De-stressing your Wedding

The search for peace during stressful wedding planning.

[kenziekimbrough]

This time next week I will be Mrs. Kirkland!! 👰 #thekirklandwedding #countdown #wedding #bride #engagement #instagood #unamk375

[kenziekimbrough]

Finally a #DIY that doesn't burn my fingers! #workinprogress #weddingprograms #thekirklandwedding #photoshop #psd #graphicdesign #MyPassionMyArt #unamk375 #projectoftheday

[kenziekimbrough]

#crafting for the wedding day! ✂️👰 #operationwedding #wedding #projectoftheday #art #diy #mrandmrs #artsandcrafts #thekirklandwedding #unamk375 #instagood

[kenziekimbrough]

Party Favors for Your Wedding/Reception

Night after night I wake up in a panic from the same recurring nightmare. I am in the middle of a huge room filled with thousands and thousands of party favors. I am all alone with a stack of little bags that I am supposed to stuff the favors into with absolutely no help! And.. I have one day left to do it!! This is where I wake up drenched in sweat and jump out of bed to grab another bag.. Wait.. It's a dream!! 

I am not sure why all of a sudden my mind has chosen to panic about party favors, but we already have made a plan and have it covered. If this sounds like a nightmare to you too, I suggest doing something simple and planning it now, so last minute you aren't left to stuff hundreds of bags with favors! 

My solution… Peppermint Bark! This is one of my all time favorite seasonal candies and since we are getting married in December, it is the perfect time! The plan is to make the Peppermint Bark myself and put it into individually wrapped packages, or cellophane wrappers. Although this will take a little bit extra time, I enjoy baking and will enlist the help of my mom and sister to separate the bark into individual servings! Peppermint bark can be stored for up to two weeks, so we can even start making it ahead of time!

Back up plan. No matter how thorough and fool-proof the original plan is, you should always have a Plan B! So in case I run out of time, or have trouble making the Peppermint Bark, I will just run to the store and buy some Hershey kisses. They will be simple enough to throw in some cute bags and tie on a ribbon! Plus, no one will know the difference.

One of the best pieces of advice I have gotten while planning my wedding is that if you forget to do something, or don't have enough time (like in the case of my nightmare..) Don't stress over it!! No one is going to know what you had planned to do. No one is going to think "oh if they only had done that.. " And honestly, no one is going to remember whether you served beef or chicken, peppermint bark or Hershey kisses. All they will remember is whether they had a good time or not. The decorations, all the details are for you! So if you don't get something done, there is no reason to worry about it! Just enjoy your day and pretend like everything worked out exactly how you wanted it! Because when it's all said and done, if you are happy, then everyone else will be too and all that's left will be fond memories!

[kenziekimbrough]

Remembering What's Important

All the details of wedding planning seem to get overwhelming and consume your every waking (and sleeping) minute. But, they shouldn't consume you so much that you forget the things that are really important to you. I have found myself guilty of disregarding some of these things and have had to apologize to the people around me for getting so carried away! Especially my fiancé. 

You can't have a wedding without a groom. While yes, the decor, color, pictures, and themes are important to a wedding, nothing is more important that the person you are sharing it with. Your fiancé should be the number one player in this game. Although most men don't want to be involved in all the details, they also don't want to be left out. The most important thing is communication and discussing exactly how you want to plan your wedding TOGETHER. Tradition may say that it is the Bride's big day, and it is up to her family to throw an elaborate party, but let's face it.. Our generation has thrown tradition out the window. So it's up to you and your fiancé to decide how you want your special day to be. And to spend this time planning it together!

Don't forget the romance. Wedding planning can be a little heavy on the logistics of crunching numbers, counting guest lists, and arranging appointments. There is a never ending to-do list that grows larger every day. However, you still need to find some time for a little spontaneity and continue to cultivate your relationship with your fiancé the way you have since you started dating. Make time for each other without talking about the wedding and having things to do. Just enjoy each others company, go on a walk, make dinner, play a game. Invest time into each other and your relationship. After all, that's what got you here in the first place. 

