Offbeat Bride

I first learned about this coolio writer-bride when I tentatively dipped a toe into the hooping scene, an excursion that lasted all of about 12 minutes when I found out I was pregnant and could barely summon the energy to unpack a box in our new house, let alone swivel a giant hoop around my ever expanding waistline. Ariel Meadow Stallings is not only an enthusiastic hooper but a writer, blogger and self-described techy geek who has just published her first book, Offbeat Bride. If your nuptials include a getaway in VW bus or you are strenuously avoiding anything taffeta or frilly - or just want a fun read about her anti-Martha alternative planning methods - this book is for you.

Hey - maybe you could even hula hoop down the aisle.

And congratulations to blogger Never teh Bride of Manolobrides on her Valentine's Day engagement. Looks like she's gonna need to rethink that moniker...