Nicole Kidman the Happy Housewife

Nicole Kidman has been one of the most acclaimed actresses of this generation.  This Australian actress enjoyed much of the nineties starring in several art house successes, such as To Die For and Eyes Wide Shut, alongside then-hubby Tom Cruise. Kidman then had a huge mainstream success with Moulin Rouge, for which she was nominated for an Oscar.   It was no surprise then when she took home many awards, including the Oscar, in 2003 for her portrayal of Virginia Woolf in The Hours.   But these days Kidman is happily staying at home in Nashville, not working as much and being a good wife and mother.

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban

The pair married in 2006, but not without a sequence of elaborate pre-wedding festivities, including some fabulous bachelor and bachelorette parties.  Their wedding was held in North Sydney at a chapel overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Sydney Harbor.  They even decorated the chapel with white freesias, gardenias and carnations.   Of course, Nicole’s style was classic and certainly the talk of all the guests.  Kidman arrived in a cream-colored 1948 Rolls Royce, wearing a simple ivory tulle wedding dress designed by Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga.  She walked down the aisle carrying a simple bouquet of white roses.    The couple also asked for no gifts at their wedding, but for guests to donate to the Sydney Children’s Hospital.  Kidman’s wedding ring featured three huge diamonds surrounded by several smaller diamonds.

The couple has had their ups and downs, with Urban having a stint in rehab.  But these days Kidman happily announces that the couple never spend more than three days apart.  “I think I’ve reached a point in my life where I’ve slowed down a lot, so it’s not difficult.  My priority is very much keeping my family together and not being away from them.”  Kidman says.

Kidman and Urban had a child in 2008, named Sunday Rose.  A friend exudes, “She’s never been healthier.  She is absolutely radiant and enjoying nesting and homemaking with Keith at their new home in Nashville.”

Tough Time Brings Bret Michaels and Girlfriend Closer

Last week’s brain hemorrhage scare was totally unexpected for Bret Michaels. Luckily the Poison singer and Celebrity Apprentice star had longtime girlfriend, Kristi Gibson, to lean on through the difficult time. Friend and guitarist Pete Evick added, “In most of our world, Bret’s the hero, but in this situation, Kristi was the hero–she saved his life.” The couple have been together an amazing sixteen years, and have two daughters together–Raine, 9, and Jorja, 5.

Bret Michaels

Gibson revealed,”I’m used to being calm, because of the times when his blood sugar was low, and if I freak out, he freaks out.” Gibson originally accompanied Michaels to the hospital. “I said, ‘I’m not leaving his side.’ I held his hand and told him ‘it’s going to be okay.’ Just from his eyes, you could tell how much pain he was in. I wanted to take away that pain so bad.”

Michaels calls his relationship with Gibson a “work in progress”. The couple have dated, on and off, for sixteen years. The couple were formally together from 1994-2005. When Michaels televised quest for romance on the Rock of Love series failed, Michaels and Gibson rekindled their romance. So is there any chance the pair will be exchanging wedding rings?  “What I want to do is make a positive bucket list,” Michaels says. “There’s just so much more I want to do and experience. [Getting married], for sure, is something I have never done.   Kristi’s such a great person.  We’ll see if that happens.  But yes, that may be one of the big things on the list.”

Seth Green Feeling Lucky As a Newlywed

Actor and producer Seth Green couldn’t be happier with his new wife.  The “Party Monster” and “Austin Powers” actor married girlfriend Clare Grant on Saturday, May 1 at a private vineyard in Northern California, just outside of San Francisco.

Grant, the new Mrs. Green, wore a tiered Oscar de la Renta gown.  And the always stylish Seth wore a custom-made suit from Dennis Kim.  And who designed the wedding rings?  Seth Green himself–along with the collaboration of Barry Jay Jewelers.  Well-known Los Angeles jeweler Tarina Tarantino also gave the wedding some added glamour with Clare’s headpiece and Seth’s diamond cufflinks.

Seth Green

Clare’s friend and producer from $5 Cover,  Craig Brewer, helped to preside over the wedding.   Though the couple will surely enjoy the beginning of their first marriage (and hopefully, only marriage), the pair definitely plan to continue to be busy with their careers, with more roles for Clare and her new husband continuing his busy schedule with voice work on the hit series “Family Guy” and “Robot Chicken”.

“We can’t believe we found each other.”  The couple said in a statement they released.  “We’ve never been happier!”

Timeless Wedding Traditions

For your wedding, it’s nice to honor some timeless traditions that many couples have shared on the day they exchanged wedding rings. Even if you’re looking to have a ceremony and after-party with a contemporary feel, it’s good to include some traditions your parents would have had on their wedding day.

