Some ideas for the big day, save the date! December is a month for magical beginnings with love in the air clearing away the old and inviting us into the new surrounded by the warmth of our loved ones during the holidays. From the twinkling lights to the cozy atmosphere, it’s no wonder that many couples choose this enchanting month to throw a lasso around their loved one by popping the question.  In fact, December's popularity as the most favored month for engagements has been a growing trend in recent years. Maybe, it’s the holiday spirit of love and togetherness. Love birds feel inspired by the feeling of belonging and comfort the holiday brings. Not to mention that it’s beautiful almost everywhere as cities and towns across the world deck the halls with boughs of holly! There’s a spirit of romance in the air. Snowflakes dancing in the wind, holiday lights shimmering, cozy fires crackling fireplaces, and the mistletoe. Proposing during the holidays gives couples the opportunity to celebrate their engagement with loved ones almost immediately since we’re all gathered for the holiday season and have taken time off from work.. The end of the calendar year symbolizes new beginnings. Many couples feel that starting their lives together as a newly engaged couple aligns beautifully with the concept of fresh starts that come w/ the New Year. According to wedding statistics, approximately 40% of all engagements occur between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day, with December being the most popular month. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook see spikes in engagement-related posts throughout December, with hashtags related to proposals trending significantly. Retail surveys indicate that jewelry sales increase in December, with many couples choosing to shop together as a rite of passage before the engagement. Seasonal weather plays a significant role in engagement locations, as many propose in winter wonderlands that feature picturesque backdrops, enhancing the romance factor. You might be asking do you bring gifts to an engagement party? You can and you should though it is not always required. Here are some great gifts almost any husband and wife to be would appreciate: A bottle of champagne Gift cards Concert tickets A contribution to their honeymoon fund Getting engaged is a huge step in life, and you might as well do it right. Here are some suggestions to make the day sparkle like the diamond on your finger. Nashville, TN Nashville has a lot to offer for music fans that are making it official. You can kick up your boots, and   benefit from the country music scene while having a luxurious and romantic engagement reception. Here are our picks. 1. The Hermitage Hotel A Nashville landmark, this five-star hotel is known for its opulence, history, and Southern charm. It has an elegant ballroom and a sophisticated rooftop bar with stunning city views. Why we love it: The Hermitage's sophisticated setting, and historical roots offers an intimate yet glamorous vibe. It’s also very close to the heart of Nashville’s music scene. 2. The 5th & Broadway Rooftop (Woolworth on 5th) This venue combines Nashville’s rich musical history with an upscale ambiance. It's a modern yet historic space, perfect for a classy celebration. The rooftop offers amazing views of the Nashville skyline and the iconic AT&T "Batman" building. Why we love it: You can bask in a luxurious atmosphere with a stunning view of the Nashville skyline and the sounds of the city’s music scene in the background. South Carolina (Charleston or Greenville) South Carolina offers Southern charm, historic settings, and romantic venues that can provide both luxury and a sense of intimacy. 1. The William Aiken House (Charleston) This stunning mansion offers a mix of old-world charm and luxury. It   has expansive gardens, and an elegant ballroom making it perfect for a romantic engagement party. Why we love it: The historic feel combined with modern amenities and a beautiful setting offers a cozy, and romantic atmosphere. 2 Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina For a waterfront experience, this venue provides breathtaking views of Charleston Harbor. You can host your engagement party by the water with the Charleston skyline in the distance. Why we love it: The blend of elegance and scenic beauty offers a romantic and relaxing vibe with plenty of space for guests. 3.The Cliffs at Glassy (Greenville) This private golf course venue offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a unique combination of luxury and nature. Perfect for a romantic and secluded engagement event. Why we love it: Secluded and beautiful, it offers a peaceful, breathtaking setting with a high-end experience. Chicago, IL Chicago offers a range of high-end venues with rich cultural and music history, combined with romance and fun. 1. The Chicago History Museum A more unique venue that combines the city’s history with elegance, The Chicago History Museum offers an atmospheric setting with beautiful art and architecture. Why we love it: It’s perfect for a couple who loves history and culture but still wants an upscale environment with a romantic vibe. 2. The Jazz Showcase If you’re into jazz, this is a great venue to host an engagement celebration steeped in Chicago's rich musical history. Located in the South Loop, it’s an intimate club with live jazz performances and a classic feel. Why we love it: The perfect blend of fun, music, and sophistication, it offers a cozy yet lively atmosphere. 3. The Palmer House Hilton This iconic Chicago hotel is a beautiful example of classical architecture and historic elegance. It has grand ballrooms and lavish interiors, ideal for a romantic, high-end celebration. Why we love it: For a more traditional, luxurious experience, this hotel provides both historic charm and modern amenities with a spectacular atmosphere. Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas is known for its fun, high-energy atmosphere, but it also has many glamorous venues that are perfect for a romantic celebration. 1. The Venetian Resort This luxurious resort offers stunning Venetian-inspired architecture and romantic canals where you can have gondola rides. There are many upscale venues within the resort for private events. Why we love it: The Venetian offers a romantic, European-inspired setting with elegance and charm, perfect for a glamorous engagement party. The gondola rides minus the stinky venetian waters in Italy is a major plus. 2..The Rooftop at The Cosmopolitan The Cosmopolitan offers multiple rooftop venues with beautiful views of the Las Vegas Strip. These chic, modern spaces are perfect for an upscale, high-energy celebration. Why we love it: For a stunning party with high-end service, luxury, and amazing views of the strip, this rooftop venue is perfect. We also have suggestions on how you can let the world know about your forthcoming nuptials.. 1. Surprise Party with Family and Friends Throw a surprise engagement party that brings together family and close friends. Organize a beautiful setting with soft lighting, delicious food, and country music. Capture the moment with a professional photographer. 2. Destination Engagement Consider planning a getaway for an intimate engagement ceremony. Whether on a tropical beach, a quaint vineyard, or a charming cabin in the woods, destination engagements allow couples to focus on each other away from daily distractions. 3. Candlelit Dinner Set up a romantic candlelit dinner at home or a favorite restaurant. Personalize the space with flowers, meaningful decorations, and a curated menu that speaks to your journey together. The popularity of December engagements has a strong foundation in tradition, love, and the warmth of the holiday season. As couples lean into the spirit of togetherness and exploration, the choice to get engaged in this enchanting month feels both special and profound.  Subsequently, as the engagement celebrations transition to bachelorette parties and romantic ceremonies, the experiences created during this time are filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Whether it's a music filled night in Nashville or a candle lit dinner on some beach somewhere, December engagements can be the beginning of a beautiful life together.

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Video Rewind: A “No One is Above the Law!” Retrospective

An electrician doing maintenance work in the 16th century Villa Farnesina in Rome uncovered frescoes in vivid color hidden behind a later vaulted ceiling. Electrician Davide Renzoni was on top of high scaffolding when he spotted a trap door in the barrel vaulting that had been added to the living room of the villa in the 19th century. The door opened onto a cavity between the newer ceiling and the original one. Shining a light in the darkness, Renzoni was greeted by a profusion of cherubs against blue skies and rolling hills. Built for papal banker Agostino Chigi between 1506 and 1510, the Farnesina was an innovative design, a suburban villa on the banks of the Tiber with a u-shaped floorplan and open loggias stood. It is best known today for its exquisite frescoes on mythological subjects by High Renaissance luminary Raphael and other greats including Sebastiano del Piombo, Giulio Romano, Bladassare Peruzzi and Il Sodoma. Cardinal Alessandro Farnese acquired the villa in 1579 and the newly-discovered frescoes date to the Farnese era. That is evident in the newly-discovered frescoes. There are three surviving areas: one lunette featuring a large standing cherub holding a plumed helmet in front of rolling hills with a tower and manor house in the mid-ground, two cherubs on blue backgrounds in the corbels, and in the center of the barrel vault, a sky filled with cherubs flying around the Farnese coat of arms. They were commissioned by Abbot Giuseppe Melchiorri who rented the villa from the Farnese Duke of Parma. His lease contract enjoined him from making any unauthorized alterations to the building, but his inventory records indicate he did order paintings for at least one gallery. Between 1861 and 1863 major restoration work was carried out on the Villa Farnesina, particularly on the first floor, which had been radically altered from the 16th-century configuration designed by Baldassarre Peruzzi for Agostino Chigi. Architect Antonio Sarti found serious structural damage due to the load on the walls above the vaults and proposed consolidation works. The main hall was divided into two parts, distorting the original spatiality and adding new service rooms, including an elevator shaft. The discovery of the frescoes, which were spared by the insertion of the elevator, constitutes a significant novelty for the knowledge of the building and its seventeenth-century decorative phase, obtained as part of the conservation and restoration activities carried out by the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei in collaboration with the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology. Renzoni found the frescoes last year but the discovery was kept under wraps while conservators and researchers restored and studied them. Because they are in an inaccessible area, the frescoes cannot be exposed to the visiting public, but the Villa has found a way to virtually feature them in its new exhibition about the 17th century Villa Farnesina. High-resolution photographs and 3D reconstructions will showcase the frescoes and display what the living room looked like at various times.