Value each other's opinions. Bride's often get accused of being "Bridezilla" and demanding that everything goes exactly the way they want it!! Unfortunately, these brides aren't leaving any room for the fiancé to have any input. Often you will have different ideas concerning the wedding, and your family's expectations will not be the same as his. It is important to listen to each other and value each opinion as an option. Try not to disregard an idea just because you may have pictured it differently in your head. Compromise is your best friend. If you learn how to compromise now during the stress of planning your wedding, it will come easier when other challenging times hit you. 

Most of all, remember what is important. Ten years later you won't care what the decorations looked like or what songs were played, but you will care about the person you are still married to. And you will remember how you grew together and learned how to compromise and value each other through stressful times. This is a big challenge to any relationship and it will make a big difference depending on how you manage the stresses of wedding planning. Will you work together and develop a deeper love for each other? Or will you argue and barely make it to the wedding day in hopes that everything will be resolved once your married? Truth is.. these issues don't disappear overnight. They will resurface later in your life if they aren't dealt with not, so why not start today with investing into your future and showing your fiancé that you are more focused on them than the wedding. After all, he is the reason you are getting married. And he will be there every day after.

[kenziekimbrough]

Setting a date

He proposed! What a wonderful day filled with love and happiness, celebration with friends and family, and hopefully some champagne! Getting engaged is probably one of the most exciting moments of your life, and it is a time to celebrate and enjoy each other before all the stress of planning the wedding sets in and causes drama. Once you have fully enjoyed your first moments of being engaged (and please celebrate as long as you like), it's time to start putting the ball in motion to make this thing official!

One of the first things you want to do is set the date! This task in itself is more than a doozy so my best advice is to be flexible, communicate, and follow your heart. When you start opening up the conversation for when you would like to get married, make sure your fiancé is the first and foremost voice in this conversation. Parents and family members like to weigh in and while their opinions may be considered, don't feel obligated to do what they want you to do! 

Things to Consider:

Length of engagement: Some couples like to get married quick, while others may wait it out for months to years before saying "I do". What suits you the best? Remember it does take some time to plan a wedding. Depending on your schedule and other things going on in your life, it may take 6 months to a year to plan!

Season: Each season has it's own set of pros and cons. Summer is hot, winter is cold. Fall is beautiful, but there is SEC football on Saturdays. Spring in Alabama.. you never know what the weather may hold. However there are some basic ideas about which season you want to get married in. Do you want an indoor/outdoor wedding? How would your guests feel? Is your fiancé going to be sweating through his tux? Is the big game on?

Special Dates: We chose to get married on December 13th, 2014 (12-13-14)! These dates are easy to remember and fun to write on your invitations, but remember, they also book up fast! What other dates are significant to you?

Venue availability: What venues are you interested in and what dates do they have available? Some venues can book up to a year out, so be proactive in calling around and getting some ideas before you set your date. You may have to tweak it a little to get the venue of your dreams!

One way to help keep your thoughts straight while considering date options is to make pro con lists for each date you are considering. For example: Dec 13th. Cons- cold weather, close to holidays, only 6 months to plan. Pros- on school break, can take a longer honeymoon, better venue availability, special date!This one worked out in our favor despite some of the cons. The list did prove to be helpful though. 

 When planning a wedding, you don't always get things exactly like you want. The date included. Remember, even if you have to change dates, or settle on a time of year that you originally didn't like, this is YOUR date! That makes is special in itself. You are marrying the love of your life and on that day, nothing else will matter. So be flexible and go with whatever works for you and your fiancé! Once you get the date set, everything will start coming together, and you have something to countdown to :) 

[kenziekimbrough]

Bridesmaids Dresses

The dreaded bridesmaid dress in all its glory. Green sash, pleats, bows, and frills. Layers and layers of tulle atop truly horrible colors and designs. This is the stigma behind the bridesmaid dress of the past and is so well exemplified in 27 Dresses! So many times we have heard the phrase "you can wear it again" when we all know in fact we will never touch that dress again as long as we live. Well Bride, now it is your turn. What are you going to do with the power?

