Hey y'all!
It's been almost two months since I've been able to update you all on our wedding festivities. If I recall correctly, I remember telling someone "I can't wait until the semester starts because then I can stay busy and time will pass more quickly." This is entirely too true. So, here's to never uttering those words EVER again. I'm cringing imagining myself ever thinking it in the first place.
In my time away, I've learned a few valuable lessons that I'd like to share with you all. Thankfully, these are not lessons I've had to learn the hard way, as I'm surrounded by the most helpful people I ever could have imagined. The planning advice I've received has been phenomenal.
First things first:
Whether you all are married, engaged, taken, or single and ready to mingle, listen up. These two words will change your life: travel agent. *Especially* if you are traveling internationally. There are entirely too many little variables to consider when booking resorts/hotels, flights, restaurant reservations, etc. It's so comforting knowing that a trained professional is taking care of all of those little things, so you can focus on the million and one other things you have going on. Josh and I were lucky enough to be referred by friends to a travel agent certified by the resort that we want to travel to. On the morning of May 19th, we will be catching a flight in Atlanta and heading to Ocho Rios, Jamaica for our honeymoon. I can barely contain my excitement! I wouldn't have even known where to begin if not for our travel agent.
Secondly:
Let your bridesmaids pick out their own dresses. You will thank yourself later! I chose the color and length and allowed all seven bridesmaids to choose their favorite style of dress. To be clear, they would have looked gorgeous in anything I asked them to wear and they wouldn't have minded if I had chosen one style of dress for the entire bridal party. My bridesmaids are just wonderful like that. I decided that I wanted them all to choose their dress style because they are all so different. I want their dresses to reflect their wonderful, fun and beautiful personalities. I'm so pleased with my decision! I can't imagine it any other way now. On this note, I would like to take a moment to tell you all how special my bridesmaids are. I'm so thankful to have these seven women in my life. Lisa, Becca, Stephanie, Lauren, Ayla, Ashley and Lizzie, I'm so blessed to have such incredible family and friends by my side. Every bride should be so lucky! To top it all off, I have the most supportive and loving family in the world. Does it get any better than this?
Lastly:
If possible, plan ahead. As stressful as purchasing a house was, I'm so thankful that we went through the process before the wedding. I don't want to return from Jamaica, aka paradise, and be stressed, worrying about where we are going to live. Whether you are renting or buying, make the arrangements before "I do." Also, pick your battles when it comes to stress. What stresses you out controls your happiness. Looking back on my experience with purchasing a home, I recall the anxiety and worry. I wish I would have taken more time to appreciate the process. That being said, I love my home. It was worth every moment of worry because there will be plenty of joy and happiness to be shared there.
Planning a wedding is definitely a learning process. I find myself asking people questions all the time. Thankfully, everyone has welcomed my questions and alleviated my concerns. November 17 marks the six month countdown. I'm getting so excited for the months to come and though I'm eagerly awaiting my wedding day, I'm remembering that every day of planning and anticipation is meaningful. It reminds me of how special this entire process is. Here's to the happy days ahead!
xoxo,
Jordan
