Salma Hayek, 58, Reveals Her ‘No Botox’ Glow Secret: A $15 Cream with a Magic Ingredient

Salma Hayek, the timeless Hollywood icon, has maintained her gorgeous glow for decades without resorting to Botox, peels, or fillers. Her secret? A buzzy ingredient found in a surprisingly affordable cream.

The bark of the Tepezcohuite tree, often called the “Mexican skin tree,” is known for its regenerative properties. Hayek credits this ingredient for her youthful complexion. “I use an ingredient called Tepezcohuite that’s used in Mexico for burn victims because it completely regenerates the skin,” she told Elle.

The Tepezcohuite tree’s bark has been used to treat skin and hair, notably helping hundreds of thousands of burn victims in Mexico during the 1980s when medical supplies were scarce.

Del Indio Papago Night Cream, available for just $15 on Amazon, contains this secret weapon ingredient. Despite its low price, the cream has garnered glowing reviews, with 4,500 Amazon shoppers giving it a perfect five-star rating.

“I read the Salma Hayek article and decided to give it a go,” said one reviewer with rosacea and sensitive skin. “I have sun damage, fine lines, and menopausal acne. I’ve used this for three weeks, and so far, so good. No irritation, my skin is calm and hydrated, and best of all, no acne.”

Another enthusiast declared, “In all of my decades of trying skin care products, Tepezcohuite has been the most transformative product I have ever used. In just a week’s worth of use, morning and night, I see a noticeable improvement in my skin’s tone, feel, and texture. My 67-year-old skin glows again for the first time in decades.”

The cream’s rich yet non-greasy formula is packed with Tepezcohuite to help smooth, hydrate, and brighten skin while you sleep. Some reviewers note a natural scent, comparing it to mimosa trees or Nair, but most find it pleasant or not lingering.

For those interested in other Tepezcohuite-containing products, Imagine Dermatology Tepezcohuite Nourish Nectar Serum is recommended. It includes a higher concentration of Tepezcohuite, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter, offering a more natural formula at a similar price point.

With free shipping for Amazon Prime members and a free 30-day trial available, trying out Hayek’s secret to glowing skin has never been easier.

There’s still time to snag these Fourth of July style buys, starting at just $8

Red, white, and woohoo! Get ready to look firecracker-fresh for the holiday.

We hold this truth to be self-evident — the Fourth of July is more fun with a patriotic print. (Kohl’s/Old Navy)

If you (like me!) love any excuse to dress on theme, then I probably don’t need to remind you that the Fourth of July is coming up. While most folks are busy planning barbecue feasts and figuring out the best spots to see fireworks, I’m more concerned with what I’m going to wear. Should I go all out with a flag sweater? Maybe something more subdued, with just a star print? It’s so hard to choose!

You likely haven’t been stalking the internet for weeks looking for red, white and oooh gear. But stalk I have, and I’m happy to say I’ve found quite the collection of firework-worthy fashion, many of which will arrive in time for next week’s celebrations if you order ASAP. I’m especially into this $8 bomb-pop print tank for the guys, and this patriotic plaid dress is currently sitting in my Gap shopping cart waiting to be purchased. Check out our star-spangled stunners for both women and men.

Quick Overview

Jollidays American Flag Long-Sleeve Top
$21 at Kohl’s

Favorite Graphic T-Shirt
$10 at Gap Factory

Old Navy Matte Side-Tie Swim Dress
$36 at Old Navy

Freshman 1996 Americana T-Shirt
$9 at Kohl’s

Old Navy Crew-Neck Flag-Graphic Sweater
$25 at Old Navy

See 7 more

Fourth of July fashion for women

Kohl’s

Jollidays American Flag Long-Sleeve Top

You’ll be as American as apple pie at the neighborhood barbecue in this flag-inspired sweater. It’s soft and lightweight, but if it’s too hot for long sleeves, you could just as easily throw it over your shoulders for a preppy-meets-patriotic vibe. Plus, it’s machine washable, so a little ketchup or mustard spill is no big deal. It’ll look good with light-colored denim as shown here, but white pants would also be a good match.

$21 at Kohl’s

Gap Factory

Favorite Graphic T-Shirt

This cool and crisp $10 steal will put the boom in the room — or wherever you end up for the holiday. It’s currently available in all sizes, but that might not be the case as the Fourth of July creeps closer, so grab one while you still can. It’ll look great at any Independence Day fete, but it’s not so specific that you can’t also wear it on any ol’ day during the summer with shorts. People who’ve bought it say the quality is top-tier and the material is very soft.

