Taylor:  Christopher and I didn’t do a first look, despite having many people recommend that we do. We thought that a first look would feel posed and awkward, and we both wanted to experience The. Moment. where we see each other at the beginning of the ceremony. There were many times during planning that I questioned our decision, because the schedule was tight and I worried that we wouldn’t have enough time for photos after the ceremony. But, coming around the corner at the back of the aisle and seeing everyone seated, and my groom waiting for me at the front, literally took my breath away and I gasped. It was such a powerful feeling of excitement, love, and relief, and it was everything I’d hoped for since I was a little girl imagining my wedding day. The flood of emotions was worth it. I wouldn’t trade that moment for anything. (Also, I’d like to point out that Bobbi and Megan are photo-making machines and took the tight schedule totally in stride and squeezed it all in. Lesser photographers would have freaked out, but they were amazing. So, hire a good photographer, and don’t do a first look.)

Chris:  I had two equally memorable moments: 1) Walking into the venue after everything had been set-up with flowers and place settings, watching people taking their seats from behind. It hit me then how beautiful everything looked and how everyone had come out to support us. And, 2) seeing my bride in her dress at the bottom of the stairs (thinking that she was perfect). It was what I’d imagined but better.

Taylor:  There’s that quote, “They may not remember what you said, but they’ll remember how you made them feel.” (attributed to multiple people but probably Carl W. Buehner). It was so easy to get caught up in wedding blogs, Pinterest, and the pressure to make everything Instagram-worthy. But, the details that ended up mattering the most were the ones that had emotional significance, not necessarily the most beautiful ones. I spent hours writing a short note to each guest on the back of their escort card – and I remember those hours so much more fondly than the same number of hours I spent picking out tablecloths and place settings. It took a lot of time, but it was a chance for me to meditate on why each guest was important, and how appreciative I was that they were attending. And everyone was so touched by the effort, it made a big impact and the warm fuzzies were felt all around.

Chris:  On the day of the wedding, don’t worry about trying to please anyone else at the party; just focus on yourself and your bride. It’s your moment and the more details you can take in, the better you’ll remember the day.

Taylor: My kid cousins, aged 5 and 8, had been trying to teach me The Floss dance all weekend. So, in the middle of the Father-Daughter dance, my dad and I invited them onto the dance floor to do the floss with us. We never really nailed it, but it was a good laugh trying!

Chris:  I was standing at the altar, waiting for my lovely bride to walk down the aisle. As the first groomsman walked up to shake my hand, he whispered to me, “Your fly is down”. I chuckled, thinking “Really?!”, but refused to check it in front of everyone. By the end of my thought process, the second groomsman had arrived in front of me, right hand drawn, coming in for a shake-man-hug combo and said, “by the way, your fly is down.” Three more groomsmen made the same joke, until my best man came up and said, “We’re just kidding, it’s not down. We love you and you’ll do great.”

processional  • On the Nature of Daylight by Max Richter
recessional  • random salsa song by the band!
bride & groom introduction  •  This Will Be (an Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole
first dance  • Why Don’t You and I by Chad Kroeger
father/daughter  • How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) by James Taylor
mother/son  • The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra
last dance  • Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show

Taylor:  Short answer – not a thing. Longer answer (and this is very minor) – the bridesmaids and I got ready in a room that was also being used for cocktail prep, wine storage, and the caterers were right outside big glass doors. People were coming and going all through the morning and even right before the ceremony. It would have been a lot more relaxed (and probably sentimental) if we’d had some space to get ready in peace and quiet.

Chris:  Make the wedding day last as long as you can. We had about 6 hours from ceremony to last shuttle, which felt rushed, even though our venue was private property and we had no restrictions on time. Do whatever you can to maximize your hours on the dance floor!

Holbox, Mexico – a tiny island off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. No cars, no crowds, and turquoise blue water.