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Elizabeth Smart's Wedding Details!

2012-02-22T19:34:50Z

Despite rumors of an early summer wedding, former kidnap victim Elizabeth Smart and her boyfriend of one year, Matthew Gilmour, tied the knot on Saturday in Hawaii.

The couple exchanged vows at the Laie Hawaii Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a Mormon temple, on the island of Oahu. The wedding was small and intimate, with only close family and friends in attendance.

The 24-year-old bride wore an Alita Graham gown from Manhattan bridal shop Kleinfeld's, after weeks of "[trying] on just about every dress in Utah," Smart told People. The gown featured lace sleeves, a sweetheart neckline and satin-covered buttons down the back.

The groom, 22, wore a traditional Scottish kilt to honor his heritage and his father, who passed away from cancer in 2008.

After the ceremony, the wedding party moved to the island’s luxury Turtle Bay Resort, where a lunch reception was held. That night, the couple celebrated their nuptials with an evening wedding luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

"They are clearly besotted with each other, and it's a wonderful thing to see," the groom's mother, Kay Gilmour, told People. The newlyweds planned to depart on an "extended honeymoon" following the wedding festivities.

Smart first met Gilmour while both were serving on religious missions in Europe. The couple dated for a year before getting engaged in January, and planned their secret destination wedding in Hawaii just two weeks before the Big Day.

The reason behind the secretive nuptials? According to Chris Thomas, a spokesman for Smart, the bride -- who was kidnapped at age 14 from her Utah home in 2002 and held for nine months -- decided that "the best way to avoid significant distraction was to change her wedding plans and to get married in an unscheduled ceremony outside of Utah."

The nuptials were a surprise to many. Smart's best friend, Katy Lund Burgess, had no idea that the couple would get married so quickly. In fact, she had to book a last-minute flight to arrive just in time for the wedding.

According to People, Smart told guests that her wedding day was one of the happiest in her life: "Matthew, I love you so much," Smart said. "I couldn't be happier. I am so grateful that everyone is here to be with and support us on this beautiful day. I love you so much."

Why 15 Weddings Aren't Enough For This Couple

2012-02-22T18:23:28Z

Newlyweds Susan and Evan Money look every bit the happy couple in their photos from their wedding day in July 1997.

But like many blushing brides, Susan wondered how long the honeymoon period would last and how she and her husband could keep the spark alive.

And as the couple headed off to act as supervisors on a school trip to France a year later, their first wedding anniversary wasn’t shaping up to be the most romantic.

Is It Rude To Take Cell Phone Pics At A Friend's Wedding?

2012-02-22T18:20:28Z

This week, Farhad Manjoo and Emily Yoffe debate the question: Is it socially acceptable to take out your cell phone and snap photos of a wedding ceremony in progress, then post the shots to Facebook before the ink on the marriage certificate is dry?

WATCH: Where Did This 'Touched By An Angel' Star Meet Her Husband?

2012-02-22T17:56:08Z

Actress Roma Downey stopped by "Access Hollywood Live" on Tuesday to talk about her five-year marriage to reality TV mega-producer Mark Burnett.

Downey, who formerly starred on the long-running TV drama "Touched By An Angel," said that she first met her husband in a salon.

"He was having a haircut, and I was having a pedicure," Downey said. "Our eyes met in the mirror, you know, once, twice -- And then I thought, 'I can't look over again,' and I did."

The couple started dating in January 2004, and got engaged in November 2006 during a Thanksgiving family vacation in Mexico. They tied the knot in April 2007.

On "Access Hollywood," Downey fondly recalled her wedding, which took place on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, Calif. Downey's former co-star, Della Reese, officiated the ceremony. "Della's my mother, you know. We adopted each other on the show. When she first met Mark, she said, 'That is my daughter and if you hurt her, I will have you killed,'" Downey said.

Burnett and Downey both have children from previous marriages; Burnett has two sons, and Downey has a daughter.

She said they have successfully blended their families together: "We fell in love, and we've been inseparable ever since. We've brought our children together, we blended a family -- it was a marriage of five people." She added, "We're a good team, and it's such a blessing."

What's Your Time-Out Signal? How to Give It a Rest During a Fight

2012-02-22T17:15:15Z

Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow isn't the only one who finds the occasional time-out hand signal helpful. Researchers say that having a pre-arranged signal is one of the most important tricks to navigating the dangerous waters of arguments with your mate. In some cases, it can be the only thing that keeps a verbal dispute from turning physical.

Truth is, every couple disagrees -- some more frequently and more venomously than others. And as an argument escalates, the barbs get sharper, the comments cause deeper wounds and it becomes more a battle of emotional maiming than a conflict you actually hope to resolve. The best thing a fighting couple can do is stop before permanent damage occurs. But how do you become the partner who waves the red flag of "enough" without it looking like the white flag of surrender?

You establish a signal between you ahead of time, and when one partner reaches the breaking point, flash it. It signifies not concession to the argument, but simply, "I need a break. We are going too far and I want us to stop before one of us gets hurt." The signal can be verbal or nonverbal. In the case of one couple, calling out "chickpea" seems to do the trick.