Cutting Cake Cutting the Cake Together. It is a time-honored tradition of the bride and groom to cut the wedding cake together and feed each other a small slice. Make sure to save the top of the wedding cake, and freeze for a year so you can share it on your first anniversary together. An interesting factoid is that originally wedding cakes were called bride cakes and the white of the cake was considered pure. In fact, even today many brides request that the cake color match the color of their wedding dress!
Giving away the Bride Giving the Bride Away. This is a symbolic walk from the old life to the new. One or both of the bride’s parents leads the bride down the aisle to her husband, who is patiently waiting for his wife and their new marriage together. Some couples ask a godparent to do this action, while more unconventional couples may consider a close relative or best friend. Either way, those with cameras can expect to find a tearful bride as this symbolic action tends to be an emotional moment.
The Kiss The Kiss. This is a ritual dating back to Roman times, when couples would have to kiss in front of an elected witness to make their union official. Nowadays friends and family applaud as they watch the couple share their first kiss together (as a wedded couple!) after the announcement, “You may kiss the bride”. If you’re a bit picky about how things look, practice that kiss beforehand! Is it going to be prolonged, spontaneous or just very simple? This is also a moment the wedding photographer usually captures, so try to make it look good!
First Dance First Dance. What are you going to dance to? Is it going to be slow and dramatic, like “My Heart WIll Go On” by Celine Dion, or something more upbeat like “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston? A couple’s first dance together as a wedded couple is a symbolic way to show everyone how they plan to dance through married life, so pick a good one! Try to make this first dance song a special one, too. Perhaps it was something you heard on your first date night or something from a movie you both love.
Wedding Toast The Toast. Typically the Best Man is the one to give the big toast, but others may follow, including the Maid of Honor, is so inclined. If you want an elaborate toast, it might be good to mention that to the Best Man so he can prepare. Long speeches or entertaining stories and anecdotes can be nice, otherwise short and sincere well wishes are just fine. If your Best Man is a childhood bud, a stories from your early years can be entertaining and will probably bring tears to your parent’s eyes.

Tori Spelling and Husband are “So Together”

Reality TV star and former 90210 castmate, Tori Spelling, appeared on the Ellen Degeneres Show this week with husband, Dean McDermott and was quick to dispel divorce rumors. The couple, who met on the set of a movie they were both filming in 2005, were definitely sporting their wedding rings on the show. Some would think it might be tough to look for engagement rings that would impress the daughter of multi-million dollar mogul, Aaron Spelling, but McDermott settled on a simple but extravagant diamond and sapphire ring.
Tori and Dean On the show, Spelling enthusiastically professed how the couple were definitely still in love. “Everyone has marital problems,” Spelling told Degeneres, “You know, you fight with your partner.” Spelling has delivered a seemingly endless stream of on-air updates on the status of her marriage to McDermott. Is the couple actually having problems or is it just happy coincidental intrigue that helps them promote their current reality TV show? Spelling had much of the same to say over a week while on the Today show, which conveniently centered around a clip of the couple in a heated fight on the fifth season of their hit show, Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood. The clip shows Spelling telling Dean, “It’s like you got more and more unhappy and angry. I just want the old Dean back. I really do. I miss you so much.”

While earlier seasons of the reality TV show put more focus on them raising their children and running their bed and breakfast, this season focuses on them more as a couple. How would you and your partner fare if you were televised on reality TV?

Kate Walsh No Longer Legally Married!

Kate Walsh can now officially remove her Neil Lane engagement and wedding rings!  A Los Angeles judge dissolved the 14-month marriage of Private Practice star, Kate Walsh, this week.   Walsh married her beau, film executive Alex Young, in September 2007, but the pair filed for divorce back in November 2008, due to irreconcilable differences.

Kate Walsh

The couple seemed to have parted amicably, however, with an unusual agreement on how to divide some of their property: through the flip of a coin.   After reaching a divorce settlement in February, the couple agreed to use a coin-toss method to divide their property.  Their divorce agreement reads: “One half of the community property furniture and artwork to be divided by alternating picks after the flip of a coin to determine who will pick first.”

In addition to half of the luxury furniture and property, Young is set to get a cool $627,000, and one-half of residuals from all work performed by Walsh during their marriage.  Not bad!   At the moment Walsh has been spotted all over Los Angeles on dates with her new boyfriend, Neil Andrea.

Russell Brand a Groom-zilla?