Pick something cute!! Fortunately bridesmaids' dresses have improved over the years, and I have been fortunate enough to at least think about wearing one of them again. There are so many more options to choose from than the basic matching costumes that your bridesmaids parade down the aisle in. Besides, no one does traditional anymore, so who says you can't spice it up with a fun cocktail dress, or ones of different styles and colors?

When looking for the perfect Bridesmaids' dresses Pinterest can be your best friend. Look at other weddings, pictures, how it came across, and what colors compliment each other. If you are well informed, then your decision will be much easier. 

Start at a bridal shop. It is always a good reference to see the generic dresses that can easily be ordered for every shape and size in almost an color imaginable. Who knows, the perfect look may be there! If not, than at least you can try several options and get a good idea of what you are looking for. 

Try department stores. Going casual? Try looking at local boutiques. We lucked up, and I found the exact dress I was looking for at Dillard's. It could not have been more like the picture I had in my mind that if I had made the dress myself. The downfall.. it was on clearance and there was only one. After a couple long hours of talking to the lady at the desk and making phone calls, we were able to track down 8 dresses exactly the same and have them shipped to my house! Talk about good service ;)

Be weary of the dresses that don't match in style or color. I recently attended a wedding where the eight bridesmaids had on dresses of 4 different colors and different cuts/styles, and not a single one looked like it went with another. It was not a good look. If you want to be different and do alternating colors or complimenting styles, find a common theme to tie everything together, Maybe an accent color, or the shoes and jewelry, length of the dress, length of the sleeves, something.. Again, do your research and see what looks good in pictures, and how to coordinate different colors. This look can be pulled off, but it may take some work!

Get some input from your girls. After all, they are the ones wearing the dress. Let them throw out some idea for color, length, or even where to get them from. Most likely, someone will have an idea that will be helpful in the process. Shopping for bridesmaids' dresses can be a good bonding time for you and the girls. It also may take some time, so don't be in a rush! 

Have fun and enjoy picking out your bridesmaids' dresses with your bridesmaids! Do what feels best to you and your girls as far as dresses and budget goes. There are so many alternatives that don't cost an arm and a leg! Hopefully these tips will help relieve some stress and get your ideas flowing for how to find the right look for your wedding party!

[kenziekimbrough]

Registry Checklist

Registering for gifts can be a daunting task if you aren't prepared! Which I was not. My fiancé and I had planned on registering one day when we were together, even though he was not into it at all. I thought I knew what we needed and that we would be able to find everything quickly and get out.. wrong again! Not long after signing in at Target and being turned loose with a scanner did I realize that I had no clue where to start! After the panic attack ended, we regrouped, did a little research, and started all over.

The best thing to do in preparation for gift registry is to print a list! This one from the knot has anything and everything you will need as newlyweds and even allows you the option to customize the items and number of items needed. This is what we needed the first time we registered! It is always better to be prepared and to have an idea of what you need. 

Also, before you register, sit down with your fiancé and make a few notes on how you would like to decorate, what kind of appliances/furniture you need, and take a quick inventory of what you have. If you can already check a few items off the list then you can narrow down what you need from your friends and families. 

Don't forget to have fun! This is one of the exciting parts of your engagement. It's like making your Christmas list for Santa! This is the time to put everything you want on the list whether you think someone will buy it or not. **(Sidenote: Some places will give you an extra discount for things that aren't bought from your registry. So if no one buys it for you, and you still want it later, take advantage of your discounts!)** Plus, you can always go back and edit your registry online if you decide that you really don't need that extra set of wine glasses or the automatic, motion sensing, talking garbage can that is $150.. (My fiancé was a little trigger happy). 

