September 30th, 2017, on a warm fall day that was filled with sunshine and love, I married my best friend in front of all our family & friends. It was one of those cliche days that honestly felt like it was too good to be true. I still sometimes have to pinch myself to know I’m not dreaming when I think back to how perfect everything was. It’s funny, after working for planners in my years of experience leading up to starting my own company, I would have considered myself an expert in the industry. But there are some things I just couldn’t have truly known or understood until I got married myself.
Soak up every moment
This is easier said than done sometimes. You are constantly thinking about what is coming next, making sure everything is ready to go. It’s important to not worry about what is coming, and just enjoy all the moments. Enjoy the time getting ready with your girls, you picked them for a reason and chances are once you say your I Do’s there will be little time to spend with them for the rest of the night. Try to be in the moment during the ceremony – it is such a quick snippet of your day, and can feel like a total blur. During your one on one photos, try not to worry about how to stand, or stress about getting back to your guests, this is one of the only times in the day where you get total alone time – just be yourselves and your photographer will take care of the rest.
Trust your instincts
Book the vendors you want to book. Period. Don’t listen to friends or family who want you to hire people that they know, do your research, get to know your vendors. Find the ones who you connect with on a personal level, because those are the ones who will help bring your vision to life and who you’ll enjoy being around. This is something I know all to well!
Delegate
Remember that your wedding day is not a production, it’s just another day, a very special day that you will hold in your heart forever. You don’t want to look back and remember being overwhelmed with setting up decorations, picking up flowers, or answering the phone when vendors email you with direction questions. Delegate tasks, hire a planner or coordinator to take on those to-dos for you. I promise, your sanity, and your time, are worth more.
Those sound like pretty obvious and standard things that every bride to be should know, but believe me when I say even knowing them they can still get away from you amidst all the excitement. Planning a wedding and want to bring on a planner or coordinator to help ease you mind, email me at hello@shannonbellisle.com and we can set up a complimentary consultation over some coffee or wine!
Thanks for listening, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram if you aren’t already doing so! Until next time
Photos // Scarlet O’Neill
Boyfriend Shirt // By Catalfo
Hair // Elisha
Makeup // Ciao Bella
Dress // Ferre Sposa Bridal Boutique
Florals // Jane Marshall Flowers