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Did you know the last time Congress passed a major law overseeing the cosmetic industry was in 1938? The law, which is only one-and-a-half pages long, does little to protect our health; harmful cosmetics ingredients are allowed in the products we put on our bodies every day. In contrast to the U.S., the European Union has banned or restricted nearly 1,400 chemicals from cosmetics. It’s safe to say the U.S. is dangerously behind the times. Beautycounter is a beauty brand committed to cosmetics reform and is on a mission to get safer products into the hands of everyone. Beautycounter’s Ingredient Selection Process starts by banning over 1,500 of the industry’s worst offenders. The ingredients used in Beautycounter’s formulas are rigorously and regularly screened to ensure none have links to health like cancer, infertility, hormone disruption, or early puberty. As a …

Poplar Springs has given two couples an all-expenses-paid wedding this fall. Warrenton, Va—On Friday, August 4, wedding venue Poplar Springs announced the winners of its wedding giveaway contest for October 15 of this year. The cutoff date to enter the contest was Friday, July 28 at noon, and the rules originally stipulated that one lucky couple would win an all-expenses-paid wedding to be held at Poplar Springs. A panel of judges interviewed the top three contestants at a cocktail hour reception last Friday afternoon. The panel included General Manager Marianne Postma-Harris, Chris Pearmund of Pearmund Cellars, CEO of Profecta Marketing Lindsey Forsten and Pam Kamphuis, the executive editor at Piedmont Virginian. “Weddings are costly, and we wanted to create an opportunity for one couple who really needed and deserved it,” says Marianne. “We were looking to award one couple with the most …

Located in Hume, Virginia, in western Fauquier County, the Marriott Ranch offers brides and grooms a unique wedding site with three different event venues available on their 4,200-acre working cattle ranch. With 25 full-time employees and a pool of seasonal workers, the Marriott Ranch averages about 24 weddings each year as well as scores of other events like company picnics, executive retreats and other social events.

Not only is Stonewall Golf Club a beautiful setting and backdrop for weddings, but the longevity of their staff helps them excel in both service and satisfaction for each client.

Salem Oaks Farm, practically a stone’s throw from lovely Middleburg, Virginia, is a working horse farm with approximately 20 horses.

Looking for a dramatic venue without all the drama? Hylton Performing Arts Center located in Manassas is the place for you!

River Creek Club, located in Leesburg, Virginia, offers brides plenty of classic elegance. It offers over 600 acres of beautiful land with breathtaking views of the Potomac and, of course, a championship Ault-Clark 18-hole golf course.

Brides & Weddings recently sat down with real estate husband and wife combo Bill & Peggy Burke to get their advice for engaged or newly married couples when it comes to buying your first home together.