I personally remember being a college freshman in Philadelphia, sitting in biology class amidst an air of panic as other students wondered, not if, but when something would happen next. By the time I got to anthropology, classes were cancelled. I was not in NYC, I was not in DC, but I have my own memories. We all do.

And with almost a decade of morning under our belt, 9/11 will fall on a Saturday for the second time since 2001. The second Saturday in September has always been a popular day for weddings, but the 11th has not. It is widely believed that the 11th of September is a day of mourning for some, reflection for most, and remembrance for everyone. The last time the 11th fell on a Saturday was 2004, and still far too close to be an appropriate day for celebration.

But after so much time has passed, the question now becomes, has it been enough time?

The idea behind exchanging wedding bands on this 11th, would be to take a day that weighs so heavily in the hearts of Americans, and turn it into something happy and joyous.

A recent USA Today article reported that 2,000 more couples will be exchanging vows this Saturday than in 2004, but that the overall numbers for a second Saturday in September are still way down.

There is, after all, a stigma attached to the date. Couples might steer away from the date out of worry that their choice may be offensive to some, but other just might not want to be overshadowed by the 9/11 presence. It is your once and a lifetime big day, and it’s ok to want it to be about you.

However, a counter argument might be that the spirit that has arisen in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks is one of growth and healing, new life, and the cohesive idea of working as one. What better basis for a wedding could there be?

Are you are someone that has planned a wedding on this or any past September 11th, or have attended one? Or maybe you just want to tell us your thoughts or your stories, or just share some memories with us on the eve before this momentous date.

Dress, flowers, and even food are all often influenced by where you have chosen to have your wedding and can often be taken care of later in the planning process. But there are a few key things to make sure you get out of the way as soon as possible.

First things first, know thyself. If you’re a bit of a controlling bride, or a hands-on, type A party planner, then the concept of a destination wedding is not for you. You must be able to put yourself and your guests in the hands of people you have never met, at a venue you have likely never been to. If the term “sight unseen” makes you nervous, then you will probably be more comfortable with a wedding that’s a little closer to home.

Second, remember to keep the guest list short and sweet. Determining the number of guests early on will determine your budget as you begin to search for foreign venues and vendors. Only your closest friends and family should be invited or expected to attend. Also, remember to keep it simple for those planning on attending. Some couples offer to pay for their guests hotel stay, others ask that guest’s attendance at the chosen local be their only wedding gift, but however you decide to handle things, a small ceremony is one of the biggest draws of a destination wedding.

Save the date is another phrase that cannot be stressed enough when beginning to plan a destination wedding. Make sure you send them out as far in advance as possible. For guests that are planning on attending, timing is often a make or break factor. If there are certain guests that you want to be sure will be there, save the date cards are a crucial part of the planning process.

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Speaking of the date, make sure to choose your big day with the chosen local in mind. If you have decided to be a beach bride, make sure to avoid hurricane season in the late summer months. If a European wedding is more your style, try not to pick a date during peak-tourist season. Avoiding the crowds can often mean less expensive flights and more variety or flexibility when choosing your accommodations.

Our final tip is less of a tip and more of a perk; when having a destination wedding remember to use your environment as your main decoration. Before you make yourself crazy with flower choices, color palettes, and table clothes, remember that less is more and the location you have chosen is more than enough decoration for the big day. Whether you’re below a European mountain range, a small chapel in Arizona, in New York City’s Central Park, or on a tropical beach in Costa Rica relax, enjoy, slide on that wedding ring  and maybe find out what “island time” really means.

The former “Reno 911 star” originally announced her recent engagement to boyfriend Jay Tucker via a Twitter post and “recreated” pictures of the big moment for fans.

Nash told “Entertainment Tonight,” for whom she has just been named this season’s DWTS correspondent, that falling in love was easy, but planning the wedding was the hard part. Something we know a little about.

The television star-turned-dancing-expert has three children from a previous marriage, so is no stranger to planning a wedding, and is already making plans to slip on the wedding ring  in May of 2010.

The couple, who have been together for a year, held a small party for friends and family this weekend to celebrate the upcoming nuptial, where Nash was able to show off her Round cut diamond engagement ring, set inside a halo of smaller diamonds. But as beautiful as her latest diamond accessory is, it couldn’t shine brighter than her smile this weekend.

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Before the festivities begin and the wedding bands  are exchanged, have your ushers hand out coloring books and crayons to your tiny guests. Not only is it an activity that will keep them focused and in their seats, it is quiet. While you are saying your vows the kids will be too busy trying to stay in the lines to fuss or fidget

Did you know that wedding videos are cool again? Well, they are. If some of the kids are slightly older, coloring books might not hold their interest. Think about supplying a flip video or small handhelds and turn your young technology inclined guests into little videographers. Keep the kids entertained and involved while creating another memento of your special day.