$10 at Gap Factory

Old Navy

Old Navy Matte Side-Tie Swim Dress

If you can’t swathe yourself in stars on the Fourth of July, when can you? If you’re gonna do it, this booty-covering swim dress, a recent viral social-media sensation, is a stellar option. It’s selling out quickly, though, so exercise your right to grab one while you still can. With more than 1,000 five-star ratings, buyers say it fits well and makes them feel pretty without revealing too much. “Great fit with great coverage!” one freedom-loving fashionista commented. “The bathing suit feels very soft, but has good support. I love the higher back and wider straps on the shoulders.”

$36 at Old Navy

Kohl’s

Freshman 1996 Americana T-Shirt

Let freedom ring in this tee — or one of the five other red-white-and-blue prints it comes in. Soft and stretchy with a flattering V-neck, this pick is available in sizes XS-XL, and customers give it 4.7 out of 5 stars. Raved one countrywoman: “Love the fabric feel. The fit is perfect, and I am happy it is long enough to cover my stomach.”

$9 at Kohl’s

Old Navy

Old Navy Crew-Neck Flag-Graphic Sweater

The Ralph Lauren flag sweater may be iconic, but who has $400 to rock that in the free world? This Old Navy version looks strikingly similar, but for a fraction of the price. It’ll be perfect for watching the fireworks go off after the sun goes down. Pair it with denim shorts or white pants for a classic Americana vibe.

$2

Rest EverCool Cooling Comforter Review: A Solution for Hot Sleepers

As temperatures rise, hot sleepers face a dilemma: endure uncomfortable nights or increase utility bills with constant air conditioning. Enter the Rest EverCool Cooling Comforter, a product designed to offer a refreshing alternative.

The Rest EverCool Cooling Comforter has garnered significant attention and praise, boasting a near-perfect rating and endorsements from sleep experts and celebrities alike. Constructed with a blend of Tencel and Sorona, known for their breathability, this comforter promises to regulate temperature effectively.

Upon first touch, the EverCool Comforter feels silky-soft and remarkably cool. Its wave-stitch pattern not only adds aesthetic appeal but also ensures the filling stays in place. Available in six colors, including reversible options, it offers versatility in design.

One of the standout features is its moisture-wicking capability. A spill test confirmed that water spreads quickly and dries fast, supporting the brand’s claims. Additionally, the comforter is machine-washable, maintaining its look and feel even after multiple washes.

During a week-long test in the summer heat, the EverCool Comforter kept the reviewer cool and dry without the need for additional cooling devices. However, it is noted that the comforter feels more like a blanket than a traditional comforter, lacking the plushness some might expect.

Priced at $229 for a full/queen size, the EverCool Comforter is an investment. Nevertheless, its cooling properties, combined with a 30-day return guarantee and a one-year warranty, make it a compelling option for those struggling with heat during sleep.

In conclusion, the Rest EverCool Cooling Comforter is a game-changer for hot sleepers, offering a cool and comfortable solution to sweaty nights.

Shop the Best Deals from Amazon, Apple, Sam’s Club, Kohl’s and More This Weekend

This weekend’s deals include $150 off a top-rated robot vacuum, a screaming discount on AirPods Pro, and the iPad Air at its lowest price ever.

Quick Overview:

• Apple AirPods Pro 2: $169 (Save $80)
• Stanley Quencher H2.0 40-ounce Tumbler: $39 (Save $6)
• Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist Fan: $200 (Save $50)
• Apple iPad Air: $549 (Save $50)
• Michael Kors Jet Set Saffiano Leather Crossbody Bag: $69 (Save $329)

Best Deals to Shop This Weekend:

Amazon:

• Apple AirPods Pro 2: $169 (Save $80)
• Stanley Quencher H2.0 40-ounce Tumbler: $39 (Save $6)
• Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist Fan: $200 (Save $50)
• Apple iPad Air: $549 (Save $50)
• Apple AirTags, 4-Pack: $75 (Save $24)
• Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0: $19 (Save $12)
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, SPF 70: $9 (Save $4)
• iRobot Roomba i5 Robot Vacuum & Mop: $199 (Save $151)
• Jisulife Portable Neck Fan: $28 (Save $6)
• L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion: $13 (Save $4)
• RedTiger 4K Dash Cam: $90 (Save $110)
• UGreen FineTrack Smart Finder: $10 (Save $10)
• Fab Totes Clothes Storage 6-Pack: $17 (Save $8)

