Monday Musings | Newly Engaged? Tips from my Wedding Blogger Friends

Getting engaged is one of the most memorable moments in a person’s life! It’s an overwhelming mix of excitement, nerves, and happiness. You can’t stop looking at your left hand, your heart feels like it’s constantly going to beat out of your chest, and the entire world seems to sparkle! It can also be a bit overwhelming as the conversations turn into concrete plans and today’s post is designed precisely to help you navigate the waters of initial wedding planning!

Today’s Monday Musings post combines the insight of three amazing wedding bloggers that I’m blessed to call my friends!

I’ll start with the darling editor of Heart Love Weddings, Alexandra Beauregard, who is known to put an instant smile on anyone’s face!  She explains, “Don’t rush into the planning. Take some time to enjoy this truly special moment with your fiancé. It only comes once. Allow yourself to dream. Don’t believe the hype that mason jars and the like are overused. If you love them, it’s your wedding, you do what you want.

Include the groom. Even if he says “babe, whatever you want is fine with me” ask his opinion anyway. Chances are, he’ll have one and he’ll appreciate you asking for his opinion in the long run. Don’t let anyone (friend or family) dictate your wedding decisions. It’s your day, don’t forget that. At the end of the day, as long as you can call the love of your life, your husband, you’ve got it made.

Most of all, I believe that the love story of the bride and groom is the most important detail of all. Whatever you decide to do, do it with all your heart.”

Jackie & Steve’s Engagement Session

Second, I asked the sweetheart with the gorgeous smile, Megan Acosta, from Glamour and Grace Weddings for her advice!

She shared, “My biggest tip for the newly engaged bride is to stay true to you. Don’t be swayed by what your mother, your friend, your cousin, or a magazine says your wedding should be like. Create an event that will have everyone saying “This is so *insert you and your fiance’s name*!” But most importantly, remember that the end result you want is not just a beautiful wedding, but a beautiful marriage.“

I can’t stress how amazing it is to photograph a wedding and feel like I’m getting a chance to truly see who this couple is. When a bride and groom create a wedding that reflects their love story and their interests – it shines through in the imagery.

Natalie & Eric’s Engagement Session

And last, but certainly not least, is the brilliant mind and genuine heart of Lauren Grove from Every Last Detail!

She adds, “Before you do anything to start your wedding planning, sit down with your fiancé and talk about what kind of wedding the two of you want. Do you want it to be a big party, or like an intimate family gathering? Outside under the starts, or under sparkling chandeliers? Doing this first is an integral part in planning because it will set the tone for everything else! “

Sometimes it helps to sit down, close your eyes, and truly think about your wedding day. Imagine the people that you want there, the venue that fits your relationship style, and the overall aesthetic that feels genuine and true to who you are!

If you’re an Annapolitan girl who loves sailing – pull nautical elements into your wedding decor and bouquet. If you grew up on the Shore and love all things rustic and rural, bring this out through your bridesmaids dresses and wear cowgirl boots under your gown.  If you loved visiting DC as a little girl or have date nights with your sweetheart in Baltimore, jazz up a ballroom to resemble your love of the ritzy city lights!

When you’re first engaged and not sure what type of wedding to have, my advice is to look within. Think about who you are as a couple. Reflect on your love story, your similarities, and even your differences! And most importantly, never sweat the small stuff.

Never lose focus on the love that brought you together! 

And because you are marrying your best friend, your wedding is going to be absolutely perfect! Everything will fall into place and you will forever remember your special day as one of the most special moments in your life!

And seriously, if you haven’t checked out Heart Love Weddings + Glamour and Grace Weddings + Every Last Detail – Stop whatever you’re doing and zip on over to these girls blogs! Alexandra, Megan, and Lauren are three of the most down to earth, caring, and incredibly passionate businesswomen that I know. They genuinely want each and every bride to have the wedding of their dreams and I love seeing the new content they produce each and every day!

Advice Posts to Browse: 10 Tips to Start Planning Your Wedding | Just Engaged? First Things First | First Things First |