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While we at Bridal Guide believe being “wedding ready” is a mindset anchored in body confidence and steeped in positivity, many brides want to trim and tone their look before their big day, but don’t necessarily have the time to do a full hour-long workout class. With this in mind, we asked pilates queen Andrea Speir to show us how to get toned in time for your “I dos,” in just 10 minutes.

1. Begin in a crab position – on your hands and feet, with your bottom hovering above the ground. Next, bend at your elbows, lowering your bottom to just above the mat, and move back up–dipping. Do 10 reps. 

2. When bending at the elbows, add a high-leg kick, as pictured below, then return back up. Do 10 on each side. 

3. Next, move into a side plank, with one foot in front of the other. Reach one arm up with your head facing the sky. Return to a regular plank position, add a push-up, and repeat on the opposite side. Proceed with 10 on each side. 

4. Stretch it out with child’s pose.

5. Move into a modified plank, with weight on elbows, holding for 30 seconds.

6. Next, move to your right side for 10 leg lifts, lifting your leg up, then lowering it in front of your right foot, return your leg back up, then lower behind your right foot. Do 10 of these, then switch to your left side for another 10 lifts. 

7. Lay on your back with both legs hovering off the ground, moving your legs slowly up simultaneously until you reach a 90 degree angle, then return legs so feet hover above the mat. Do 10. 

8. Remain on your back and place legs in table top position, with hands behind your head without straining your neck.

9. Next, move your right knee in to touch your left side of your chest while your left leg remains straight, parallel to the ground. The move should look like you are riding a bike. Continue the movement, 10 on each side. 

10. Have some fun for the final move, which has you standing on your knees, tucking your hips under so your abs are contracting, and rocking your hips in a swinging motion from left to right. Do this movement for the remaining time, around one minute.

For more expert moves from Speir, visit her YouTube channel.

Now that you know the moves to get you fit for your big day, find inspiration with these Top 10 Ways to Find Your Exercise Motivation.

-AS SEEN IN BRIDAL GUIDE MAGAZINE-

The Experts

Michelle Cousins, lead planner + designer, Michelle Leo Events. Founded in 2010 by event planner Michelle Cousins, Michelle Leo Events is renowned for creating elegant, romantic and timeless looks with a premium on personalization. Says owner Michelle, “Out here in the Rockies, we can design a black-tie event that’s fit for a lodge in the mountains instead of an urban hotel ballroom, and still achieve the design goal of something formal with a classic, timeless flair.” After postponing over 45 weddings from 2020 to 2021, the nimble company has been summoning up its creative energy to fit two years’ worth of events into its jam-packed 2021 schedule.

McKenzi Taylor, micro-weddings expert + owner, Cactus Collective Weddings. For adventurous couples looking for spectacular outdoor locations off the beaten path, Cactus Collective Weddings has been their go-to wedding planner since launching in 2017. Wide-open spaces, magnificent desert skies and all the glories of nature have been part of its irresistible draw—the call of the wild! As a pioneer in the now-trending micro-wedding, Cactus Collective Weddings was perfectly poised to weather restrictions imposed by COVID-19. “We don’t skimp on tradition, romance or glamour,” says owner McKenzi Taylor. “It’s just done on a more intimate scale.”

Photo courtesy of Cactus Collective

Why I Love Weddings

“I used to do corporate event planning, and I really love the way designing and planning weddings has given me a larger creative outlet. There’s more emotion involved,” says Michelle. She also loves “being able to get creative with fun details like paper suites, floral décor, lighting design, lounge furniture and a personalized guest experience.” Along with her stellar team, “We love that no two events are ever the same, and we really enjoy getting to meet and work with people from all around the globe.”

Photo: Heather Nan Photography

“What originally got me into weddings was photography,” says McKenzi. “I love posing couples, capturing their emotions and providing them with amazing memories.” Plus, “I have always been intrigued by people’s love stories,” she continues. “Love is one of the few things we get to choose in life: who we love and why.” As well, McKenzie says, “People who know me find it interesting that I am so passionate about weddings because I’m a bit of a tomboy. But I have found a way to incorporate my sense of outdoor adventure into what I do.”

