Dear: Beautiful, Wonderful, Bride:

It’s your wedding day, yes, the day you have been dreaming about since you were a little girl dressed in tablecloths and lace. Sure, you’ve rehearsed many times over the years with random friends and neighbors but today is the real day that you will marry the love of your life and dance the night away in a pretty white gown. I know you are tired, stressed, and a little overwhelmed. I know that if someone asks you one more question about where to put the flowers/guest book/sign you might snap a little…. trust me, I remember the feeling all too well. You probably fear that people might refer to you as a bridezilla and while you want to focus all of your energy on making things go smoothly, I want you to just let it all go. Today is the day, it’s here and every moment is special and fleeting.  I want you in the here and now, I want you present, glowing, and free of all obligations or concerns regarding your “perfect” day. (Spoiler alert: no wedding is perfect, but they all are perfectly imperfect – just like life.)

I want you to look around you right now as you get ready. Your mom is blinking back tears as you apply your final touch of lipstick and your best friends are antsy to see you as a bride. These are the people you chose to be with you in these moments, the people who have seen you at your best and have loved you at your worst. These girls are the ones who will support you, love you, and encourage when your marriage gets tough. You didn’t pick them because they would look good in pink or because they are good at wedding stuff, you selected them to stand next to you on one of the most important days of your lives. Take in the fact that they are here with you now, moments before your day starts moving at breakneck speeds and thank them for their love and support. They are very important people, don’t you forget it.

It’s time to see your groom. I’m about to tell you a few things you might not want to hear. First things first, your dress is going to get a little dirty. Good thing you only wear it once, right? I promise that no one will notice a little dirt and I would never take you to a place that wouldn’t be worth it. I want you to not totally freak out when I reach under a layer of tulle to let the grasshopper escape from your dress or when we pick out the little burrs that clung to your lace hoping to hitch a ride to the wedding. This is all part of the process and the more okay you are with it, the better. Second, I want you to let your guy do his thing. He’s nervous, too, and this day is just as much about him as it is you. (Even if he says it’s only about you – he’s being kind, but let’s be honest, my couples realize that a wedding is about the two of you and your love!) I’ll poke and prod him to beautiful photos but all I want you to do is relax. You set the tone for the day and if you relax, everyone else will. You see, everyone else is on eggshells trying to make this the best day of your life and if you just allow it to all unfold, you’d be surprised at how smooth it will go.

Spend some time with your parents. I know, I know, you get to see them all of the time (especially leading up to the wedding) but chances are they put a lot of hard work, time, and money into this day for you. They are envisioning you as a little girl on her bike and are in awe that the day that their baby is getting married has arrived. Don’t just shove them off with a quick hug. Let them soak in the moment that you are all grown up and independent and most of all happy. Let your dad hug you a little too long, let your mom cry those happy tears and let them know how much you truly love and appreciate all they have done for you. You’re lucky that you have parents alive who love you, so many people aren’t as lucky. Don’t take that for granted… please, don’t. Spend a few minutes with your parents, will you?

Remember your vows, soak in the promises. You’re going to walk down a long aisle and it’s going to be lined with the people you love. Don’t look at them (you can stare at them all night, promise) but fix your eyes on your soon-to-be husband. Bask in the moment, cry it out, and cling tight to your dad’s arm. Will yourself to be present during the ceremony, to take in the words said and to soak in the moments that are happening. You chose the readings for a reason – listen to them. Don’t worry what your arms look like in your dress or if your train is a little crooked, look into the eyes of your groom and put that moment as a memory in your heart forever. It goes fast, listen up, enjoy it.

I know that the tough stuff is done and the fun’s about to begin but I want to tell you a few things. If everything isn’t just the way you envisioned, only you will know that. Your guests are there to support you, not dote on the candy table or talk about your centerpieces (which are stunning, I’m sure!) Just let it go, I’ll grab you some wine, I want you to spend time with your guests, the people you loved enough to have them celebrate with you. You know that people traveled far and wide to spend your wedding day with you. Don’t hide in a room waiting for a grand entrance or something of the sort, get out there and hug those people and thank them for coming to see you over a signature cocktail! Seriously, just be present with your guests! Things will go smoothly, okay?

In the blink of an eye dinner starts, speeches are said, and the dance begins. Once again, your day is moving way too fast and you are left wondering where the last few hours went. Someone might step on your bustle and break it, you might be a little sweaty from dancing up a storm, and someone might have spilt a little beer on your dress…. trust me, girlfriend, these things happen and it’s all part of the process. Just live it up, have fun, let go of your worries and enjoy the fact that people are with you, celebrating your love, and your marriage. The little stuff doesn’t matter, you won’t even remember it… I’m here to preserve your moments for you, to catch your parents when they laugh and cry, to photograph your little cousin twirling on the dance floor, and to help you remember each and every moment that happened all too fast. I’m here, I’ve got you. Relax and soak it in, this day is everything you ever dreamed and more and I am nothing short of honored to be spending it with you. When I tell you I want to hang out after the wedding day, I am not pulling your leg, I just want to continue the fun and the bond we made during such a special day. Okay? Let’s be friends for life.

I’ve got your back,

Jenna

You want to see more? Of course you do! Click a link below:

• Why You Should Consider an Unplugged Wedding
• How to Preserve and Remember Your Wedding
• Five Common Wedding Mistakes Couples Make
• Wedding Scheduling 101