Sam’s Club:

• NutriBullet Pro 900W Blender: $50 (Save $20)

Kohl’s:

• Women’s Croft & Barrow Essential Crewneck Tee: $8 (Save $4)

More of the Best Sales to Shop This Weekend:

• Adidas: Up to 50% off sale shoes and apparel.
• Anthropologie: Up to 65% off new sale items.
• Brooklinen: Up to 75% off bedding and bath linens.
• Coach Outlet: Up to 70% off sale styles.
• Cozy Earth: Up to 30% off bedding and pajamas.
• Everlane: Up to 70% off sale styles.
• J.Crew: Up to 50% off during the Big Summer Event.
• Kate Spade Outlet: Up to 70% off everything.
• Loft: Up to 30% off full-priced purchase, plus an extra 20% off.
• Nordstrom: Up to 80% off designer clearance items.
• Nordstrom Rack: Up to 75% off summer styles.
• Old Navy: Up to 50% off almost everything.
• REI: Up to 50% off markdowns on camping supplies and running gear.
• Spanx: Up to 50% off during the End of Season Sale.
• Sur La Table: Up to 60% off brands like Staub and Le Creuset.
• Target: Up to 60% off swimwear and patio furniture during the Summer Splash Sale.
• Walmart: Up to 80% off rollbacks and flash deals.
• Wayfair: Up to 50% off patio furniture during the Big Outdoor Sale.

Cindy Crawford’s Chic Birkenstock Sandals: The Must-Have Summer Shoe

Birkenstocks have transformed from comfort-focused shoes to stylish fashion staples, embraced by celebrities like Jennifer Garner, Reese Witherspoon, and Gwyneth Paltrow. Cindy Crawford recently joined the Birkenstock fan club, showcasing the Madrid Big Buckle Slide Sandal in an Instagram post from Palm Springs.

Key Features of Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle Slide Sandal:
– Sleek design available in nine neutral shades
– Angled strap and oversized buckle for a polished look
– Cushioned, shock-absorbing contoured footbed
– Durable leather elements for long-lasting wear

Versatile Styling:
Crawford paired the sandals with blue jeans, a white tee, and a printed scarf, but they can be dressed up or down. The narrow to medium footbed may require a size adjustment for those preferring a wider fit.

Affordable Alternatives:
For those seeking similar styles at lower prices, Amazon offers several options:
– Project Cloud 100% Genuine Leather Sandals: Available in 18 colors, featuring an anti-slip sole and water-resistant design.
– Women’s Cork Footbed Sandals: Offered in 11 neutral colors, with a super soft suede insole and cushy cork footbed.
– L Loubit Cloud Slides: Waterproof slides ideal for beach or pool settings, featuring a big buckle trend.

These alternatives provide comfort and style without the premium price tag, making them perfect for your summer shoe rotation.

Brooke Shields’ Favorite Eye Cream Is 20% Off in Rare True Botanicals Sale

Brooke Shields, a long-standing beauty icon, has revealed her go-to eye cream, True Botanicals Resurrection Radiance Eye Cream, is currently 20% off during the brand’s biggest sitewide sale of the year. Originally priced at $78, the eye cream is now available for $64.

True Botanicals Resurrection Radiance Eye Cream

$64$78

Save $14

This innovative, brightening eye cream features a bioactive moisture retention complex from the Resurrection Plant, designed to intensely moisturize and dramatically reduce the appearance of dark circles, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Why It’s a Good Deal

The True Botanicals Anniversary Sale offers up to 40% off orders, depending on the total spend, along with other perks automatically applied at checkout. This makes it an ideal time to stock up on this celeb-approved eye cream.

Why You Need This

Shields shared with Glamour that she uses the Resurrection Radiance Eye Cream every morning. She warms it with her fingertips and sometimes uses a chilled tool to enhance absorption, helping with fine lines and puffiness. The cream is also popular among other celebrities like Kate Hudson, Olivia Wilde, and Laura Dern.

What Makes It Special

The eye cream includes natural ingredients such as tree bark extract, turmeric, coffee, and licorice extracts to brighten and de-puff under-eyes. It also contains green tea extract, avocado oil, and glycerin to reduce fine lines. The formula is hypoallergenic and free of parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.

What Reviewers Say

Many reviewers on True Botanicals’ website praise the cream for improving dark circles, tightening and de-puffing under-eyes, and reducing fine lines. However, some users note that the cream has a waxy texture that requires warming to spread evenly.

