If you could have done anything differently, what would it be? Not worn pink suede shoes! It turned out fine, but the one thing that was out of our control — the weather — decided to be disagreeable, and the unexpectedly rainy day meant my pretty bridal shoes were trashed (and the bottom of my dress dyed pink) before the ceremony had even begun. But other than that, I wouldn't have changed anything — the wedding was truly love-filled and magical, even with the pouring rain!
How did you stay sane during the planning process? We got all the big things taken care of first, like booking the venue, food, and photographer. And booking our wedding planners Ashlyn Carter and Heather Cook of Carter & Cook Event Co. early on was also integral. Since I was planning an LA wedding from San Francisco, having planners in Southern California was incredibly helpful. Their local wedding expertise not only quickened the process of choosing everything from the DJ to the party supply rentals, it gave me peace of mind to know that I was choosing quality vendors in my budget. Also, all the help we received from friends and family for DIY projects, prewedding parties, and last-minute duties kept me from being overly stressed out.
What's your best advice for brides-to-be? Don't be afraid to ask for help from your loved ones, hire quality planners, it's OK if you don't have the time for a million DIY projects, and choose your vendors carefully. And remember, it's the relationships that really matter when it's over, so be kind, loving, and patient with your family, friends, and fiancé throughout the wedding planning process.
Photo by Michèle M. Waite
