How I Married My High School Sweetheart: Wedding Day Highlights and Top 5 Tips for Brides-to-Be

When I look back on my wedding day, it was everything I dreamed of and more. I married my high school sweetheart on June 18th, a date that marked our 10-year anniversary of being together. It wasn’t a typical Saturday wedding; we chose a Tuesday because it held deep significance for us. The ceremony took place on private hunting land that is incredibly special to my family and me. With only 18 guests—our immediate families, grandparents, and my godparents—it was an intimate and heartfelt celebration. My godfather, who has been a key figure in my life, officiated the ceremony. Despite the rain and cooler temperatures, it was perfect—a day filled with love, meaningful moments, and God’s blessings.

For those planning their special day, I’ve compiled my top five tips to help brides fully enjoy their wedding and create the day of their dreams.

Top 5 Tips for Brides-to-Be:

1. Do What Makes You and Your Future Spouse Happy: Your wedding day is about celebrating your love, so prioritize what makes you and your partner happy—even if it’s unconventional. For us, that meant getting married on a meaningful Tuesday and hosting a small, intimate ceremony. The location was deeply personal, and the limited guest list allowed us to share this moment with the people closest to us. Don’t be afraid to break traditions or cultural norms if it means your day will feel authentic and special to you.

2. Incorporate Unique, Personal Touches: Adding personalized elements to your ceremony can make the day even more meaningful. Our officiant included a message about our shared love of running, which was how we met as high school cross-country teammates. Instead of a traditional unity candle or sand, we created a unity painting that now hangs in our home, serving as a beautiful reminder of our wedding day and the life we’re building together.

3. Include Special People in Your Ceremony: Having loved ones actively participate in your wedding can make it even more memorable. My brother and my husband’s sister did the readings during our ceremony, and my brother’s girlfriend (now fiancée) sang “Better Place” by Rachel Platten during our unity moment. These touches added so much warmth and love to the day.

4. Embrace the Beauty of the Outdoors: If you can, consider an outdoor wedding. The sights and sounds of nature bring a serene and magical quality to the ceremony. Despite unexpected rain and cooler weather, the natural setting of our ceremony added an irreplaceable charm. Just be prepared for potential delays or surprises—our ceremony started later than planned, but it all worked out in the end.

5. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: Things might not go exactly as you envisioned, but that doesn’t mean your day won’t be perfect. Our wedding day turned out differently than I had imagined, but it was exactly how it was meant to be. Focus on the love and joy of the moment, and everything else will fall into place. I tried my best to remain calm all-day, soak in every moment, be present, and keep a smile on my face. My brother's girlfriend has shared with me multiple times how "in awe" she was of me the entire day and how I kept calm. I'm very proud of this... as I tend to be a high-stress individual.

Bonus Tips for Your Wedding Day:

• Eat Before the Ceremony: We hosted a small reception before our ceremony, which allowed us and our guests to eat and relax. I didn’t want to be hungry (or hear my stomach growling!) during the ceremony. This was especially helpful for our elderly guests and those with dietary needs.

  
  

• Have Food Ready for After the Celebration: My husband had the brilliant idea to have takeout from one of our favorite restaurants waiting for us in the hotel fridge. After a long and exciting day, it was exactly what we needed.

  
  

• Consider a Separate Day for Your Reception: Splitting our ceremony and reception into two separate events was one of the best decisions we made. We had a private, intimate ceremony on Tuesday and celebrated with extended family and friends at a larger reception on Saturday. It allowed us to enjoy both days fully without the pressure of cramming everything into one day. Plus, I got to wear my wedding dress twice!

Your wedding day is a celebration of your unique love story. Whether it’s a small ceremony, a grand celebration, or a mix of both, focus on what truly matters to you and your partner. The details may not always go as planned, but the love and joy of the day will make it unforgettable.

Congratulations to all the future brides—I hope your wedding day is as magical as you’ve dreamed! Don't hesitate to reach out to me if you'd like me to share more details from our wedding planning and our special days!