Real Advice from a Recent Bride
Marissa and Francis exchanged vows in a beautiful outdoor ceremony on June 9, 2018. Here are a few words of wisdom from the bride about their planning experience!
What was the most difficult part of planning and how did you handle it?
The one thing that surprised me was how much the expectations around the day weighed on me. I had my own expectations to deal with, but also what I believed everyone else was expecting. To get through it, I relied on my family and friends that were more than happy to help, and kept reminding myself that no matter what, at the end of the day, I’d still be married to my best friend.
How did you involve the groom in the planning process?
Francis and I discussed from the very beginning that this was going to be both of our days, and we’d both be involved in the vision and planning of the event! There were things that he cared more about, and things I cared more about, and we would divide and conquer.
What did you splurge on and why?
Photos are one of the only things that will last past a day that is honestly a whirlwind. Finding a photographer that we loved was important to us, so we were willing to go outside our budget. Knowing that Kristin was behind the camera, I felt confident and knew that she would show the beauty of the event, no matter how stressed I felt! We also splurged on adding greenery to the ceiling of our reception space. It completely transformed the space and was definitely worth the extra cost!
What’s the best advice you could give to a bride on her wedding day?
Enjoy your day! And get a wedding planner—at least a day-of one. It’s so easy to get caught up in everything going on that day, but this is one of the only times you get to have everyone you and your spouse love in one place. Just try to be in the moment and enjoy it! Whenever I’d start to worry about something, I’d text our planner and she would simply say, “don’t worry about it, I’ve got it, you just enjoy,” and it would help SO much.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in the months you’ve been married?
The wedding consumes so much of your life leading up to the big day that it’s easy to lose sight of what it’s all about. After the wedding, we had a chance to just focus on each other and our life together, and that’s so special.
Vendors
Venues: Cantigny Park, Ignite Glass Studio
Planning: Michelle K of Lola Event Productions
Photography: Kristin La Voie Photography
Floral: A Stem Above
Cake/Dessert: Vanille Patisserie, Do-Rite Donuts
Rentals: Marquee Rentals, Anthropologie, BBJ Linen, MK Lighting & Design, Northern Decor