A simple game table could make a huge difference if your big day is a family affair. Setting up a table with some board games and playing cards in a quiet corner, is a good way to keep an eye on the young ones and still be able to have your fun too. And board games are fun at every age, so don’t be surprised if some of your slightly older guests make their way over there too.

Speaking of game time, depending on the size and set up of your venue, consider setting up a slightly larger table. There are plenty of companies that rent out a variety of professional grade sports tables like Ping Pong and Foosball, making it easy to create an arcade atmosphere to make sure the kids have just as much fun as the adults. And if you’re looking to ensure a fun and lively vibe, then what better way to do that than renting an Air Hockey table? No one can have a bad time if there is Air Hockey.

If you’re not afraid of a little mess, a DIY dessert table could be perfect for the younger guests to express their creativity. Try a cookie station where they can decorate for themselves, or have cupcakes that they can mix and match with different toppings. See just how colorful the kids can be, but remember to keep sticky hands away from your dress.

Kids are cute, and they look great in wedding photos, but their attention spans are limited. Setting up a few activities ahead of time ensures that your young guests will have a good time, but just as importantly, so will the adults.

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Anonymous sources always know the best information, and if this one is to be believed, Gaga has been busy planning a five day wedding party to celebrate her upcoming nuptials to boyfriend Luc Carl. In true over-the-top-Gaga-style, the party will begin in New York City and travel to Europe, where every day will have a different theme.

Items on the wish list of Gaga’s fairytale-like requests include a serenade by musician Elton John, a burlesque dance by performer Dita Von Teese with a seven foot cake for her to jump out of, and superstars Sting and Madonna in attendance.

In true diva fashion, the Lady will undergo several fashion changes during the extravaganza, and is reportedly working on designs with Haus of Gaga, the team that handles her usual costuming.

Carl, who supposedly inspired her first album, is a musician, bartender, and huge Elvis fan. The two are even rumored to be designing wedding bands based on the horseshoe ring that Elvis worse. The couple, who met five years ago, had recently rekindled their romance after a brief breakup that occurred during her rise to fame. So far the reconciliation seems to be successful.

So the summer of love may be over, but it has only left us wanting more. Could this all be baseless information? Possibly, but what better way to start off the new season than a Lady Gaga wedding explosion, complete with Cirque Du Soleil performers and fireworks?

Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green: Lost but not forsaken
In June of 2010, Brian Austin Green proposed for a second time, to girlfriend and movie star Megan Fox, on the beach in Hawaii. According to rumors, Fox was so excited that she promptly dropped the diamond engagement ring in the sand, where it was never to be seen again. Nonplussed, Green replaced the ring, and the two were wed in Hawaii a few weeks later.

Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky: American Royalty
Although the two have been friends for almost twenty years, Clinton, daughter of political power couple Bill and Hillary, did not confirm that her childhood friendship with Mezvinsky had blossomed into romance until 2005. The August 2 wedding was an interfaith ceremony held in Rhinebeck, NY that reportedly cost about $3 million. While it wasn’t the only royal wedding this summer, it was as close as this country can possibly get to the real thing.

Robbie Willaims and Ayda Field: A classy, clean affair
For a man that used to live his life so publicly, reformed rogue Robbie Williams certainly snuck his wedding under the radar. On August 7th, the British Singer wed actress Ayda Fields in a ceremony that was so last minute, his band mates weren’t able to attend. Those that were able to make it to their L.A. home in time, celebrated with finger sandwiches and cups of tea in deference to the groom’s wishes.

Hilary Duff and Mike Comrie: A fairytale romance
Back in the day, Hilary Duff was the reigning tween, pop culture princess, but just because she has grown up doesn’t mean she can’t have a wedding fit for a queen. This past February Duff announced her engagement to NHL player, Mike Comrie, whom she had been dating since 2007. The two exchanged vows in front of about 100 guests in Santa Barbara this past August 14. The requisite attire for a fairytale bride? Vera Wang, of course.

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Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer: Blood may be thicker, but water is more fun.
Constant danger and conflict might plague their on-screen romance, but things couldn’t be more harmonious for this real-life couple. The True Blood costars exchanged wedding rings  during an ocean side ceremony in Malibu on August 21st. The pair, who have been engaged since last August, were joined by a small group of friends, family, and a few costars, some of whom joined the groom when he stripped down to swim trunk for a post-nuptial dip in the ocean.

Chad Lowe and Karen Painter: Life goes on
Closing out this particularly packed season of matrimonial bliss, Actor Chad Lowe wed his longtime girlfriend, Karen Painter in another California beachside ceremony on August 28. Lowe was once known as the other half to Oscar winner Hillary Swank. And although their love did not last, the actor proved that life goes on when he exchanged vows with film producer Painter in a ceremony attended by friends and family, where the couple’s daughter acted as ring bearer while famous brother Rob Lowe acted as best man.

So take a page from the playbook of the stars and enjoy the beach while you can, because just like their engagement rings eventually turn to wedding rings, summer will soon turn to fall. Don’t fret though, there is sure to be an avalanche of fall brides coming our way with a whole new style. Beach weddings are so last season.