Don’t miss out on this rare sale. Grab Brooke Shields’ favorite eye cream while it’s on super sale!

ShoppingHomeOutdoorThe 7 best outdoor rugs, according to designers — and how to pick one that lastsDecorate your space from the ground up with these cheerful, summer-ready finds from Ruggable, Wayfair and more.Updated Fri, June 20, 2025 at 2:50 PM UTCWe’re floored by how great these outdoor rugs look. (Wayfair, Ruggable, Amazon)The best outdoor rugs can do wonders for your patio, porch, deck or balcony, transforming it into a space that feels as inviting as your actual living room. Just like indoor rugs, outdoor versions will anchor your furniture, and you can even use them to create zones, like a lounge by your favorite fire pit. “Outdoor rugs define a sense of place in more ways than one — they literally define it, but they also draw people over,” says Angela Colombo Heckler, owner of the design firm SolGrace Home. The difference is that these beauties are made from materials like polyester or polypropylene that can withstand water, dirt and sun. To find the prettiest, most durable options, I chatted with designers like Heckler and pro landscapers; I also relied on my knowledge as a home editor who has tried her fair share of outdoor and washable rugs. Let’s dig in, shall we? (And while you’re upgrading your space, check out the best outdoor sofas of 2025 and designers’ favorite patio decor under $50.)Note: The prices below are for 4-by-6-foot or 5-by-7-foot rugs, so you can easily compare costs.Quick OverviewBest outdoor rug overallCleo Trellis 5′ x 7′ Outdoor Rug$229 at RuggableBest budget outdoor rugWade Logan 5′ x 7′ Waikiki Indoor/Outdoor Rug$69 at WayfairBest washable outdoor rugNuLoom Arleth 4′ x 6′ Indoor/Outdoor Machine-Washable Area Rug$59 at AmazonBest colorful outdoor rugJonathan Y Ourika 5’3″ x 7’7″ Moroccan Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug$84 at AmazonBest striped outdoor rugLoloi x Amber Lewis Malibu Collection 5’1″ x 7’7″ Area RugMore options$111 at WayfairSee 2 moreTable of contentsBest outdoor rugs of 2025Factors to consider when choosing an outdoor rugHow we chose these outdoor rugsWhat material is best for outdoor rugs?Maintenance tips for outdoor rugsMeet the expertsBest outdoor rugs of 2025RuggableBest outdoor rug overallCleo Trellis 5′ x 7′ Outdoor RugShape: Rectangular, runner | Color options: Royal blue (shown), natural, black | Features: Washable, nonslip, stain resistant, easy care | Area rug size: 2’6″ x 7′, 2’6″ x 10′, 3′ x 5′, 5′ x 7′, 6′ x 9′, 8′ x 10′, 9′ x 12′ | Material: Recycled polyester | Thickness: 0.125″ If you ask me, Ruggable can do no wrong. These durable floor coverings promise to be stain resistant and nonslip, and in my experience, they more than live up to the hype. I’ve mostly used them indoors — I own five! — but I am confident the outdoor options would hold up well against moisture and dirt. They have a water-resistant barrier that the brand claims resists fading and mildew, plus you can toss them in the washing machine, where they clean up like a dream. (Just make sure your washer is big enough to accommodate your rug; here are the sizing guidelines.) I recently interviewed Katie Tamony, chief marketing officer for the plant company Monrovia, about easy ways to upgrade your garden, and unsurprisingly, a Ruggable was on her list. “It’s what I use in my own yard,” she says. “They have so many options that work well for the outdoors.” Like all the brand’s products, the outdoor versions come with a separate pad that grips onto a top layer. Patterned, colorful outdoor rugs sometimes look gimmicky, as if someone supersized a beach towel. Not the case with this pick, which has a Moroccan-inspired trellis design in a rich blue. It would add so much personality to a wood deck or stone patio. Ruggable makes its rugs in several thicknesses, with the outdoor versions on the thin side. Though the material feels soft, it won’t be sink-your-toes-in cozy. Most shoppers don’t seem to have a problem with that, though: This rug earns

Amazon Prime Day 2025 is set to be an exciting event with deep discounts across more than 35 categories, including electronics, kitchen, beauty, and apparel. The four-day sale will run from July 8 to July 11, offering 96 hours of deals. To take advantage of the best offers, an Amazon Prime membership is required, though a free 30-day trial is available for new members.

