A Bride's Eye View

The Wedding Planner Becomes The Bride

It was November 6th, 2018, when Tristan came into the Angelic Grove office, following the evening of her birthday, with a smile from ear to ear and a sparkling, diamond ring on her finger. We all waited for her to arrive in anticipation. “I’m officially engaged, '' she exclaimed! And thus, the planner of many beautiful weddings who works so closely with brides and grooms to bring their special day to life became the planner of her own wedding.

3 years prior, Tristan was casually scrolling through the Bumble dating app when she came across a tall, dark and handsome man, whose profile stood out to her. Swiping right, Tristan never realized she would soon fall in love with the man behind this profile and say yes to forever with him!

As a wedding planner and a serious planner in general, Tristan even managed to take the reins on her own surprise engagement. After sending her long term boyfriend, Bill, a multitude of photos and links to engagement rings, he ultimately asked her to go with him to pick out the ring because he knew better than to try and surprise her. For the proposal, she, of course,

knew it was coming! On the evening of her birthday, with freshly manicured nails, Tristan excitedly joined Bill for dinner at The Chart House, which is where his grandparents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. The whole night Tristan awaited the big questions but Bill made her wait until the very end of the night before he asked her to follow him on the patio, where he got down on one knee and asked if Tristan would marry him. Delighted, thrilled and not in the least bit surprised, Tristan of course, said yes!

Over a year of planning seating charts, wedding dress shopping and cake tasting and Tristan’s special day finally arrived and on Saturday, January 11th, Tristan and Bill tied the knot. Tristan specifically chose a timeless, elegant and romantic theme to her wedding, with a beautiful outdoor ceremony and a candlelit, classic set up for her reception. Her stunning, Essence of Australia bridal gown was the perfect wedding dress. A beautiful day filled with love, laughter, and tears of joy went by all too quickly as Bill married the girl of his dreams. Looking back on her special day, I interviewed Tristan about her wedding, the planning process, and the newly-married life.

I primarily asked the newly-wed ‘how did you make your wedding personal and special to you?’ Tristan responded, perfectly,

“It was very much about Bill and I. We didn't worry too much about the stuff that I know, as a planner, no one would remember. We made the ceremony personal with our favorite music and writing our own vows. Everyone kept saying that it was so sweet and very much a reflection of who we are as a couple. We also made the day a focus on our love and families, and the reception was full of personal speeches, sweet moments between friends and family, and an all-around great time. It was relaxed and fun just like we are (try to be) and the whole day was flawless. If I can give advice is to not over plan and focus on why you are doing this and the whole day will be personal and special.”

When asked about her favorite moment of her wedding, Tristan immediately knew,

“Our ceremony and the speeches during the reception. It was special hearing Bill's vows and reading mine to him and hearing the personal ceremony our officiant had prepared. During the reception, I couldn't stop crying through our parent's and friend's speeches. I was so overwhelmed with love and it made the day so special.”

“What would be the best piece of advice you could give to a future bride/groom,” I asked.

Tristan explained, “Don't over plan. Follow a checklist, plan the big things, and then tackle the little details as they come. Ultimately guests won't remember what china you used, or if the napkins were ivory or champagne, they won't remember what signage you had so don't stress about those types of details. They remember the love, they remember if they had fun. SO make sure the food is good and the alcohol is flowing, but after that, focus on you and your future husband. Make sure the day is a reflection of your love and that is what people would remember. If you focus on what's important (your love) the day will be great regardless. If you let the day flow, and don't get caught up in the minute by minute timeline, then you will have fun and so will everyone else around you. Also, have a day of coordinator!!! Make sure there is someone there who is the day of contact that isn't a family member or friend. It will make your day so much easier and stress-free!”