I asked some of my couples to share what advice they would give to engaged couples and what their favorite memory was from their wedding day! Read on for helpful tips and thoughts from these four couples!
From Jennifer & Justin — for couples who are planning their weddings, we would suggest they have a vision of what their dream wedding looks like, be flexible and creative in making that dream a reality, and choose providers they connect with and trust. The people you choose as providers are so important! On your wedding day, things are generally out of the couple’s hands, so the photographer, planner, caterer, DJ, and all other people with whom you choose to work are there to make your day happens based on what you’ve shared with them about your vision and plans. Our day went smoothly because of our connection and relationship with our vendors.
We would also suggest taking, with a grain of salt, much of the specific advice you receive by people who don’t know you well. So many people told us we had too many DIY projects and we wouldn’t be able to complete them all in time. Totally not true!! (I [Jennifer] am a strategic planner and had been working on my DIY projects for months before the wedding.); however, it certainly amped up the stress level to hear people say that. You know yourself best and your planning is something you have control over.
Finally, weddings are really special. We were on the fence about having a wedding for months after we got engaged. I [Jennifer] had a friend who helped me think through my thoughts and feelings about eloping versus having a wedding. She told me that her wedding day was unlike anything else because they had everyone they loved in one place at the same time to celebrate with them. Be ready to take in all that love, not only from your new spouse but also from your friends and family. It really felt like floating on cloud nine for us!
Springfield Manor and Photographer: A&M Photography
From Valerie & Remy — the best advice is to not stres
s about the little things. There were things that we forgot the day of, and those things went unnoticed! Everyone will have a blast and the most important thing is that you’re getting married to the love of your life.
Prosperity Mansion and Photographer: Anna Lowe Photography
From Sophia & Sheldon — hire Lexi so you can enjoy each moment! She is amazing and having her allowed us to focus on each other and not on the little issues that may have come up.
Christian Life Center and Photographer: Pearly Kate Photography
From Alana and Matt — we would advise couples to consider buying event insurance. We didn’t consider it, but this pandemic would have made us think tw
ice about buying it. Another piece of advice is to focus on 2-3 parts of the day that you both care about. These things need to go well for you to feel fulfilled. For us, we focused on having delicious food, an energetic live band, and creating and understanding a day-of timeline that balanced all the pieces we prioritized. For everything else, like the florals and the decor, we did not invest as much time or money on these items.
Shadow Creek Weddings & Events and Photographer: Stephen Reasonover Photography
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Jennifer & Justin’s Favorite Memory
We have so many wonderful memories from our wedding day. I think perhaps one we will always carry with us in our hearts is turning to face our friends and family at the end of the ceremony after being pronounced “Mr. and Mrs.” and looking out at all the people we love and adore, feeling so loved and thankful to have shared such a joyous occasion with them. For a few months, we considered eloping, since we met in Europe, but we decided on a wedding because we knew it would mean so much more to us to celebrate with the people we love most in this world.
We also had our dogs in the ceremony – it wouldn’t have been the same without them. Seeing them walk down the aisle on our wedding video and in photos makes my heart melt! It was a little stressful figuring out how to manage having them there, but once we found the right provider (yes, there are dog handlers for weddings!), it went smoothly and made our day that much more meaningful.
Valerie & Remy Favorite memory
There were SO many moments that were amazing. Our last song was very memorable. It had a lot of meaning between me [Valerie] and my best friend. I always said I was going to dance to it with my future husband at my wedding since we were little. We all sang it to each other and everyone on the dance floor gave us a big group hug at the end. It was very magical and special.
Sophia & Sheldon’s Favorite Memory
Our favorite memories – Sheldon’s favorite moment was the carriage ride together as a married couple. Sophia’s favorite moment was singing praise to God together. 
Alana & Matt’s Favorite Memory
One of our favorite memories was from the moment we were announced at the reception, where everyone cheered and welcomed us, to our first dance, to immediately being surrounded by all of our guests in the Horah, the traditional Jewish folk dance. These were such unique, surreal, and incredible moments surrounded by people we love and that we will never forget!!
Shadow Creek Weddings & Events
Stephen Reasonover Photography