Pop singer Katy Perry seems to think her fiancée, comedian Russell Brand, is a real groom-zilla. The joking British comedian posted a picture of himself on Twitter in full bridal get-up, with a bossy and imperious look. “Bridezilla much?” Perry commented. In the pic, Brand was wearing a white lace gown and veil, but there was no word on whether this was Perry’s actual wedding dress. Many Twitter users have commented they hope it’s not.

Katy Perry and Russell Brand

A bride or groom-zilla, of course, is a bride or groom who is obsessed with all the details. If you or your fiancée is a real bride-zilla or groom-zilla, then make sure they get you only the best in terms of gowns, floral arrangements and wedding rings.

“He’s like a freak.” Perry told MTV News “He’s always, like, buying bride magazines. Every time we go out for breakfast, he’s like ‘Can we just stop and get a bridal magazine?’”

The pair may not be having an extravagant wedding. In fact, the only thing they know is that they’ll be marrying in India. “We just want it to mean something. It doesn’t matter if it’s just me and him or if it’s a big, fat ordeal.”

Of course, the tabloids are going to want a big fat ordeal because that’ll mean more pictures!

20 Honeymoon Hot Spots

So you’ve got the engagement rings and the wedding all in the bag, but there’s one thing left to consider: your honeymoon. You want it to be as romantic as possible and most couples choose a tropical location, known for their beaches and private island getaways. No matter what your income level is, here are twenty fantastic honeymoon hotspots, some of which are frequented by celebrities and are known as the most exotic getaways in the world.

Maui Four Seasons Maui, Hawaii. It’s the obvious choice and time-proven as thousands of newlyweds head to Hawaii every year for romantic post-nuptial bliss. With a wide variety of beaches, islands, volcanoes and spectacular resorts, Hawaii is a great choice for couples who want an exotic location with literally tons of options available to them. Visit the Four Seasons at Wailea Beach, booking a spa treatment at the spa, Hale.
Kauai Kauai, Hawaii. Here’s a special option for honeymooners: a privately-owned estate only minutes from the beach. The Kauai Lakeside Estate provides guest with a 20-acre lake, beautiful master bedrooms, a multi-tiered treehouse and even it’s own white sand beach. The gracious owner of this property will be happy to help you customize your stay here.
Los Cabos Las Ventanas Los Cabos, Mexico. While Mexico City can provide you with all the hustle and bustle of the city life, more scenic routes include destinations like Los Cabos, a favorite amongst Hollywood stars. The Las Ventanas al Paraiso Resort provides an excellent getaway with gorgeous rooms and an infinity pool that is one of the best in Mexico.
St Lucia St. Lucia. Recently known as singer Amy Winehouse’s “home away from home”, St. Lucia has also seen it’s fair share of honeymooners. With beautiful clear blue waters, vast tropical rain forests and secluded beaches, who wouldn’t want to head toward one of the famed resorts here for their honeymoon?
Post Ranch Inn Big Sur Big Sur, California. What could be better than a private view of the spectacular Big Sur Coastline? The Post Ranch Inn features rooms with rustic charm, breathtaking views, wood-burning fireplaces and private indoor or outdoor hot tubs.
Bora Bora Bora Bora, French Polynesia. The exclusive Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa located off the main island on Motu To’opua features a long white sand beach and above-water bungalows.
Inn at Little Washington Washington, Virginia. The Inn at Little Washington is known across the globe as a culinary shrine for food enthusiasts. Set in Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, chef Patrick O’Connell cooks up some of the finest American cuisine you’ll ever taste. And with the Shenandoah Valley at your feet, this locale will makes for a serene and peaceful honeymoon.
Paris Paris, France. The One by the Five Hotel will knock you out for its “wow” factor for those visiting the City of Lights. This hotel gets five stars for its romantic ambience and high-tech lighting and sound system. There’s nothing better to come back to after visiting the Eiffel Tower and having a romantic evening out.
Las Vegas Venetian Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada. Looking to spend some of that wedding cash you made on the slots? Try The Venetian Hotel, where honeymooners can take a gondola ride on the recreated canals of Venice.
Tented Camp Golden Triangle Thailand Thailand. Take a riverboat to the magical Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle to see where East Asian countries meet and stay in a beautiful, vaulted tent that will be one of the most luxurious rooms you’ve ever seen.
Zermatt Switzerland Zermatt, Switzerland. The Matterhorn is right outside your window and some of the best skiing in the world, the Riffellalp Resort provides guests with heated pools, steam baths and delicious Swiss cuisine.
Sea Cloud Cruises Caribbean and Mediterranean Sea. Take one of the Sea Cloud Cruises and go on a sailing trip like no other. Replete with 29 sails, this 365 foot sailing ship features ten original cabins with a classic old world charm and will give you an unforgettable honeymoon experience.
Jackson Hole Four Seasons Jackson Hole, Wyoming. If you’re looking to pack some American sightseeing into your honeymoon, then try staying at the Four Seasons Resort in Jackson Hole, which is located near the Grand Tetons and Yellow Stone National Park. This resort provides outdoor enthusiasts with a particularly wonderful winter getaway as well, with hundreds of miles of cross-country skiing available.
Little Palm Island Resort and Spa Florida Keys. The Little Palm Island Resort and Spa offers lagoon-shaped pools and meditative Zen gardens–enough to satisfy any couple who want a tranquil getaway in a tropical environment. While honeymooning at this private island getaway, honeymooners can go parasailing, jet-skiing, snorkeling and enjoy some R & R on the beach.
Mexico Hacienda San Angel Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Puerto Vallarta is a popular choice amongst honeymooners for its authentic Mexican culture and beautiful beaches, visited by such celebs as Jennifer Aniston and Elizabeth Taylor. Stay at the secluded and exclusive Hacienda San Angel, which is composed of five villas linked together (one of which was frequented by Taylor and Richard Burton).
Costalegre Mexico Costalegre, Mexico. Known as an eco-friendly destination amongst travellers, adventurous honeymooners will love this place. Lodgings are built on stilts amidst a clear Pacific Ocean lagoon. Guests have to raise a red flag to order whatever they wish.
Snoqualmie Washington Snoqualmie, Washington. Only a half hour from downtown Bellevue, couples can stay at the fabulous Salish Lodge and Spa, enjoying long couples massages, cuddling up in front of the fireplace and of course a seven-course meal at their award-winning restaurant.
Tofino Vancouver Island Tofino, Vancouver Island. British Columbia. Consider staying at the famous Wickaninish Inn, which features sensational views of the crisp Chesterman Beach. Great organic meals are provided by The Pointe Restaurant, where you can watch whales go by from March to July.
Cannon Beach Oregon Cannon Beach, Oregon. With rooms overlooking the scenic Haystack Rock, the Stephanie Inn is an excellent and quaint place to stay. Couples from all around the world come here to celebrate their anniversary and honeymoon at this Inn which provides world-class cuisine and excellent service.
Whistler Canada Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. Known amongst travelers as one of the best wintry honeymoon destinations, honeymooners can ski in and out from the hotel. The hotel provides impeccable service, excellent ski trails, luxurious rooms and is only miles away from some world-class shops and restaurants.

Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady at Sister’s Wedding

Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen took her husband, Tom Brady, to her sister’s wedding in Brazil on Saturday.  And her sister is not just any sister, but a twin–a complete look-alike!   Wonder if they ever care to let the sister in front of the fashion camera?  Of course, Gisele isn’t shy about flaunting her own wedding bling.  Football all-star Brady gave her a massive blob of diamonds, a huge stone with diamonds in pave diamonds surrounding it.   Was the wedding ring of Gisele’s twin sister so fancy?

Gisele Bundchen

Gisele served as maid of honor while leaving Brady in charge of the diaper bag. This was their newborn son’s first trip abroad to Gisele’s native Brazil.  The wedding also coincided with Earth Hour, an event where people around the world turn off their lights for one hour in solidarity with environmental awareness issues.  Bundchen even said on her blog, “When it was time to turn the lights off, Patricia made a brief speech about the importance of everyone doing their part for the environment.  At the end,  all the guests gave a standing ovation.”

No Baby for Beyoncé…Yet

Despite persistent rumors that Beyoncé was expecting a baby with hubby Jay-Z, the star’s publicists have responded and say the singer is not pregnant…yet.  Beyoncé has recently expressed interest in starting a family, which has had gossip tabloids bursting with rumors.  And in spite of the age gap (Jay-Z is 40), Beyoncé is only a crisp 28.  Speaking about the prospect of a family, Beyonce has said “I hope that those things will just happen naturally.”  And of course this pregnancy rumor surfaced the same week that Beyoncé’s father, 58, was dogged by a paternity test confirmation that he is also the father of a newborn baby boy.

Beyonce and Jay Z

Beyoncé married Jay Z in a secret ceremony two years ago, and so we might expect that if Beyoncé was pregnant, we wouldn’t find the news out until it was obvious.  The pair did a very skillful job of keeping their marriage under wraps for almost a year, preventing a tabloid onslaught.  The “Crazy in Love” singer didn’t flash her wedding ring until late 2008.  With an 18 carat flawless diamond by Lorraine Schwartz, wedding rings like this don’t come cheap.  It is valued at a cool $5 million!