Photo courtesy of Cactus Collective

Favorite Moments

“During the pandemic, we created a micro and elopement package for couples who decided to pull the trigger regardless of head count and marry with little to no time to plan. Seeing how the energy truly shifts at an event of only 25 people compared to 250 definitely turned me into a huge fan of intimate guest counts,” says Michelle. “It’s amazing to see a couple truly get to enjoy quality time with every single person in the room. Not only was there an intimacy to these micro events, the planning process was really enjoyable because these couples didn’t spend time or energy sweating the small stuff. It has been refreshing to work with couples who were just so happy to have a wedding. With micro weddings or minimonies, smaller guest counts meant that couples were willing to splurge on more expensive luxury linens and the florals they truly wanted, without having to worry so much about cost.”

Photo: Megan Robinson

“During the ‘new normal’ era, being able to come through for so many couples who didn’t want to put off their weddings indefinitely, but wanted a more romantic, traditional celebration than a courthouse or chapel wedding was so gratifying,” says McKenzie. “This past year, we hosted over 300 micro-weddings. Many couples sought us out because they decided to cancel their large wedding and move forward with us instead. The best part is that they were pleasantly surprised to find the weddings we produce are not ‘less than.’ They are just as special, romantic and memorable — just different than what they had originally envisioned pre-pandemic. Challenging times compel us to appreciate the simple joys of life. Many of our couples had been engaged for two or three years, and they were champing at the bit to make it official. Offering them a beautiful, postcard-like location and helping them organize special little touches made all the difference in the world for them.”

Photo courtesy of Cactus Collective

Photo courtesy of Cactus Collective

A Fresh Look at Micro-Weddings

“Since 2020 became the year of the micro-wedding, it really validated us as a company. We did go the extra mile to add a lot more traditional touches to our ‘new normal’ weddings to give couples who came to us after canceling big celebrations all of the traditions and fanfare of a larger wedding. We will continue to carry those more traditional elements into our weddings.,” says McKenzi. “We actually grew rapidly as more and more people discovered our niche. I think the best thing I did was to bring on additional people to support the business. With the extra talent and brainpower, we have been able to grow and expand to new cities. I also really love the community of wedding professionals I get to work with. It’s a great, creative group of people.”

Photo: Cameron Clark Photography

Planning in a Post-Pandemic World

“We have always had the sort of infrastructure that allows us to do business at any time from any location. Most of our clients are destination couples and we regularly don’t have the option to take advantage of in-person meetings. Even COVID-19 didn’t really impact or change the way we do, and will continue to do, business,” says Michelle.

Michelle is excited about “the return to a point in the planning and execution process where everyone can take a breath and not worry about tables being 6 feet apart or whether or not a venue’s space has a max capacity [and] guests feeling comfortable being in a room together, laughing, dancing, dining, and making memories.”

Photo: Megan Robinson

Photo: Heather Nan Photography

What Counts Now 

“Customization and personalization! These themes will always translate and become a true reflection of the couple no matter the size of the event,” says Michelle. “Focusing on what truly matters will be at the heart of our main approach going forward. The rest is simply details. And while details are fun and matter to some extent, that’s not what the celebration should be about. I see guest lists, selectivity and overall guest experience taking a front seat to things like linens and tabletop rentals. As a designer, that pains me to admit, but at the end of the day, we have to be honest about what matters.”

Photo courtesy of Cactus Collective

Photo: Trevor Hooper

Brighter Days Ahead

“Now that the world sees micro-weddings in a new light, we are looking forward to being a couple’s first choice, once again, rather than work with a lot of panicked brides who came to us because they had to cancel their original plans,” says McKenzi. “So many couples have told us how it was such a relief and so extraordinary to make their special day all about them with a smaller wedding. I suspect that with this shift in consciousness, more and more couples will be going micro.”