Katie Ramsburgh, a marriage and family therapist with The Gottman Institute, said the institute's research has shown that in relationships where the couple had developed both verbal and nonverbal cues to let the other one know they needed a break, the couples were better able to "self-soothe, slow down and stop distress-maintaining thoughts." Ramsburgh said that after a break of 20 minutes or more, these couples were able to come back to the conversation.

Some couples use a “stop” hand signal, like a traffic cop, she said. Others use a time-out signal, like a referee. "Any pre-agreed upon signal will work," said Ramsburgh, who hastens to add that there are some "obvious" ones you wouldn't want to use. Think M.I.A. at the Super Bowl.

Does something this simple actually work?

"Yes," she said. "It works especially well if the couple has had a conversation about the cue when they are outside of the conflict conversation. Having a pre-agreed upon hand gesture or cue to let each other know that you need a break is crucial." There is an entire exercise devoted to this in the Gottman couples workshop.

The gesture serves as a repair technique. It slows down the momentum of the conflict and signals your partner that the conversation has gotten out of control. Ramsburgh adds, "It says: I am emotionally flooded. I am not able to continue this conversation right now. It does not feel safe to me. Please, let’s take a break."

Just turning your back and walking out the room, while suggesting that one person is no longer interested in continuing the conflict, won't cut it. In fact, walking out on an argument can actually escalate it.

Even a Carol Burnett-like tug on the left ear would serve the purpose. Here are some signals from the bedrooms of the Huffington Post staff to get the ball rolling:

One colleague gives his girlfriend a blank stare and raises his eyebrow. Another says they simply say the word "halt," which either has the right to do "if we're hungry, tired or drunk." And then, of course, there's "chickpea."

But our favorite technique of ringing the fight bell is literally ringing the fight bell.

Gail and Alec Wiggin of Connecticut, married for almost 25 years and in business together, resort to using a bowl bell (like this one), which she says, once rung has "absolute authority" to resolve the conflict. "The deal is this," said Gail, "no matter WHAT the situation, no matter WHAT has been said by either of us, when this signal enters the fray, each party must lay down arms immediately and unconditionally. The combat must cease -- just like that. Period. Furthermore, no matter what, apologies must follow on each side. AND no lingering resentments will be tolerated. It must be as though a giant eraser came down from the sky and just wiped out all the yuck."

What's your signal?

Australia Unearths Country's Largest Pink Diamond Ever

2012-02-22T16:00:58Z

A massive rough pink diamond has been unearthed in Rio Tinto's Argyle diamond mine in Western Australia, CNN reports.

At 12.76 carats, the remarkable find is said to be the largest stone ever discovered in the country and is expected to sell for up to $10.6 million, according to the Herald Sun.

Named the Argyle Pink Jubilee, the gem is similar in color to the 24-carat Williamson Pink given to Britain's Queen Elizabeth II as a wedding gift, explains the Telegraph.

"A diamond of this caliber is unprecedented -- it has taken 26 years of Argyle production to unearth this stone, and we may never see one like this again," Argyle Pink Diamonds Manager Josephine Johnson said in a statement.

The gem is being cut and polished into a single stone over a 10 day period and will be up for auction later in the year, Rio Tinto said.

In November 2010, Sotheby's Geneva office sold a 24.78-carat fancy intense pink diamond for more than $46 million, which set the world's auction record for any diamond and jewel at $1.86 million per carat.

More than 90 percent of the world's pink diamonds come from the Argyle mine.

WATCH: Are Brad And Angie Seriously Considering Marriage?

2012-02-21T23:11:44Z

Angelina Jolie opened up about her relationship with Brad Pitt at a special screening of her newest film, "In the Land of Blood and Honey," in Sarajevo, Bosnia on Tuesday.

Though the couple have yet to tie the knot, they are frequently rumored to be engaged or married. Pitt has previously said that the couple will not marry until gay marriage is legalized in America. When asked if the couple was any closer to tying the knot now that Proposition 8 -- which banned gay marriage in California -- has been overturned, the actress smiled and said, "Maybe."

There's been so much wedding talk that it seems to have influenced the Pitt-Jolie children as well. "They figured out what marriage is now, they're old enough so now they kind of like the idea of it," said Jolie. "But we're still convinced that half of them just want to party. They've heard there's good cake."

Pitt and Jolie have six children; three adopted and three conceived together.

Would You Agree To A 10-Year Fixed Marriage?

2012-02-21T22:24:02Z

Couples who, in a spirit of romance and hope, are beginning to prepare for a spring wedding would probably do well to avoid reading the press at the moment.

The darker side of marriage has been on display. In a law court last week, the former Mr and Mrs Huhne presented a memorable image of post-separation misery, thanks to the court artist. She sat blank-eyed at one end of the bench while he was at the other, his back turned huffily to his ex-wife. Then, over the weekend, a forthcoming book by Rachel Cusk, Aftermath: On Marriage and Separation, was serialised. Every sentence ached with unhappiness and regret.

