Photo Credit: Holli B. Photography

I’m less than seven months away from being a bride, but lately I’ve been thinking less about that role and more about the new one I will have to fulfill as a wife. Brides (myself included) can become engrossed in wedding plans, and I feel that we need to remember this journey is about the rest of our lives, not just one day.

Understatement of the year: A lot of work goes into planning a wedding. From picking the centerpieces to booking vendors, there are endless tasks to complete. However, more time and effort goes into a marriage, and frankly, that's more important. Yes, it's easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of planning the biggest day of your lives, and really, I think that's fine! Choosing each detail and checking off to-do's is a fun and memorable experience—but that shouldn't be "it." My fiancé Corey and I often discuss our celebration to great lengths, but what I've found is that we brides don't often discuss what happens after the cake is cut and the dress is packed in your closet. Don't get me wrong, we've had the kids talk and discussed finances thoroughly, but I know marriage is deeper than any single conversation.

Instead of having your flower girls scatter rose petals (let's face it, they'll never do as good of a job as your florist), or having your ring bearer carry fake rings on a pillow, have the smallest members of your wedding party announce your grand entrance in style with a "here comes the bride" sign.

Sure, your guests likely already know to expect your walk down the aisle right after the flower girls, but that doesn't take away from the cute factor of these signs. Check out the photos!

Photo Credit: Artisan Events, Inc.

Photo Credit: Ashley Rose Photography

Interviewing potential vendors is like going on an awkward first date — you both hope there's chemistry, but it can be confusing to know exactly what to say (even for a Wedding Editor like myself!). Follow our new "10 Questions to Ask..." blog series with experts from each field who will break it down for you step-by-step. I'll share hard-earned real bride advice along the way, so you know how to spot the best vendor for your needs. First up: My fabulous wedding photographer, Josh Lynn and the talented Casey Fatchett share the Q's clients ask most.

1. Is photography your main business? What percentage of your work is composed of weddings?

First, you need to gauge how much experience a potential vendor has. Photographers' time commitments and skill sets vary—some only work part-time or might mostly photograph something else (e.g. portraits). This doesn't necessarily mean they won't do an amazing job as your wedding photographer, but it will give you a sense of what they will be able to contribute towards your nuptials. According to Casey Fatchett, a busy full-time wedding photographer will probably shoot between 20 and 30 weddings a year.

Photo Credit: Casey Fatchett Photography