We always love hearing insight from real brides, whether it be looking back at their wedding or while they’re still going through the planning process. We thought it would be exciting to have a real bride guest post once a week about her planning experiences and adventures. My sister Jessica voluntered and we thought she would be the perfect candidate, because not only is she a great writer but she is hot off the presses engaged –Nov. 2 to be exact!

We’ve already checked off some big items in the planning department; locked in a venue, caterer, and the dress, but there is much more to be done! I can’t tell who is more excited she or I? Although it sounds like it’s came easy there has definitely been some lessons Jess has learned so far into her planning journey and we’re so excited for her to share them with you here! Since we don’t want to spoil any of Jess’s posts we’ll instead give you a little background on the couple.

{Far left middle row: Sunday Romance}

“When the moon hits your eye like a big-a pizza pie, that’s amore!” Not sure if it was love at first sight when Jess + Nick met at the Italian restaurant they both worked at, since they were seeing other people, but by New Year’s Eve they were officially an item. Six months later they were already traveling together-their first trip as a couple was to Austrailia! Nick planned on staying a couple months, but had a change of heart once Jess headed back to school. They moved in together shortly after she graduated and by Christmas they had their first kid- Murphy (a puggle). Although they had only been dating two years, it was clear to the family this was the real deal.

They put a couple surf trips to Nicaraugua under their belt, lots of friends’ weddings, 4 more years of dating, a move from LA to SD, and another addition to the family (Mack- a mini Aussie) before officially getting engaged. In true Jess and Nick fashion, Nick proposed on a perfect day at the beach! But that is all just the beginning; check back often to see how the wedding planning unfolds…