Photo: Heather Nan Photography

-AS SEEN IN BRIDAL GUIDE MAGAZINE-

Wedding Gowns

Gown by Pronovias

Gown by Rue de Seine

Gown by Savannah Miller

Pantsuit by Vanessa Cocchiaro

Pantsuit by Alexandra Grecco

Jewelry & Accessories

Fringe earrings by Elizabeth Cole

Glass and stone earrings by Lizzie Fortunato

Turquoise anklet by Mateo

Stone ring by Kendra Scott

Octagonal sunglasses by Etnia Barcelona

Straw hat by L*Space

Abstract fabric clutch by Cult Gaia

Turquoise slip-on heels by Vicson

Wedding Details

Retro invite by PoshPaperCo for Zazzle

Backgammon set by Jonathan Adler

Make your first impression a colorful one. “Your invitation suite is often the first glimpse your loved ones will have of your wedding. Incorporating bold color choices in your save-the-dates, announcements, and invitations can spark major excitement and FOMO from your wedding guest invitees.” —Maya Holihan, Founder & CEO, EWedded

Photo: Lace and Belle

Photo: Anna Peters Photography via Bridal Bliss + Rock Paper Coin

Create a signature motif. “We love when couples choose a motif, custom crest, or repeating icon to incorporate throughout their wedding day. This can be a fun way to add color into different aspects of your wedding day while keeping the entire day’s design cohesive. Think about the possibilities: your custom design could be included in your invitations, place cards, menus, cocktail napkins, signage, dance floor… the options are endless!” —AJ Williams, Founder & Creative Director, AJ Events

Photo: Lace and Belle

Start with your venue. “If you gravitate toward bold color or statement-making modern art, consider hosting your wedding in a gallery or museum! Frequently known for colorful exhibits, dramatic architecture, and curated collections, these wedding venues are works of art in and of themselves. They often provide such a vibrant backdrop that you can end up saving a ton of money on décor. You can also find a venue with a nearby mural or graffiti wall. It’s the perfect polychromatic background for your ceremony — and, of course, your wedding photos!” —Jenna Miller, Creative Director of Here Comes The Guide

Photo: RT Faith Photography via Alston Mayger Events

Color can be incorporated everywhere. “From the groom and groomsmen ties and bridesmaid dresses to the flowers, as well as linens and chair pads. Color can even be incorporated on unexpected elements such as bright rugs at the ceremony, a colorful backdrop for the head table, band stage and photobooth wall, place cards and signage, and even colorful floral in the bride and attendants’ hair.” —Valarie Falvey, Kirkbrides Wedding Planning

Photo: LAR Weddings via Kirkbrides Wedding Planning

Photo: LAR Weddings via Kirkbrides Wedding Planning

Your linens are the easiest way. “By far, the easiest way to add a pop of color into your day is one that’s often over-looked: your linens! Cocktail hour can sparkle with specialty linens on cocktail tables, and place settings can wow with a beautifully textured or deep jewel-toned napkin. Rather than overwhelming the eye with bright floral, bright place settings, and specialty lighting, focus on what ambience and aesthetic you’re trying to create and how you want guests to feel during your event. This process can help you hone in on some thoughtful ways to include color, rather than creating a chaotic scene for guests to digest.” —Ashley Lachney, Owner of Alston Mayger Events

Photo: Love Me Do Photography via The Handkershief Shop

Take inspiration from nature. “Embrace the colors of the season. Add a jewel tone or a texture to really amp up the richness of the colors! Have fun with color!” —Jamie & Stephanie, Cape Cod Celebrations

Photo: The Sandas via Feathered Arrow Events

Get creative with florals. “We see so many weddings with muted tones; we love when we have a couple that loves to play with color! It is amazing what you can do with flowers when thinking outside of whites, greens, and blush.” —Jamie & Stephanie

Photo: Janet Moscarello Photography via Cape Cod Celebrations

Photo: LAR Weddings via Kirkbrides Wedding Planning

Photo: Aniko Productions via Bridal Bliss + Rock Paper Coin

Consider all your options. “There are so many ways to incorporate it without it feeling too overwhelming or over the top. First, color in your florals is always the best way to go because it looks elegant and beautiful and creates that fun splash of color on your tables or in your bouquets against a more neutral background. Another way to add subtle color is to stationery goods, like menus, table numbers, bar signs, etc. Lastly, if you want to add some additional hints of color, add a colorful napkin to the table to make each place setting stand out a bit.” —Kari Dirksen, Feathered Arrow Events