Early Prime Day deals are already available, featuring significant savings on popular items. Highlights include:

• Apple AirPods 4: Now $99 (save $30), the lowest price ever.
• New Apple iPad, 11-Inch: Now $299 (save $50).
• Black & Decker PowerSeries+ 16V Max Cordless Stick Vacuum: Now $74 (save $26).
• Cozsinoor Bed Pillows, Queen, Set of 2: Now $22 (save $78 with code), the lowest price ever.
• Slopehill Ionic Hair Dryer: Now $28 (save $22), the lowest price ever.
• Craftsman V20 Cordless Hand Vacuum: Now $59 (save $41), the lowest price ever.
• Levoit Tower Fan: Now $63 (save $12).
• Yaheetech Zero Gravity Recliners, Set of 2: Now $68 (save $22 with code).
• Apple 2025 MacBook Air, 13-Inch: Now $829 (save $170).
• Smirly Wooden Cutting Boards, 3-Pack: Now $32 (save $14 with coupon and code).
• Qinlianf 5-Outlet Extender: Now $10 (save $3 with Prime).
• Hanes Jersey Pocket Shorts: Now $13 (save $6).

These early deals offer a glimpse of the savings to come, making it worthwhile to shop now and secure the best prices before Prime Day officially begins.

ShoppingStyle

We have received compensation to create this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

I’m a style expert — here are the best Lululemon summer finds under $50 to snag now

Tanks, tees, bags, bras and more! Grab your new signature warm-weather pieces and get ready for the compliments to roll in.

Updated Fri, June 20, 2025 at 12:46 PM UTC

Any day you can score luxury goods on a realistic budget is a good day in my book. (Lululemon)

In a now-viral moment from her new Netflix show, Meghan Markle explained how she loves to mix high-end and mid-priced clothing brands to achieve her timeless aesthetic. The ‘high-low’ method is a classic cheat code for looking chic without spending a ton, and one I’ve used for years. Those of us who do not shop on a Duchess’ budget might even consider a brand like Lululemon to be an unattainable luxury. But the truth is many of the brand’s most iconic pieces are less than $50, and mixed with more budget-friendly attire, you can easily pull off that lady-who-lunches look without maxing out your credit cards.

Quick Overview

Everywhere Belt Bag$38 at Lululemon

Love Curved-Hem Crewneck T-Shirt$48 at Lululemon

Love Tank Top$38 at Lululemon

Women’s Luxtreme Training Headband$14 at Lululemon

Back to Life Sport Bottle$44 at Lululemon

See 5 more

Take the famous Everywhere bag, for example. The posh pack has become synonymous with belt bags — a virtual status symbol for only $38. For that same price, you can even get a versatile tank top that feels like butter against your skin and has the kind of figure-flattering silhouette that looks expensive. And for just $48, you can secure your new favorite T-shirt from Lulu in a greige neutral that whispers quiet luxury.

Summer’s here and coats are coming off, so it’s the perfect time to incorporate a few new, treasured pieces into your wardrobe. I scoured Lululemon to find 10 perfect candidates, each less than $50. They include clothing and accessories that the brand’s most loyal fans are clamoring for as we speak. Grab your new signature summer pieces and get ready for the compliments to roll in.

LululemonEverywhere Belt Bag

You know it. You love it. You might already own it. It’s the all-weather Everywhere Belt Bag, one of Lululemon’s best-known and best-selling accessories — and it’s just $38. The Everywhere bag is an everyday companion for anyone who wants to carry just the essentials while they’re out and about. (Read more about what three editors can fit inside!) And it comes in a slew of colors, like this pretty ivory that goes with everything. Trust me, this one’s a shoe-in.

$38 at Lululemon

LululemonLove Curved-Hem Crewneck T-Shirt

Does the perfect T-shirt exist? I think I may have found it in this one that’s not too tight yet not too baggy. It’s made of Pima cotton, not only prized for its softness and breathability, but also its durability, even after many washes. While this warm grey version is an unexpected neutral to be obsessed with, the tee comes in plenty more colors — and even stripes.

$48 at Lululemon

LululemonLove Tank Top

For less than $40, you can have a new go-to tank top to mix and match with all your summer athleisure. The slightly billowy top is made of Pima cotton, which has longer fibers and finer threads than standard cotton, so it’s softer and more lightweight. The hem even hits at the hip for a bit more modesty than a waist-length tank.

