As cliche as it is, I have always loved love, and I felt weddings to be so magical. I was that seven year old who was begging her parent's for the bridal magazine at the grocery store checkout. By the time I was in high school, I had a nice little collection to reference along with my sketch books of what I wanted my wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses to look like.
When our world took a major shift last year I was devastated for our friends who's weddings were twisted and turned with so much uncertainty and disappointment. It was only two weeks before the national lockdowns started that we were at the love filled wedding of my dear college roomate Katie (blog post here). Some weddings were postponed for this coming year while others held smaller ceremonies while sharing their celebrations over video streaming services. Those small ceremonies we watched were so special and brought the light of love and hope that we very much needed in this world at such a grueling and sad time.
It goes to show that it's not about the location or number of people that are physically present, but about the light that shines from the couple that are expressing their commitment to share in the ups and downs of life with one another. This idea of love and the deep rooted meaning of a wedding is what I held onto when planning our wedding. While we didn't have the world insisting on the message to focus on the purpose of the wedding, I would consistently remind myself, at time that I got overwhelmed making any decisions and worried that the day wouldn't be perfect, that no matter what happened I would be there with my best friend.
Of course that is easier said than done, especially as a type A personality. I found it so helpful when I would have someone remind me to reground myself. Even a simple pinterest quote at the right time could make a huge difference. I never planned for Cody so why not let go a bit and let the universe help me with the planning.

This is what has inspired me to write this blog series. As friends and family are starting to feel comfortable with planning their future weddings again I have been reminded of both how fun and challenging organizing our day was. I am loving my conversations and helping with their special day. So, I figured that writing it all down could be so helpful for them and you! Bringing me to this point, welcoming you to the wedding series.
Over the coming weeks I will be writing about a slew of topics ranging from getting engaged to identifying where to start planning, choosing your prefect dress to picking your guest list, narrowing down vendors to feeling confident on your special day.
I have had a blast putting this together for you and I hope you find it to be helpful. If there is a specific topic you are most interested in, please be sure to comment and let me know. I will aim to cover as many areas of wedding planning as possible.
xoxo,
Shana Bryn
Proposal Photos: Christine Pienaar Photography
Pre-Wedding and Wedding Photos: Domino Arts
Comments