Bride's side, Vol. 9: 'Experience is the best wedding planner'

Bridal blogger: Diana (of Diana and Jason) of Portland, ME*
Connection to Maine: Bride and groom's homestate
Wedding Date: June 20, 2008
Wedding Location: Ceremony at the bride's childhood church in Caribou followed by a strawberry-themed indoor reception at the Loring Air Force Base Officer's Club.
*Click here to see original coverage of Diana and Jason's northern Maine wedding and here to view their slideshow

What I wish someone had told me about getting married was that you will feel every emotion possible, from feeling overjoyed to overwhelmed, to excited to fed up! This comes from something else that I didn’t realize—that everyone has an opinion about what you should do, but if you are lucky they will help you stay true to what really is important to you. While it is very important to do what makes you happy, please do not ignore logic!

I had first had my heart set on having the reception outside at my parent’s farm. However, I soon discovered that vendors in Aroostook County are few and far between, not to mention that relying on weather there would not be my safest bet. I ended up being happy (and far less stressed) with an indoor reception. And, although the sun was shining before, during and directly following the wedding, a lightning storm struck when we were all safe in the reception hall, making me very happy for the choice!

I also will always remember how wonderful it was to have all of my friends around. I’m glad I took the time to enjoy their company, instead of being stressed with last minute details. Having things done ahead of time allowed my bridesmaids, friends and mother to congregate in the kitchen drinking wine and relaxing the night before the wedding, helping me to go to bed relaxed, happy and ready for the day to come!

Finally, the day is going to go by so fast, so make sure you are always thinking of what is happening in the moment, rather than anticipating what will come next. What you and your husband are experiencing is the most important aspect of the day, and what you will reflect on when you look back on your wedding. All the other details, mistakes or even mini-disasters will be just a great story, but your joy that day will really will be what you remember, and what others will take from their experience there.



Biggest planning surprise: How all of the dates snuck up on me! With over a year and a half to plan, I thought I had so much time! But thinking doesn't equal doing- having set dates for when things needed to be accomplished would be helpful.

Favorite wedding planning resource: My best friend Sarah who was married the summer before- experience is the best wedding planner.

I wish I'd spent more time: talking to vendors- a week before the wedding is not a good time to realize the caterer lost his notes.



I wish I'd spent less time: worrying what everyone else may think. In the end, everyone you care about is so happy to be a part of the day, and you are so happy to have them there.

I wish I had: Tried harder to visit everyone at the reception. I felt like every time I did I was whisked away. When else will all of your favorite people be in the same room?

I wish I hadn't: Let little things bother me, even for a second! You are so happy that anything that bothers you has a very short shelf life!



I am glad I/we did: have the wedding in my home town (close to my husband's as well) although it was tricky to plan, and a pain to travel a lot in the months leading up to it, sleeping in my childhood room the night before the wedding, having all of our family there and being married in the church I grew up with was worth it.

I am glad we didn't: go on our Paris honeymoon right after the wedding. Jason was studying for the bar exam (he passed!) when we were married, so going after he was done was a double celebration. Plus, we loved our two night 'mini moon" in Quebec City following the wedding.



Favorite wedding moment: was when I saw Jason at the end of the aisle and was hit with what the day really was about.

Detail that was worth it: the many many little jars of homemade strawberry jam (thanks mom!)

Detail that was a waste: the throw away bouquet and garter-- everyone (including us) was having so much fun dancing that we forgot the traditional toss.



Best wedding splurge: the honeymoon to Paris- but worth every penny.

Best wedding steal: the shoes! Only $25, but pink, polka dotted and perfect (also soooo comfortable)!



My best advice is: Start planning as early as you can, and then delegate as the days get closer, so you can enjoy every second as much as possible.

And, for a bit of shameless self-promotion, what was your favorite part about working with Samantha Warren Weddings: Having such a wonderful friend and her husband be a part of our wedding. Having her up in the county with us, having her help keep things under control when the organist didn't show (my father had to go get her!) and the perfect moments that she captured is truly priceless.

Read Past Bride's Side Posts:
-Vol.1: 10 tips for making the "Best Day of Your Life" just that
-Vol. 2: 'Remember you are starting a life together'
-Vol. 3: Go green, but stay real
Vol.4: If I knew then, what I know now
-Vol.5: 'Try not to over think things- hard as it may be'
-Vol. 6: What to expect when you are unexpecting
-Vol. 7: 'It's all about being your collective selves'
-Vol. 8: 'A celebration of the people who shaped us'