Relationships

A Real Reality Bride Tells All – Why the TV Show Brought Her Closer To Her Groom

by

When my fiancé and I told family and friends that our wedding was going to be taped for a TLC reality show, they were more than a little surprised.  The most common question was, “why would you want to add that stress on yourselves?”  In fact, it was one of the best decisions we made.  Why?  It’s not why you think.

Two weeks before the wedding, Stephen and I spent two hours with the crew shooting an interview and footage of us “being cute” together.  We walked down a street near the beach hand in hand, trailed by a camera, giggling.  We sat in the sun, on a beautiful patio, reading to each other. We talked to the producer, and each other about how we fell in love.  It was a two hour shelter from the crazy wedding planning storm: we got to reconnect, and remember that under the tulle and the tablecloths, was our unique love story.

I treasure those two hours, every moment.  The lights, the cameras, and the questions that reminded me why I had said “yes.”

The Wedding Day Makeover crew in action

Note – Credit where credit is due: I got, hands down, the most amazing hair and make-up team in Southern California.  Dana and her team from Design Visage in Orange County made me feel like a movie star. Thanks ladies!

Great make-up and hair by Design Visage led to fantastic photos by Cheryl McPherson
Related articles

A Reality TV Bride Tells All: why I said “yes.”

by

When my then fiancé, and I announced that our wedding was going to be taped for a TLC reality show, people were more than a little surprised.  Everyone was convinced we were adding to an already stressful time.  In fact, saying “yes” to TLC was one of our best decisions. Let me tell you why.

The last weeks before the wedding were a whirlwind.  There was one oasis: shooting the show. Stephen and I spent two hours talking and “being cute” together.  We walked down a street near the beach hand in hand, trailed by a camera, giggling. We sat on a beautiful, sunny,  patio, reading to each other. We talked about how we fell in love.  That afternoon was a brief shelter from the crazy wedding planning storm: we got to reconnect, and remember that under the tulle and the tablecloths, was our unique love story.

The bride and groom, showcasing our use of succulents in a bridal bouquet and boutonniere
incidentally, showcasing our use of succulents in a bridal bouquet and boutonniere

I treasure those two hours, every moment.  The lights, the cameras, and the questions that reminded me why I had said “yes.”

Note – Credit where credit is due: I got, hands down, the most amazing hair and make-up team in Southern California.  Dana and her team from Design Visage in Orange County made me feel like a movie star. Thanks ladies!

Related articles

Working For The Weekend…On Something Other than your Wedding

by
Everybody’s working for the weekend. Really? Everybody? Brides tend to focus on their weddings all week – and definitely on the weekends.  It’s prime time for visiting locations, trying on dresses and tasting cakes. But every so often, over the year or so of planning, it’s important to have a wedding-free weekend.  Why? The rewards are many.  These types of breaks…

Non wedding-related goofing around. Good for the relationshp!
– Keep your feet on the ground – the world does not revolve around your wedding, and not being Princess Focus-Puller for a few days keeps up your bridezilla antibodies.
– Keep your relationship intact.  Remember that guy who gave you the shiny ring? He wants his girlfriend back. Your fiancee self is wrapped up in layers of tulle and fondant. Remind him you are who you are (no Ke$ha karaoke please).
– Keep on keeping on. You’ve got miles to go between now and “I do.” In order to stay sane and focused you have to give yourself a break.
There you have it – 3 ways taking a break from wedding planning does right by you.  Now get out there – you worked for this weekend. Make the most of it.
Related articles