Photo: RT Faith Photography via Alston Mayger Events

Remember, bold hues don’t have to completely take over your event. “The neutral-toned wedding trend lasted way too long and we are ready for some color! Bold hues don’t have to completely take over your event. If it feels too much, stick with the neutrals but add in more vibrant tones in some of your details — tablescapes, bridesmaids dresses, paper goods. You get the elegance and sophistication of neutrals, but the fun of color. The best of both worlds.” —Nora Sheils, Founder Bridal Bliss + Co-Founder of Rock Paper Coin

Photo: Courtney Simpson Photography via Lace and Belle

Add color to your paper goods. “Adding color within the invitation suite is the perfect way to introduce your pretty palette to loved ones. It can be as subtle as the printed ink color(s) or as bold as choosing to have your invitation printed on colored card stock, rather than traditional white or ivory. Couples can also add color through stationery accessories, such as envelopes, pocket bases, belly band wraps, envelope liners, wax seals, and ribbon, as well as various day-of details. Think menu cards, escort cards, table numbers, cocktail napkins, and signage, just to name a few.” —Meghan Shaughnessy, Lace and Belle

Photo: Lace and Belle

Be authentic with the color scheme. “If there is anything we know about weddings, neutral-toned ones have been popular for years. This is why we are so delighted to announce that the 2022 wedding color trends will welcome bold and vibrant palettes into celebrations. It is time to move over neutral-toned weddings and choose a bold splash palette for your own! Use whatever combination inspires you, warm or earthy tone palette, or maybe monochromatic tones with unexpected flashes of vibrant hues. Try to be authentic with the color scheme and have the Pinterest rich palette wedding you want so much. There are infinite possibilities for incorporating and coordinating colors to your wedding. Experts in the industry predict that the wedding color trends for the next year will include pink-purple Orchid Bloom, fresh Fair Green, Coral Rose, and deep Cascade blue.” —Johanne Piverger, JP Events & Design

Photo: The Justin Jay via Feathered Arrow Events

Add color to your attire. “Naturally, brides always want their wedding to be cohesive when picking the right tones — from the bouquet and attire down to the tablecloth and the centerpieces. If you’re going to go the subtle way and still add a splash of color on your big day, be a bit brave and include some colored elements on your all-white wedding dress! Since pink-purple orchid bloom is a wedding color 2022, a pair of heels or hairpieces in this shade is an excellent idea. Consider matching it with your groom’s bow-tie and boutonniere or even with his waistcoat and suit if he is all about going bold!” —Johanne Piverger

Photo: Tim Kwon Weddings via Feathered Arrow Events

Put a pop of color on your table setting. “Place vibrant tablecloths and napkins on each table, and coordinate them with the floral arrangements. Use one of the predicted wedding color trends for tablecloths. We suggest a fresh fair green tablecloth with bubblegum pink peonies and green leaves so that the floral arrangement has that colorful rustic but still elegant feel. Complement the setting with a bold green escort card with pink or gold adornment. If you do not like pink, try using another wedding color 2022, for example, orange — it will be a top choice. The earthy green tone will match either pink or orange, so no mistakes here; do as you please!” —Johanne Piverger

Photo: LAR Weddings via Kirkbrides Wedding Planning

Try monochromatic colored bridesmaid dresses. “Complete your bridesmaids’ look with one of the wedding color trends; for example, the cascade blue is a fantastic hue for bridesmaids’ dresses. Let each one pick her tone! They will choose the gown they like, and you will have a bold splash of color-coordinated wedding detail.” —Johanne Piverger

Less is not more: colorful desserts. “Aren’t you bored of the same all-white cakes with some shy and pale floral adornment at the top? Your wedding dessert will be unique and stylish if you use bright-colored cake toppers like a coral pink. You could complement the topper with a splash of coral pink and gold color on the first tier.” —Johanne Piverger

Add a vibrant colored signature cocktail. “Also, consider serving vibrant colored signature cocktails. Some blue lagoons or mai tai will go with the vibe. In addition, we suggest a garnish station with a lot of tone-clashing combos. Your guest will love to decorate their drink with strawberries, raspberries, cherries, or orange slices. Thanks to the drinks or edible decorations in playful and vivid colors, your wedding event will reflect a bright design that will stand out.” —Johanne Piverger

Photo: Wild Whim Photography via Feathered Arrow Events