Be prepared, follow your list, and enjoy your trip! This is probably the only time you will get this many gifts in your life, so make them good! :)

[kenziekimbrough]

7 Tips on Making Hotel Accommodations for Your Wedding Guests

There are several factors that go into making hotel accommodations for your wedding guests. Of course location is a major one. Where are your guests coming from? And where do they need to be to easily attend your ceremony? Fortunately, most cities have an abundance of choices when it comes to location. There is a hotel on nearly every block, but when you live out in the country like I do, your options become limited. Here are a few tips I have picked up from recent experiences:

Tip #1- Research all option within a 5 mile radius. If there aren't any that close, move out from there. Is your wedding and reception in the same place? If not, try to decide whether it would be easier for your guests to be closer to one or the other, or best case scenario, somewhere in the middle. 

Tip #2- Consider quality vs. price. You want your guest to enjoy their stay! This is a special time not only for you and the groom, but also a fun vacay for your guest. So suggest places that you know they will be comfortable in. Also weigh out cost vs. benefit. Don't go with the most expensive place because it is the nicest in town. Your guests have already spent a lot of money coming to town and hopefully buying you gifts, and you want to be thoughtful of their wallets! There are several great hotels that offer a nice balance between the two. Look for somewhere with fresh, clean rooms at a fair rate. 

Tip #3- Once you have narrowed it down to a few nice and affordable options. GO check it out yourself! I cannot stress this enough. You cannot recommend a hotel to your guests if you have not seen it for yourself. I almost fell for this one because I had heard good things about a local hotel. Thank goodness we went and looked at the rooms before making reservations, because they were less than satisfactory! We toured several other hotels before making a final decision, and it was worth every minute to know that our guests (and myself) will be happy with their stay!

Tip #4- Talk $$$. Hotels will often give you a better deal for booking several rooms at once. Find out how many you will need to reserve for your guests, and the hotel should offer you a group rate. Compare prices with other similar hotels in the area and see which one is the best deal! You can also offer your guests a couple different options of hotel choices. Maybe even rooms at different price points or different sizes, so they can get what suits their needs!

Tip #5- Have a personal contact at the hotel. Making relationships with people who work at the front desk will always play to your benefit. When calling to get info. or to make reservations, always ask to talk to your specific contact. If you make several calls to that person and they have helped you through the entire process, you are more likely to get the best rates, service, and experience!

Tip #6- Consider getting a room for yourself for the night before the wedding. Even if you live in town, this little gesture will help make your big day seem even more special. You can have your own getaway the night before and relax with your girls! Also you will have somewhere to get ready the next morning.

Tip #7- Leave something special for your guests! This is optional, but a great personal touch to show love for the people who are coming to share this special day with you! Leave them a note thanking them for coming and a message from you and the groom. If you want to take it up a notch, make gift baskets with your favorite snacks, drinks, playing cards, customized do not disturb sign, etc.. This is a fun way to thank your guests for being a special part in your life!

Following these tips will take some of the stress out of finding a hotel for your guests, and hopefully make the experience a little easier. I wish someone would have told me months ago, and saved us some time! Not only will you feel better about recommending your guests options you have personally looked at, but they will thank you for being so thoughtful and taking the time to make sure they have a great experience!

[kenziekimbrough]

DIY- Wedding Cake Topper

Only 2 months left until the big day! That means it's time to start preparing the decorations! This is one of the areas that can easily go over budget, but there are some easy DIY solutions to keep your budget happy and your wedding beautiful! Personally Hobby Lobby has been one of my favorite places to shop! BE WARNED.. Hobby Lobby can be a dangerous place for brides if you aren't careful.. They have tons of cute pre-made decor for every area and need on your wedding day! (but it's a bit pricey) My mom and I had a recent shopping experience where we got overly excited about some mercury glass and found ourselves in the hole about $200. Needless to say.. it was all returned.