$38 at Lululemon

LululemonWomen’s Luxtreme Training Headband

If you want a little something that’ll make a big impact, this Lulu headband wicks away sweat while letting you look like a fitness influencer — and it’s just $14. The headband has a four-way stretch that’s meant to fit snugly, but the Lycra material is designed to hold its shape over the long haul. Grab it in this trending pink hue or eight others.

$14 at Lululemon

LululemonBack to Life Sport Bottle

Lululemon even manages to make water bottles luxurious. This beauty — which comes in 11 colors — has all the basics of the best reusable water bottles, like double-wall, vacuum-insulation to keep water ice cold, a folding straw and a loop for easy carrying. But this option

Will you marry … us? The friends stepping up as wedding officiants.

These couples phoned a friend.

Why these couples said “I do” to having a friend officiate their weddings. (Photo Illustration: Juanjo Gasull for Yahoo Life, photos: Getty Images)

I no longer talk to the man I married when I was 29. But I’m still quite close to the man who married … both of us.

At the time, my fiancé and I were living in Brooklyn, just a couple of blocks from my dear childhood friend Erik Kaiko and his wife, Megan. The four of us shared a CSA and frequent after-work happy hours. Asking Erik to officiate my wedding was a no-brainer; he was an actor, an excellent public speaker and a true friend we knew we could count on. We weren’t at all religious, and Erik had already gotten ordained over the internet in order to officiate another friend’s wedding, so it all made sense.

Another bonus was that we were having a tiny wedding — immediate family only — and the officiant loophole meant we could “invite” a couple of our best friends without opening the floodgates to actually inviting all our friends. The ceremony and wedding day were wonderful, and it is absolutely no fault of Erik’s that we divorced a year and a half later.

Why go the friend route? A recent survey on religious activity in the U.S. shows that nearly half of 18-to-29-year-olds identify as “religiously unaffiliated,” which suggests that they may be looking beyond ministers, rabbis and other spiritual leaders to help them tie the knot. And, as Erik himself points out, “Our generation is accustomed to looking for ways to do things differently, in a more personal way — and getting married is a significant life milestone that is a good example of that.”

But what goes into asking a friend to fill this role, and what makes someone wedding officiant-worthy? Yahoo Life spoke to real couples and their officiants to find out.

Lynn McKay wanted her friend Acacia O’Connor to give her wedding a more “personal” touch. (Photo Illustration: Yahoo Life, photos: Lynn McKay, Getty Images)

‘I wanted it to be a deeply personal service’

“I decided to ask a friend to officiate my wedding because I wanted it to be a deeply personal service,” Lynn McKay in Syracuse, N.Y., shares. Her friend Acacia O’Connor was an obvious choice because “they are smart, funny, thoughtful and eloquent,” McKay says. “I knew that they would make the service special. They said yes immediately (of course).”

McKay wanted to differentiate her wedding ceremony from the more religious or run-of-the-mill ones she had attended or seen depicted. “I had been to various weddings where I couldn’t connect to what the officiant was saying,” she explains, “and I felt like Acacia made it both personal and meaningful.”

O’Connor has been asked to officiate multiple friends’ weddings. “It wasn’t for my love of the institution of marriage, that’s for sure!” they laugh. O’Connor has never been married, is not monogamous and “isn’t the biggest fan of tradition,” they say. But they’re a good friend, a writer, a good public speaker and seem to have a certain … vibe. “I’m priestly? If that makes sense?” O’Connor says. “I get the sense people think of me as someone who will have thoughtful things to say in creative ways, which is something you want in a wedding ceremony.”

O’Connor also felt it was an honor to be asked. “I felt an incredible amount of trust in me, asking me to play that role,” they explain. “I’d much rather officiate than be in any type of bridal party. (I’m nonbinary and before that I was gender non-conforming, so that definitely is partly why I’m not bridal party material.) Honestly, other than the affianced, the officiant is kind of the star!” And why limit it to weddings? “Bring on the divorce rituals and the funerals — I can do it all!” they joke.

After some wedding snafus, bride Brandi Ryans needed an officiant she could trust implicitly: her pal Julie. (Photo Illustration: Yahoo Life, photos: Brandi Ryans, Getty Images)

‘We never really thought about anyone other than Julie’

When Brandi Ryans of New Jersey got married in 2010, it was important to have someone she could count on after a series of major letdowns. She and her now-husband had put down a deposit on a wedding venue only to discover soon after that it had closed and the owner had fled the country, with their hard-earned thousands of dollars