What I've Learned with Wedding Planning
We’re into the single digits now before the big wedding day! It has been an action-packed year and we are feeling so READY to tie the knot! It is almost here. I am so excited to welcome our family and friends as Greg and I prepare to take the next step in our lives.I wanted to share some things that I have learned in this past year as a bride-to-be. Here are the lessons I’ve gathered along the way
.1. Find opportunities for routine. With all the hectic pace of wedding planning, it was nice to still have some normalcy in the day to day. Greg and I love to cook together, watch Jeopardy together (he wins every time!), and play with Mochi. Keeping these regular traditions has helped provide some balance.
2. Take pictures but don’t live for Instagram and hashtags. Yes, I have LOVED all the fun pictures that we have taken in this process but I think it’s more important to live in the moment than to live for moments that are Instagram-worthy. I believe that we shouldn’t do things in life just for the pictures. I will always treasure the pictures but more than that, I value the memories.
3. Give thanks for who is there to celebrate with you. Gosh, I have pinched myself so many times thinking about how lucky I am to have my mom, dad, Grandma Joan, Auntie Nette, and other loved ones alive and healthy during this season of life. I think about how many have lost their special people along the way. It is not lost on me how fortunate I am to have my loved ones with me and I am cherishing every moment that I have with them.
4. And take opportunities to note who you are missing. Even so, I think about those who cannot be here for this time in my life. Especially my grandparents. I feel their presence in this process. One thing that has been particularly special was learning that my Grandma Farr set aside special wedding presents for me. Opening these at the showers has been heartwarming.
5. Read wedding magazines: This was the best place for me to get ideas and honestly, to just feel extra excited. Seeing beautiful pictures of other couples enjoying their special day helped me see the big picture and the end goal.
6. Write thank you notes along the way. My, they can really stack up if you let them! What giving and generous friends and family we have had. Sending a handwritten note is the least I can do.
7. Worrying won’t change the outcome: One of my wise supervisors told me this. I have learned through this experience that I am somewhat of a worrier. What if someone has a heart attack the day of the wedding? What if there is an earthquake? What if, what if, what if? But the reality is that I cannot control these outcomes. What is going to happen, will happen. I cannot change these things, nor should I try. Worrying only stresses me out and the best thing I can do is just enjoy the ride and hope for the best.
8. Ask for help when you need it: I have such an amazing team, especially my Matron of Honor, Lauren. I’ll be honest in sharing that during the Bachelorette Party, I had three panic attacks. With all the stress of planning and wanting the Bachelorette weekend to go well (which it did!), I got myself pretty worked up. My best friend Lauren was so comforting and just held my hand when I couldn’t stop shaking uncontrollably. There we were, in the middle of the night, and she helped me take some deep breaths and relax. How lucky am I to have a friend that I can be open with? It is okay to let our guard down and let people in.
9. It’s okay if you don’t cry: Honestly, I’m not much of a crier and if I do cry, it’s full waterworks and I can’t get a word out! I have not cried much through this process because when I am so darn happy, I just smile from ear to ear and there is no room for tears. Who knows how the big day will go but I think it’s important to remember that it’s okay if you don’t cry when you get the dress, find the venue, and so on. As long as you have a genuine smile on your face, that’s all you need!
10. You don’t have to change your name: Some people are a little surprised when I tell them that I am keeping my maiden name but I am a strong, independent woman! I am a published author and speaker that has worked hard to make a name for myself. Greg is fully supportive of me keeping the name Cook. We will still be the Swartz family and our marriage signifies the start of our family, not a name change.There are many more things that I could share. It is so exciting to think that in less than two weeks time, I will be a married woman. I am so looking forward to being Greg’s wife and truly starting a life with him. He is my partner and I think we make a pretty great team, if I do say so myself. We are best friends and we are one another’s biggest fans. I look forward to sharing more of the journey with you as we go on!Keep shining,