THE DRESS – HOW DID YOU CHOOSE AND WHAT MADE IT “YOU”?

Since Hugh and I paid for our own reception, we set a budget from my dress. And I have expensive taste... I didn't want to settle. I began scouring the internet. I liked the idea of getting a separate skirt and top. 

Once we hit port, I  brought as many women officers I could find on the ship to gather their opinions. Everything was beautiful. There was nothing I didn't like. But when I put on the Big Celebration skirt and Paris corset...I cried. It was the dress I always wanted, but never got until now. 

The fabric on the skirt was so soft and laid perfectly. Every time I moved, the skirt changed form. And the top wasn't the typical bright-white wedding dress top. It fit my not-so-traditional situation. Danielle also found a small strip of beaded fabric that we tied around the waist and made a perfect belt. I loved it. I felt like on of the girls on "Say Yes to the Dress"!

THE WEDDING DAY

My family and Hugh's family have never all been in the same place at one time. I was born and raised in Pennsylvania and Hugh was raised between Missouri and Shanghai. My parents had met his mother just before we were married in 2014, but our extended families had never met. Talk about nerve racking... your parents meeting your mother-in-law a few days before you're married. 

I don't think I was nervous for the reception... but I was basically a pro at getting married. As soon as I arrived, friends and family began pouring in. After that, it was a blur of family, friends and happiness. I don't remember at all keeping track of what time it was or really paying attention to anything about reality. It was just perfect.

I had friends from high school fly in from Pennsylvania, college friends fly in from Texas, Spain and all over! I had family from Pennsylvania and New York and Hugh had family come from all over Missouri and even Taiwan. This was the only time I would ever see all these people together and it was just wonderful.

I don't think there was a favorite moment. If there was, it would be when I realized that this was the time in our lives when the most support and love would be surrounding us.

CHALLENGES & ADVICE FOR FUTURE BRIDES

The most challenging part of wedding planning, for me, was determining what to splurge on and what to cut costs on. Luckily, I had hired a wedding planner to do most of this, since my schedule with the Navy was so crazy and unpredictable.

We originally wanted a small gathering, something very San Diego and fun. We knew we wanted BBQ and a fun DJ. We didn't feel the need to have a wedding photographer... just someone to take pictures of our families all together and a few couple portraits.

When the day got closer, I told my planner we had a little more wiggle room with the budget and wanted to do hair and makeup and a limo ride to the venue. She made some suggestions about upgrading centerpieces and mentioned the photographer bit. She told me if there was one thing to consider, it would be to consider hiring the photographer to cover the whole event.

Hugh and I figured you only get married once... or twice. So why not. That was the best decision we made. Our wedding was a total blur. A blast for sure! And a day I will never forget. But it was a total blur. Spending more money on a photographer ensures you will have those memories forever. How many times will you wear a beautiful AMAZING wedding dress? How many times will all your friends and family be in one place? Probably only once. I definitely recommend hiring a photographer to cover the whole event and meet with them beforehand to give them a little background, identify some friends and family so he/she can get to know who to snap pictures of and get a feel for what your vision is for them to capture. 

-Jill