A note from the bride: The week before our wedding my dear friend gave Matt and I the greatest advice - the night is going to fly by faster than you could possibly imagine, do not leave each others sides because if you allow yourselves to get pulled in different directions, a couple of hours can go by without you even realizing it, and before you know it the night is over. Matt and I listened to this advice wholeheartedly and we did not separate from one another, enjoying every single moment of the night side by side, primarily on the dance floor! If the bride and groom are on the dance floor, it draws the guests to dance and makes for one fun party. Which leads me to the other piece of advice my friend gave me, have an extra shirt for your groom! With all the sweat from dancing and drinks flying on the dance floor, Matt's shirt was soaked. He was so excited when he was able to change into a pressed, dry shirt to continue the night in (makes for better pictures too!).

Do not save anything for the last minute. Try and have everything from the seating charts to the notes you want to give to loved ones on the morning of the wedding all done so that you have absolutely no to-do list that weekend. It was so nice to be done with all of the planning and it allowed me to be relaxed and simply enjoy every single minute as the weekend unfolded.

There were various times throughout the night that Matt and I would pause, look around and smile ear to ear together as we observed all of our favorite people laughing and having the greatest time, in honor of us; it even gives me chills to think about now! Having all of the most dear people in both of our lives together felt truly surreal -  treasure every single moment of that feeling with the love of your life by your side. The night you have been looking forward to forever really does go by faster than imaginable! So take it all in, be present, and enjoy.