Now that we're a couple years from our wedding and we have many friends and family in the wedding planning stage I can't help but think back on our big day. So I've come up with the top 5 things I don't regret and that I would do the exact same if we did the wedding over. (I'd marry Dave again of course!)
1. We did written vows after the rehearsal dinner, just the two of us.
When people were finishing their food and socializing, David and I stepped away to another area of the park. We had photos taken during this moment.. and they are photos we will cherish forever. This way we did our "typical" vows during the ceremony the next day but we were still able to make things personal, sincere, and special. Let me tell you, it would have been bad if I wrote them for the ceremony. I was already crying during the ceremony and if we read our own I definitely would've been a blubbering mess.
2. We didn't do a first look. 
And we didn't do pictures together before the ceremony.
I was adamant on this and I'm so glad I was. Seeing Dave's face when the doors opened and I entered the sanctuary was unforgettable. I knew for sure Dave would not see me before the wedding. I briefly considered a first look but I'm so glad that we didn't. The moment was still on camera. I was sure that each photographer was set- one on David and one on me. Therefore, I have the photos but I also have the amazing memory of the door opening, being next to my dad, my heart racing, and seeing Dave's face.
3. We DANCED our butts off.
Yes, we visited almost every table one on one but boy did we dance and dance! And not just with each other but with friends and relatives. The memories and the photographs from the dance floor are priceless! The coolest thing about having a hoppin' dance floor is that it brings your guests together- no matter their relation.
4. Alone time!
We were able to have some alone time by having our own ride. I know people will disagree with this (and I understand!) because I know a party bus is awesome with your bridal party. But Dave and I had a stretch hummer limo all to ourselves from the ceremony to the reception and it was perfect. We took our first "selfies" as husband and wife, rolled the windows down, and then just basked in our very first moments as husband and wife. We almost needed the "de-brief" (from the crazy hectic day and year leading up to), needed simple alone time, and the time to just let it sink in- what we're really celebrating.
5. Having kids at and in the wedding
I just don't really get weddings where kids are not "permitted". Maybe you want a stone cold, silent ceremony..? I don't know. But I do know there was laughter, tears, and maybe even a holler or two at the end (and no not from the kids) I'll tell ya what.. you are so fixed in the moment, you almost forget people are there sometimes. You don't think about sucking it in or constantly smiling.. you get lost in the your fiance's face and just experience the moment with them. And then at the reception.. who wouldn't want kids? Half the time they get the dance floor started and they're always great entertainment!
We were able to have some alone time by having our own ride. I know people will disagree with this (and I understand!) because I know a party bus is awesome with your bridal party. But Dave and I had a stretch hummer limo all to ourselves from the ceremony to the reception and it was perfect. We took our first "selfies" as husband and wife, rolled the windows down, and then just basked in our very first moments as husband and wife. We almost needed the "de-brief" (from the crazy hectic day and year leading up to), needed simple alone time, and the time to just let it sink in- what we're really celebrating.5. Having kids at and in the wedding
So take it for what it's worth... these are the 5 things I absolutely wouldn't change about our wedding and have absolutely no regret about.
leave the "eh" behind
hugs,
abi