A Massachusetts area couple, working aboard a research ship mapping the wreckage of The Titanic, was married at sea while on a detour from the ship’s wreckage site.

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Jim Kovacs, the ship’s director of photography, already had an engagement ring, and had been planning on proposing to Maryann Morin, who works in film post-production, for about a year. But this past Sunday, after Hurricane Danielle forced the ship to change course, Kovacs decided it was now or never.

The two exchanged wedding rings on the deck of their ship with the captain, Jean Charcot, officiating the ceremony. According to CBC News, the crew spent the night before making paper flowers and the bride’s outfit was fashioned out of a bedsheet.

The couple plan to honeymoon in Cape Cod and continue their voyage to The Titanic as soon as the weather allows.

British singer and notorious playboy, Robbie Williams, exchanged wedding rings with his longtime girlfriend, Ayda Field, this past August.

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The former lothario married the American-born actress in a last minute ceremony at his Los Angeles home on August 7th. Due to the last minute nature of the ceremony, his band mates were not able to attend, but sent video well wishes to be played after the ceremony.

Ten years ago Williams was well known for his music career, both with the band Take That, and his solo career, but better known for his hard partying ways. From the time he left his band in 1995 until the time he met Field in 2007, rumors of his drug use and alcohol abuse ran rampant. As well as detailed stories of a more personal nature from friends and tour mates.

But Williams has since settled his wild ways for Fields, even giving up his cigarette habit, which was once as high as 60 smokes a day, so that the two can have children.

In November of 2009, Williams proposed to Fields live on an Australian radio show. Later, after allegations of pulling a publicity stunt, Williams claimed it was only a joke. However, the actress was soon seen around L.A. sporting an diamond engagement ring reportedly worth $250,000.

The 40 minute ceremony was an alcohol free affair at the request of Williams, who has been battling his substance abuse addiction for years, and attended by celebrities Jonathan Wilkes, Claire Danes, and Hugh Dancy.

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In this modern time of changing traditions, not everyone wants a classic cookie cutter wedding reception. Maybe you want to build the kind of atmosphere where people can let their hair down a little, maybe you want to make sure that your guests can let loose, or maybe you’re just really a fan of that YouTube video where they dance down the aisle to Chris Brown’s “Forever.” Whatever your reasons may be, here are some ideas for planning a modern, informal affair.

Start the party off with style, and swap the wedding gown for less formal attire. Try something a little shorter so you can really move around the dance floor, and a little sparkle or sequin will still draw everyone’s eye. Maybe take a step away from white and incorporate your wedding colors, that way you can costume change like a diva and still match your venue.

Much like the descent down the aisle, the grand exit from the reception is a highly photographed moment. Try something a little more original that rice. Birdseed has become a staple for the more animal conscious crowds, but if you want to try something new and still like the idea of “going green” for your affair, try having some eco-friendly confetti on hand for guests to throw. If your big exit will take place at night, have your guests send you off with sparklers. There will be very little clean up involved and the light will look amazing in photos.

Speaking of photography, photo booths are back in style. Setting up a photo booth at the reception is a good way for everybody to get in on the fun, and has the makings of a great scrapbook. If you don’t want to spend the money on a private rental, try making your own. Leave out a Polaroid camera, hang up a backdrop, provide some props, and let your guests get creative.

Remember, the type of party you want, might not be the type your parents wants. And while it is your day, there is on need for grandma to watch your friends taking shots. Consider the concept of an after party, and keep the reception low key for your older guests and families. Look into reserving a suite at your hotel for close friends, or set up a private package at the hotel bar for younger guests who want to keep the party going.

And when picking out your wedding rings, try looking at a bit more modern designs. Traditions are cherished, but plain gold bands aren’t for everyone. Match her engagement ring with a little more sparkle, or let him show his personality with some unique hardware.

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The two tied the knot in an ocean side ceremony at the Terranea Resort in front of a small group of family and friends this past Saturday in Los Angeles. The couple’s 15 month old daughter served as ring bearer, while the actor’s famous and famously handsome, Rob Lowe, served as best man.

Painter walked down the aisle in a gown by Kirstie Kelly, while the groom wore a combination of Rag & Bones, and Dolce and Gabbana.

Lowe, who is best known for his role as a teen living with HIV in the television show, “Life Goes On”, as well as his first marriage to movie star Hillary Swank, met his new wife, a film producer, in 2007. The two welcomed their child,daughter Mabel, in May 2009. Interestingly, Mabel is the first girl born into the Lowe family in four generations.

The Lowe/Painter wedding wasn’t the only beach side ceremony held by Hollywood’s inner circle this summer, but will it be the last?

The season officially ends this Labor Day, and we are excited to see which new engagement rings pop up next, as well as what’s in style for the fall. Visit us on Facebook and let us know who you’re most excited to see tie the knot next.