Newlyweds: living.loving.life: If I could do it all over again.

As you know, I recently tied the knot with my husband Joel. I had a blast planning and making a lot of my own decorations, it made for great mother, daughter time. My mom and I worked together like crazy to get everything done. It was a good time, stressful, but good. Saying that, I think there are certain things I would have done differently if could do it all over again.

Here are some important details I would recommend to future brides out there:

Start planning EARLY, there is never enough time to plan, collect and create.

Keep updated check lists of things that you have completed and still need to do, it will help keep you on track and keep things prioritized.

Find a GOOD DJ, it's worth the money to hire a professional. (personal side note: My mom's friend was our DJ. He completely missed the ceremony and then did not have ANY of the music I spent hours on collecting for him) SO not worth it, trust me.

Hire a wedding coordinator, or have a good friend/family member you can trust to help with the wedding planning, rehearsal and day of the wedding.

Make a wedding itinerary for your bridal party. I sent my bridal party a (electronic & hard copy) detailed schedule of the rehearsal and wedding day. I also included a Bridesmaid letter to all my girlfriends to let them know what I expect of them, for example: appropriate nail polish colors, colors for eye shadow, and little details about bringing their dress on the night of rehearsal to be steamed. (not in a bridezilla way, but just let them know what I needed from them.) You can also include other info, such as lunch being served on the day of the wedding while getting ready. Trust me, they will appreciate knowing what they need to do and knowing what to expect.

Do what YOU want to do, do not feel bad if you have to turn down someone's idea. This is your wedding.

Pick someone to video your wedding, the day will be a blur!!

Make a budget, and stick to it.

Choose a good photographer, photos last forever and your kids and grand kids will see these, you want them to be beautiful and special.

Keep the master wedding guest list updated with addresses, even after the wedding, you will need it for thank you's.

Always thank people who have helped you and put effort into your special day.

Lastly and probably most importantly, HAVE FUN & Don't worry. Always choose faith, over worry.

Enjoy this special moment in your life. Cherish it, it will fly by and you will be married before you know it. This is the best time in your life....slow down and don't let it pass you by.

I have to say my wedding day was so amazing, I am very happy we had a friend video the wedding, because I do not remember a lot of things that happened or what I even did, haha! It was so fun planning my wedding, but I am also so relieved it is over and now get to live happily ever after.

Another side note: I recommend NOT registering at Kohl's ....what a hassle.

We did a DIY photo booth at our wedding. We downloaded an app called Sparkbooth on our laptop. It worked pretty well and was A LOT cheaper than a professional photo booth. Check it out. Here are two pictures of me with my flower girl and ring bearer.