would never change my last name (I really didn’t think it was a big deal to him.) Well it is a big deal.  He got really upset and is not okay with this.  I hate the idea of changing my own name – I mean your name is your identity.  (well to me.)  I am a reasonable and compromising person, but he is not letting it go and I do not want to compromise on this.

- Suggestions?, Dallas, TX

If you have a question or need some help email liz (at) recycledbride (dot) com

Ok.  This is really really going to sound insane.  I am a member of a women’s group and we do different volunteer projects.  About 4 years ago we were assigned to write letters to prisoners.  I was shocked when mine wrote me back.  And  a bit scared.  We used a PO box of course.  All I knew was he was 27 and in jail for 20 years for murder.  As I got to know him through letters i found out a different story.  He had come from an abusive family and got involved with drugs and gangs.  In a middle of an addicted haze (he hardly remembers the details) he shot someone.  The person he shot was a drug dealer and was trying to rip off my fiance.  He was arrested (his 2nd offense – first was possession of illegal weapon) and this time he was locked away for life. He had just turned 20.   He got clean and sober and realized the error of his ways and the source.  He is currently getting a high school and then college degree while in prison.  He is getting involved in a program to speak to at risk youth who are going down the same road he is. Through these letters and visit we have fallen in love and he asked me to marry him.  He could get out earlier with good behavior.  Am I nuts?!

Know It’s a Risk, Detroit, MI

Got a question?  Email Liz (at) recycledbride (dot) com

For a mere $68 million this could be the ideal wedding ring for those with a bit of budget and a craving for bling.

Made by Swiss luxury jewelers Shawish, the makers are heralding it as the “world’s first diamond ring.” READ MORE

When Elizabeth and Jason Fraser got married on Sept 3, 2011 while on a tight budget they knew they wanted atrue Cape Breton wedding, that was of course still very meaningful. They then decided to call on the special talents of family and friends. Every detail of the wedding that they did not make themselves was created by a guest. This participation ranged from a  bowl of potato salad to a floral arrangement, and even cleaning the kitchen at the end of the night. As much as possible was made out of recycled materials – brooch bouquets from second hand jewellery, banners out of used pillow cases, cupcake stands out of old dishes, and lace tablecloths out of old curtains.

The ceremony was held at the historic Savoy Theatre , a 1920s grand Victorian theatre in Glace Bay. A piano and fiddle, along with the groom’s kilt, gave the ceremony a true Cape Breton feel  with an atmosphere of having stepped back in time. Elizabeth  lucked out in  finding a second-hand Pronovias dress, of layers of lace and tulle.

She  complemented  her dream dress come true with many meaningful and personal touches. Elizabeth handmade the  fascinator while the rest of the accessories were from the most important people in her life -the pearl earrings were the mother of the groom’s, the pearl choker her grandmother’s,  pearls from her mother were worn as a  bracelet and she wore  her other grandmother’s diamond on her finger. The groom’s kilt was his family tartan, borrowed from his brother.

To have those you love most participate and contribute so intimately could not be topped by even the most  expensive of weddings.

Photos by Stephanie McHugh Photography

This dress really is beautiful!

Such pretty and supportive friends.

And the groom has some handsome friends too.

The cutest guest by far.  How did they contribute?

What a special personal touch.  Very unique.

So special with all the small personal touches.

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Bride-to-be’s are doing everything from going on feeding tubes to getting injections to lose weight for their wedding. How far would you go?  Let us know what you did/ are doing to lose weight for your wedding?  Are you?  Or are you OK as is?