However, Hobby Lobby is the perfect place to get the supplies for some DIY decorations. This will save you money!! **(Sidenote: Take advantage of the 40% off coupon at https://m.hobbylobby.com/coupon . It is good for any regular priced item.)**

My most recent DIY project was our "K" wedding cake topper! I had seen several on Pinterest and Etsy ranging from $40-$120. WOW! I knew that I could do better! I ended up spending around $3 on this project and love it more than if I would have ordered it online!

HOW TO MAKE A CAKE TOPPER

Supplies Needed:

Wooden Letter. I bought mine from Hobby Lobby (with my 40% off coupon!)

Some spare paint. I used gold craft paint. You can also use whatever you have around the house, white, tan, black. 

Hot Glue

Old bracelets/necklaces/beads

2 skinny wooden sticks ( not pictured)

Rhinestones (Optional)

The first step is to paint the letter. One coat should do it, you just need something to cover the wood. Let it dry for a few hours or overnight. 

Next, cut up your bracelets/necklaces and decide which beads you want to use. Glue the beads onto the letter in whatever pattern you choose. After the glue has dried, make sure they are securely attached, and none are falling off.

To add a little more sparkle, glue rhinestones around the outer edges of the letter. 

Let dry, then glue wooden sticks to back. These will be used to push the topper down into the cake. 

Now you are ready to display your topper on the cake! This project is so much fun, and it is rewarding to see that you had a part in creating your own decorations. Not only will they be beautiful, but they will be special to you. The real trick is getting your fiancé to help! ;) 

[kenziekimbrough]

Cutting Costs

The wedding industry thrives off of starry eyed brides with big dreams of fancy weddings. This means everything that has the word wedding is automatically 10x higher than the regular price. Of these high expenses include invitations, thank you cards, flowers, catering, music, and the list goes on and on. We are all looking for ways to cut costs in wedding planning so that we can afford the things that are most important to us and have the perfect day! 

A good way to start cutting costs is to make a list of your priorities. These are the things that you will be willing to fork up some cash for. If you are set on a destination wedding, then the venue should be at the top of this list. However, if you prefer to get married at your church or a local park, then the venue is an area where you can cut costs. After establishing your priorities and seeing how much of the budget these areas make up, look into some areas that aren't as high on your list and find alternatives to save you $$$! I have made a list of a few of the things that can be pricey and alternative solutions. 

1. The Dress- For many brides this will be at the top of your priority list. If so, go for your dreams! You want to look perfect on your wedding day, and if having that $2,000 designer gown is what you want then do it! But.. there are also some great ways to save money on a dress and still look and feel amazing!

Check the sale racks- all dress stores have clearance racks. Although sizes and styles may be limited, you never know if your perfect dress is there until you look! 

Consignment stores- I bought my dress at a consignment shop for $100! The best part is that it was brand new with the $1,000 tags still on it! Consignment stores not only carry gently used dresses, but they may also have new dresses at only a fraction of the original price.

Borrow a dress- Did someone in your family just get married? Does your mom have a classic wedding gown that can be tweaked to fit your style? Many brides love the idea of wearing their mother's or family member's wedding gown because of the sentimental value. You can always make a few alterations to fit you and your personality!

2. Flowers- Believe or not, these simple little beauties can add up quick. Flowers are used for bouquets, centerpieces, aisle decorations and large floral arrangements. Personally, I am not a huge fan of flowers simply because they are a cliche wedding accessory. There are so many other ways to decorate still using color and items that can be found in your own backyard. 

Branches- Bare branches are perfect, especially for fall/winter weddings. All it takes is a touch of spray paint or some glitter and you have instant glam!

Greenery- You can always find some type of leaves or greenery around the yard or neighborhood. It may be a few snips from a tree outside, even some green pine branches in the winter. I chose to use magnolia leaves because of their color and shape! (Of course I will be putting glitter on these as well). 

