Wedding date: 5/25/2019

Location of wedding: Four Points by Sheraton Norwood

Location of reception: Four Points by Sheraton Norwood 

Cake maker: Dessert Works in Westwood, MA

Wedding Coordinator: Jayme Baker

Photographer: Sedman Photography

DJ: Eric Poss from Paul Giroux Entertainment 

First dance song: My Best Friend by Tim McGraw

Dress boutique: David's Bridal

Caterer: Four Points by Sheraton Norwood 

Florist: Mother of the bride

1.   How did you two meet?

Funny enough, we met at a bar because he was the captain of the pool team. Now we are both on the pool team.

2.   How did he pop the question?

The day before our one year anniversary, we made burgers and he got down on one knee right in our kitchen. I almost choked on my burger. I know it's not a very romantic story, but it was perfect for us.

3.   What was your favorite moment(s) from the wedding?

Honestly, there's so much to choose from. Leading up to the wedding I had nightmares about vendors not showing up and all of that. But it all turned out perfect. I just loved having everyone together and getting to celebrate Steve and I. Our best man's speech was also hilarious and nobody has forgotten it. 

4.   How long have you been together?

We've been together for about 2 1/2 years.

5.   How would you describe your overall wedding experience?

Amazing. Everything fell into place and turned into a beautiful day. 

6.   What advice would you offer to other couples planning a wedding?

Keep it stress free. Remember why you're doing what you're doing. When we first started planning, our number one priority was to keep it as stress free as possible. Our venue package came with almost everything, we didn't have to do much on our own. Also, remember that everything will happen so fast and to just enjoy every bit of it.

7.   What photography-related advice would you offer to a couple?

Listen to reviews more than anything else. More than the portfolio even. For my sister's wedding, her photographer seemed amazing, but she didn't receive any photos for more than a year later. We heard about Sedman Photography from a friend and I am SO glad we did. Stephen was so easy to work with and emailed back saying our photos were ready a little after 2 weeks! Also, look at different photo ideas to see if there's anything you really want. The day will only happen once. 

8.   Tell me about your dress. Where did you find it, how did you choose it, how did you know it was the one?

I got my dress at David's Bridal. I went there with a very vague idea of what I wanted. All I really knew was I wanted it to be simple. My sister picked it out and as soon as I tried it on, I loved it. It wasn't much of a debate after that.

9.   How was your experience taking photos/working with me on your wedding day?

Working with Steve was great. He was very laid back with a ton of photo ideas. Any time at the reception I wanted a photo with anyone specific he was there to take it! He was also helpful with non-photography related things, like cuff links and boutonnieres. 

10.   Did you see each other before the wedding? If not, did you like waiting or would you have rather done it differently? Tell me why or why not!

We did not see each other. At first, that morning, I was kind of bummed out we did it the traditional way. But when I walked down the aisle, there was something special about seeing each other in that way. I almost feel like if we had seen each other or done a first look it would've taken away from that moment.

11.   Any tips on how to prepare for the wedding photos?

Just have fun.

12.   Any tips that you have about preparing your wedding party for the photos? What did you tell them, how did you get them to cooperate, what did you do or what would you have done differently?

Honestly, I didn't get some of the getting ready photos I wanted. Getting ready in a hotel room was a bit cramped, especially with 3 flower girls, hair and make up artists, and 5 bridesmaids. It wasn't a huge priority of mine to have a ton of getting ready photos but I do wish I kind of put my foot down to get a few. 

13.   Any tips on what to bring?

I had one of those "emergency" kits with random things, but I never even used it. I had my brother in law take my phone, and that was it!

14.   We love to hear about vendors you love. List any vendors here and feel free to share your experience. Be sure to include the name of the vendor, their profession, city/state, site or Facebook page and how your experience was!

We had so many awesome vendors. First off, our venue, Four Points by Sheraton Norwood was amazing. The package came with just about everything and the food was unbelievable. Jayme helped us with every step of planning and made our lives much easier.

Dessert Works in Westwood was also awesome. Our cake was delicious and was exactly what we wanted.

Thomas Welch, our Justice of the Peace, kept our ceremony perfect. It was short and sweet, which is what we wanted. He threw in a little memorial bit for my dad which was a very nice touch.

Eric Poss with Paul Giroux Entertainment was also really easy to work with. We gave him some artists we like and he took off running. He knew the cues and if he could tell we were getting uncomfortable we just had to shoot him a look. He was great with keeping the pace of the night.

And of course Sedman Photography. Steve took so many pictures I cant wait to see them all. He was very easy to work with and had great photography ideas.

15.   Did you find a store/site that had everything you were looking for? Use this space to talk about favorite shops. You can include where you got your dress, sites you got your veils/décor/accessories, etc.

For the most part, everything at my wedding was DIY. I didn't have to buy everything at certain shops, but really spent most of my time at Hobby Lobby with my mom!

16.   What were you most anxious, nervous or fearful about regarding your wedding day and what was the outcome?

A lot of things. I had nightmares leading up to the wedding about vendors not showing up or that I put the wrong time on the invitations. But everything came together perfectly. 

17.   What’s one piece of advice you would give to other couples for planning their wedding?

Just have fun and don't stress. 

18.   What kind of food was served at your reception?

We had a little bit of everything. Prime rib and statler chicken. We had a variety of appetizers like short rib, mini grilled cheese, fish and chips, fried mozzarella, and buffalo chicken. It was all amazing.

19.   What was the first song you danced to as husband and wife? Father-daughter dance? Mother-son dance?

Our first dance song was my best friend by Tim McGraw. The mother-groom dance was to do I make you proud by Taylor Hicks.