Why Are Commuter Marriages On The Rise?

2012-02-21T22:17:28Z

Now married 13 years, the couple jokes they had to go through customs just to date. Little did they know four years ago when the economy tanked and Candice Knox got a job offer in Palm Desert, that the anniversary luggage he gave her 10 years ago would come in handy.

Raiders QB Denies Leaving Fiancee At Altar

2012-02-21T20:51:10Z

Oakland Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell was set to marry Jenny Montes over the weekend in the Dominican Republic but the wedding was unexpectedly called off at the last minute.

VIBE Vixen reported on Sunday that the 30-year-old quarterback "stood up" Montes, backing out of the wedding just hours before the ceremony.

On Tuesday, Campbell denied the report to The Washington Post, claiming the pair made a mutual decision to "put things off."

Per the Post report, the 162 guests who flew in for the occasion were told that the wedding had been called off but were not given an explanation why.

Campbell also refuted the rumors in a conversation with Kate Longworth of CSN Bay Area, telling her that it's not in his character to leave a fiancee at the alter.

Why Traditional Wedding Invitations Are So Over

2012-02-21T20:37:30Z

Couples are now going to extraordinary lengths in a bid to make their wedding stand out -- by sending invitations made from tea towels, CDs and even playable vinyl records.

The bizarre efforts are part of an extravagant new trend, which sees couples turn their back on traditional paper invites.

Would You Crowdsource Your Wedding?

2012-02-21T20:31:18Z

For all the time it takes to plan them, weddings come and go too quickly. So we're always looking for new and better ways to document them.

For most couples, that means shelling out for a really great photographer -- or hiring a really great videographer -- or creating a really great wedding website.

WATCH: A Mid-Season Wedding On 'The Bachelor'?

2012-02-21T19:32:40Z

The 16th season of "The Bachelor" isn't over yet, but that hasn't stopped one contestant from planning a full-on wedding.

On Monday's episode of ABC's "The Bachelor," a reality TV show in which 25 women compete for the love of one man, contestant Courtney Robertson confessed her love to bachelor Ben Flajnik in a mock wedding ceremony.

"This is the best way I can think of to show Ben how I feel about him," the model said of the faux nuptials, which took place in her hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona. "We're at this place where I've always wanted to get married and I've got a little wedding planned."

After Flajnik met her family, Robertson led the Sonoma winemaker to a park area set up with chairs, an altar, wedding decorations, rings -- and even a stand-in officiant.

Robertson, who donned a white dress for the occasion, made Flajnik write his vows right on the spot.

"This is pretty funny," said Flajnik, laughing nervously. "Oh man. I don't even know where to start."

Later, the couple exchanged their vows under the altar. Robertson's opening line ("I'm looking for love -- real love, passionate, consuming, can't live without each other love"), sounded suspiciously like a line from the series finale of TV show "Sex and The City," as The Stir points out.

In his vows, Flajnik told Robertson: "From the moment I saw you, you took my breath away. What I asked myself after our first date was, 'Was this too good to be true?' The answer to that I found in Belize is 'No' -- you're incredible."

Despite the pressure (and awkwardness) of the mock wedding, Flajnik didn't seem to mind the nuptials. "Standing up there with Courtney felt pretty natural, especially after meeting her family," he said. And Robertson seemed satisfied with the nuptials, too.

"We are not Mr. and Mrs. Flajnik yet, but it feels pretty good to try it on for size," Robertson said.

Ladies Of 'Glee' Parody 'Bridesmaids'

2012-02-21T14:56:19Z

Watch out "Bridesmaids," the ladies of "Glee" are coming for you. Judging from Lea Michele's recent tweet, it looks like Tuesday night's all-new Regionals episode, "On My Way," will feature some kind of wedding scenario.

After all, we know that Finn (Cory Monteith) asked Rachel (Michele) to marry him and that she accepted, but why are the McKinley High seniors practically running down the aisle? We'll have to wait to find that one out.

But it looks like Rachel kept to her word and didn't invite former Cheerio Quinn (Dianna Agron) to be one of her "Glee-Maids." However, we're not quite sure where her BFF Kurt (Chris Colfer) is hiding.

In anticipation of tomorrows very memorable episode.. We took this photo.. We call it GLEE-MAIDS.. twitter.com/msleamichele/s…
— Lea Michele (@msleamichele) February 21, 2012

In the "On My Way" preview photos below, it looks like Rachel, Artie (Kevin McHale) and Mercedes (Amber Riley) each get their time to shine in the spotlight. Plus, The Warblers' bad boy Sebastian (Grant Gustin) will get his chance to charm the audience.

Kristin Cavallari Shows Off Tiny Baby Bump

2012-02-19T18:55:00Z

Despite her pregnancy, mommy-to-be Kristin Cavallari is still keeping fit!

After a workout at the gym, the Dancing With the Stars alum was seen treating herself to a healthy smoothie at Erewhon Natural Foods store in Los Angeles. The star, who is starting to show the first signs of a baby bump, is currently expecting her first child with fiance Jay Cutler.