Bouquets- Instead of the classic flower bouquet that everyone carries, try a vintage brooch bouquet. You can order these online or get crafty and make one yourself! Collect some brooches from your grandmothers or at yard sales and your bouquet will not only be unique, but it will be special to you! Also, if you like the vintage theme, bridesmaids could carry vintage purses or clutches. ;)

3. Music- There are so many options for music at the reception. Live band, DJ, iTunes playlist? Check with the venue to see if they have a sounds system and what you need in order to use it. If not, you may want to go with someone that has their own equipment.

Ask your friends- Being from Muscle Shoals, AL I have grown up in the midst of the music circle. Just about everyone I know plays an instrument or is in a band. If you have some friends that play, ask them to do a few songs at the reception! I'm sure they would love to be a part of your big day. If not, maybe they know someone else who would be interested and could give you a good deal.

Make a playlist- skip out on hiring an expensive DJ and hook up your iPhone/iPod to the speakers and make your own playlist! This way, you make sure to get all of your favorite songs. Especially the Cha Cha Slide, and Cupid Shuffle. Ask one of your buddies to monitor the iPod and make sure your special songs are played at the right time!

These are just a few ideas for staying on budget while planning your dream wedding! Think about the things that are really important to you and others that you might can skip out on. Also, try not to settle for something you don't like just to save money. Your wedding can still be perfect on a tight budget, and there are ways to get what you want without paying outrageous prices. Have an open mind, and keep looking for the deals. You never know what's available until you look!

[kenziekimbrough]

Engagement Pictures

Engagement pictures are one of the most fun and exciting experiences of the wedding planning process. This is a time to really be into your fiancé, let loose, and let your photographer catch the special moments! Of course, we all want these to look amazing because they will be displayed at the showers, wedding, and framed in our homes for well… ever. But, the less stress that goes into getting the shots, the better they will be!

When we set a date to have out pictures made, I immediately picked out two outfits for each of us including shoes, jewelry, hair and makeup ideas. Well knowing me and how indecisive I can be, of course our outfits changed a couple times! I found this bit of wisdom on how to dress for the occasion and look your best in from of the camera. (http://www.etrephotography.blogspot.ca/p/blog-page.html)

One of the most important things to remember when picking our your outfits is to be yourself! If you aren't comfortable in your outfit or do something out of your normal style, then you won't be happy with the results. Engagement pictures should reflect your style and personality! That's what makes you special, and people want to see you! Personally, I rarely wear jeans. So when it came time to dress for engagement shots, I chose to stay away from jeans and wear a casual dress in the first few shots and a dressier dress for our second look. I felt more comfortable in our shoot, because I wore outfits that I was comfortable in and felt like they were a good example of my personality! 

Another tip I have for anyone getting ready to take engagement pictures is make peace with your fiancé. If you have been on rough ground lately, make up ahead of time and solve any issues that you have been arguing about. Most importantly, don't bring up any hot topics before the shoot! The last thing you want is to be puffy from a heated discussion involving tears and little or no sleep. You want the engagement pictures to capture your love and relationship at its best! Enjoy each other and talk during the shoot. Also, make sure your fiancé feels comfortable so that you have a good connection throughout.

I thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent taking engagement pictures. It was  fun to relax and be ourselves while our photographer was snapping a few shots! This is definitely something to look forward to during the engagement! Be yourself, relax, and have fun! 

P.S. Here are a couple of shots my photographer sent after our session! I love how they turned out :)

[kenziekimbrough]

Setting Boundaries

Imagine a lazy Sunday morning. Rolling out of bed and into your furry house shoes. The smell of freshly ground coffee beans in the air. Just as you shuffle into the kitchen and grab a mug, you are ambushed by a stream of fiery questions about napkin colors, bridesmaids, tuxes, and music. Time out!! Is this really how every morning is going to be while planning a wedding? I thought this was the just the beginning of a typical day until I realized, this behavior was a major contributor to getting gray hair…stress!! 

