To my readers:

For the past 10 years, I've had the joy of writing the weddings site for About.com. It's now time for me to move on to other adventures, including building a new business. I thank each of you so much for your indefatigable loyalty and support over the past decade, and most of all, for sharing the singular joy of your wedding day with me.

With love,

Nina Callaway

The trend for elaborate marriage proposals keeps growing, fueled in part by tv shows like Mobbed, which has helped stage giant flash mob engagements, and viral videos such as Isaac's lip dup proposal. I assumed that such a giant amount of planning meant that the wedding would be equally elaborate. But I've now heard of several couples who chose a quiet and intimate ceremony after a big production proposal. Perhaps the couple already got plenty of public attention and love, and thus only want a private moment. Or perhaps the proposal exhausted all planning energy and money, leaving them wanting only simplicity. What do you think? Would you rather have a big proposal or a big wedding?

Being a bridesmaid is expensive! Along with expected costs like buying  a dress, there are many hidden costs such as travel, accessories, and even those bachelorette party favors. Here's what it really costs to be a bridesmaid, along with some practical ways to save money.

You would think after ten years of writing about weddings (and fifteen years of event planning), I'd be blase about everything wedding related. But when I was editing this reader's marriage proposal story of their New Year's Eve engagement in Dubai, I teared up! I just couldn't help it, thinking about her surprise and excitement, as well as how much work he put into making the moment magical. So at the risk of completely blowing my cool cover, I'm just going to come right out and say it. I love marriage proposals! I'll never get tired of reading about them, from the simplest casual ways of popping the question to elaborate stunt proposals.

If you're thinking of getting down on one knee, be sure to read our marriage proposal ideas and the Dos and Don'ts of Popping the Question. If you're just a romantic like I am, you'll want to read all of the real marriage proposal stories that our readers have submitted. Just keep the tissues handy!