Life After The Wedding: Love, Fights, and Baby Talk
It's officially been four months since Lawrence and I got married at Noah's Event Venue in New Albany, Ohio. Our summer wedding was absolutely magical; filled with love, happiness, and a lot of queued laughs (which you will see all throughout these photos).
Planning a wedding can be stressful, but working with the best vendors in Columbus made our day effortless. Today, I am dedicating this post to all my bride to be's with stories about my post-wedding experience as well as to all our awesome vendors who went above and beyond our expectations. Thank you for your service, professionalism and amazing attention to detail. Our wedding was the absolute best, and we appreciate each of your talents so much.
Flowers Are Expensive AF
Depending on what type of bride you are, you may or may not have envisioned flowers as part of your big day. I'll be honest, flowers were not a top priority for me. I knew I wanted flowers, but nothing too extravagant; and not because I didn't want any. I just knew that our wedding funds were allocated to other areas. My main ask for flowers was a soft white bridal bouquet with eucalyptus greenery.
Oh my goodness, can I please tell you how a woman (i.e. me) who had low expectations for floral received a $7,000 price quote for flowers? I know, I lied about making flowers a priority; but still, I didn't think it would cost as much as our venue. Note: I did not pay $7,000 for flowers. Thankfully, I asked around and stumbled upon The Flowerman.
They had a D-I-Y flower option and I was so happy they worked within my budget (which wasn't saying much because I always increased it to what I wanted at the moment). But can I please give ya'll some sound advice? Do not listen to people who tell you, "You only get married once." If that's not a thirst trap to get you to spend more money I don't know what is - I was a fool and I definitely fell for it a few times. So take my word for it.
Life After The Wedding: I was a full-time wedding planner, now what?
When you first get married, you pray that you’ll never come down from this crazy high you get from your wedding and honeymoon. Unfortunately, reality sets back in and small talk with family and friends no longer consists of, “How is wedding planning going?” or “The big day is getting closer, are you excited?” when you literally have six months left. No more bridal showers, no more engagement or bachelorette parties, and no more free cake tastings. Shit sounds depressing.
But life after the wedding is beautiful. It definitely hits you when it's all over, and you may ask what’s next? If you’re not ready for babies, I suggest relaxing and finding your peace in not doing a damn thing. You just planned one of the most stressful events of your life and now it’s time to Netflix and chill. Cues Season 2 of "Stranger Things".
Sell Your First Born For A Bomb Ass Photographer
Our wedding photographer, Jessy Howard of The Howard Brand, was absolutely bomb. She captured our wedding day like no other human being on the planet could do. Her work is second to none and if I could have sold her my first born for these photos, I would have. Her skill, technique and quality of work is worth every penny and I love that our children and grandchildren will have these photos to look at years from now.
These photos will become a part of our family history and having them means so much to me. Not only did Jessy care about our wedding day, but she cared about the entire wedding/client experience. From the time we signed the contract papers to the day we received our photos back, she was always gifting us with a personalized experience to make us feel special. If you are looking for a top notch wedding photographer, we highly recommend her.
The First Argument After Getting Married
I will admit getting into our first argument as a married couple was weird for me. The idea of marriage isn't scary, it's the commitment part. Almost like signing up for student loans. You have no idea what you’re doing, but everyone else is doing it, so what the hell, why not? Just kidding, I was a little more serious about getting married. It’s not like I thought we wouldn’t ever get into an argument after “I do”, but in my mind, I’m like, I'm your wife now – your queen so to speak. Bending over backwards because you think I walk on water is how you should see me now, because I’m wifey. That’s how this all works, right?
No, no it’s not. This shit is real now. There’s no way out and I meant it when I said till death do us part. We're stuck with each other forever and it forces us to deal with disagreements differently. Not that we didn't before, but instead of rushing to the thought of, well I can leave anytime I want, now my thoughts are, how can I change my perspective and seek understanding? It's not easy.
I love my husband, but sometimes I literally want to throw a remote at his head. I really do have thoughts like these that cross my mind. If I could have a guarantee that he wouldn't get pissed at me and retaliate, I would do it. But because I'm somewhat sane, I pray about it and focus on how we can move forward or come to a solution that works for both of us. Sometimes it's easy and sometimes it's hard, but no matter what we come to a solution together.
The Journey Ahead – And Why Keeping My Wedding High Is So Important
Before we got married, Lawrence and I had been engaged for a year and a half, along with seven years of dating; and now we're starting this new journey together and it's challenging, beautiful and exciting to see where marriage will take us. I'll be honest; I've been selfish with our wedding photos since we received them back in October. I say that because this is the last bit of our wedding to share with family and friends and then that’s it.
I've been trying to avoid the fact that once I post these photos, our wedding experience is officially over. Does that sound weird? And pah-lease don’t say, “Well, it’s about the marriage anyway; not the wedding”. I get it, I get it, but until I have babies, our wedding day was the best high I've ever had and any bride who is married now gets what I’m saying. You’re the only one who cares about all the details, photos and happiness you felt on your special day. My wedding day was like no other experience I’ve ever felt. I want to keep this feeling for however long that I can; and I'm happy we have these photos along with a cinematic video to cherish these memories forever. I’m never coming down off my high. Never. So, bye Felicia.
What’s next for the Pelts?
Well, it’s not babies; at least not yet. I love the idea of being a Mom, more than I’m ready to be a Mom, if that makes sense. I’m surrounded by such amazing Moms; I just don’t think mentally I’m ready. If I had to do it now I know I could, but Lawrence and I still have Europe in mind and I’m trying to make that happen before he turns the "Dirty 30" in 2018. I’d love to start our baby making journey in another country, like Greece or London, how sexy is that? To make babies in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Sorry, that really wasn't appropriate.
Anyway, this past summer was nothing short of amazing. Lawrence and I shared a relaxing 10-day honeymoon in Punta Cana, celebrated one of his high school best friends getting married along with one of his brothers, and now we’re ending the year with our health, happiness and marriage. It's been a year of celebration and we're excited to jump even higher into 2018. If you're in the midst of wedding planning and need help with vendors, I would recommend each and every one of our vendors below. They were all fantastic to work with and put up with all my crazy requests.
OUR AWESOME WEDDING VENDORS
BAR-TENDING SERVICE: Shekar & Oinos
BRIDAL ASSISTANT: LEC Concierge
BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Wendy's Bridal
CAKE: Tricia Gale (TG) Patty Cakes (no longer in business)
CATERER: My Gourmet Caterer
CEREMONY MUSIC: Lauren Porter
CEREMONY WEDDING DRESS: Wendy's Bridal
DISC JOCKEY: Odis Parker
EVENT COORDINATOR: Kia Kohlhorst
FLOWERS: Flowerman Columbus
FLOWER GIRL DRESS: Etsy
GLASSWARE/SILVERWARE: Lasting Impressions Event Rental
HOTEL: Hotel LeVeque
MAKE-UP/HAIR: Kiara Pelt
MARRIAGE COUNSELING: Pastor Luke, Vertical Church Columbus
OFFICIANT: Pastor Luke, Vertical Church Columbus
PHOTOGRAPHER: The Howard Brand
PHOTO BOOTH: Kathy Green Photography
RECEPTION WEDDING DRESS: B. Loved Bridal Boutique
TUXEDO/GROOMSMEN SUITS: Men's Warehouse Polaris
VENUE: Noah's Event Venue
VIDEOGRAPHER: Wandering Woo Productions
WEDDING BANDS: Worthington Jewelers