There are always decisions that need to be made, some sooner than others, but there is no reason to feel overwhelmed every second of the day by wedding plans. The best advice I have received so far in this venture is to set boundaries! That means deciding when and where to talk about wedding plans, what to talk about and with whom, and most importantly, giving yourself some free time! It is not healthy to be so consumed with planning every waking moment of the day (and in my case, night). Schedule times during the week to sit down with your wedding planner, mom, or MOH and come prepared to talk about all the wedding details that need to be covered at the moment and be ready to work out a solution. During these times, it is easy to focus your energy and attention to the task at hand rather than handling things randomly as they come throughout the week. That doesn't mean ignoring or putting of big decisions. Rather, just taking time to think about them and deal with them when you are at your best mentally (which is clearly not before coffee in the a.m.). 

Since I have started putting a few little boundaries in place, I have noticed a huge difference in my stress levels! I can now enjoy talking and making plans again because I look forward to the meetings my mom and I schedule. I am able to offer my best input, and I am a lot less grumpy! 

Another thing I have come to realize, is I don't need to have a say in all the decisions. After delegating a task to a willing volunteer (i.e. making glittered vases for tables) I do not have to monitor the process and make sure it's right. It will be perfect whether I see it or not! This is another way to set boundaries. Once you give up control of a project, don't try to take it back. Let the person do their job, and it will help you out more than if you are there giving your input. Also, let that person know that they don't need to call and ask you a million questions, just a simple check when it's finished. 

So brides, if you are feeling a little overwhelmed with all of the plans like I have been, set a few boundaries for yourself! Take the time to think about what works best for you and when. Let your friends help you, and trust them to do so. It is practically impossible to have control over every single detail, and it definitely will be overwhelming and stressful. By setting some boundaries, you can free up your time and energy and be able to enjoy the important things, like your fiancé ;). And trust me, he will be in a better mood too!

[kenziekimbrough]

The First Step of Managing Stress: Letting GO

All of my life I have dreamed about being engaged to the perfect man, and planning a wonderful wedding where we will share our love and commitment for each other with our closest friends and family. I imagined the most romantic chapel glowing with candles and serenaded by soft music. Followed by a wonderful honeymoon on an exotic island, and living happily ever after. Unfortunately, no one told me about all of the stress involved before you ever get to the ceremony!

Wedding planning, and engagement in general, can be one of the most stressful experiences for many couples. There is a lot that goes into merging two separate lives, families, ideals, and expectations. Not to mention the taunting to-do list that seems to grow more and more each day with wedding details and decisions that need to be made all while balancing a normally busy schedule.

The breaking point for me was about 2 months into the engagement, after several disagreements with my fiancé, my mother, and my sudden dive into depression. I was dealing with a lot, but had no idea how to manage my stress and still get things done. My fiancé and I knew that I had a serious problem when our marriage counselors presented my results on a stressor test they had given me before our first session. I scored 99 out of 100!!! 

In the past few weeks, I have been able to pin point some areas that are causing me the most stress and am learning how to manage those areas to relieve some of the pressure. The biggest help has been to realize that everything is not my responsibility! I am not capable of handling every detail of the wedding planning, and it's okay to let someone else help me! My advice to any bride is to take advantage of all the people who say they will help. Because they will! Your friends, aunts, church ladies, coworkers, or whoever they may be, are there to help! Just let them! :)

I thought that it would be really hard for me to let go, but the more tasks I take off my plate, the more I am able to enjoy the things I am doing. It has been a relief not to be in constant wedding mode, and I have been able to enjoy the time with fiancé and celebrate our engagement. There are still moments where I want to pull out my hair, but I am learning how to deal with my stress as it comes, and find joy and happiness in the process!