A Love Letter to Planning Our Wedding Early and Stress-Free

Dear future brides in this sweet, peaceful season of being engaged and getting engaged,

Here’s something that still makes us laugh in the best way:
We planned our wedding in two months… and it isn’t even happening until next year.

After getting engaged in September 2025, somehow in the middle of excitement and “let’s just start looking,” we ended up doing everything early, and I mean everything. And instead of burning us out, it gave us the greatest gift of all: zero stress.

It all started, as the best things usually do, with a conversation.

One Conversation That Changed Everything

Before timelines and to-do lists, there was a meeting with Marz. Having worked in the industry alongside Marz at Charizma Entertainment for over 13 years, I knew I wanted to talk with him first. Not a “how fast can we do this?” call but a “how do you want this to feel?” kind of conversation.

We talked about joy. About laughter. About ease. About creating a day that feels like a deep exhale, not a performance. That clarity made everything else fall into place quickly and effortlessly. Being a DJ, I already knew how I envisioned the wedding in terms of music and lighting. With Marz’ help, we were able to find other vendors that matched our energy that we knew we could trust. 

Side by Side From Day One

What I love most about this whole experience is that it was never just me planning. My fiancée was just as involved: every call, every decision, every “wait, what if we did this instead?” moment. We sat together reviewing options, laughing over emails, and choosing what felt right for us. Looking back, it didn’t feel like planning a wedding. It felt like practicing marriage.

There was no pressure to divide tasks or rush decisions. We moved as a team, and somehow that made even the “big stuff” feel easy. We made our guest list together, went over our budget, created our wedding party all within two weeks of being engaged. We were so excited! 

Trusting the Right People Early

Because we started early, we were able to reach out to trusted vendors without urgency and that changed everything. There was space to have real conversations. Time to laugh. Room to feel things out. No scrambling, no settling, no panic-booking.

Every vendor we chose met us with excitement and ease. No one flinched. No one stressed us out. Instead, we were surrounded by people who made us feel supported, understood, and genuinely excited for what we’re creating.

1. The Venue & Catering That Made It Feel Real

The moment we found our venue and catering team, something clicked. From the first conversation, there was laughter. Real smiles.That shared feeling of this is going to be so fun. Not just for my fiancée and I; even our parents felt the joy and connection. We knew right away that this is what we wanted. 

They didn’t just help us plan a day.They helped us picture it. And now, with everything booked and decided, we get to simply look forward to it. No stress. Just anticipation.

2. The Planner Who Held It All Together

Once the venue was set, finding the right planner felt like the natural next step and when we did, it was another exhale moment.

Our planner didn’t just organize details; they understood our vision and our energy. They asked the right questions, reassured us when needed, and made the whole process feel grounded and doable.

Having someone we trusted to hold the big picture meant we could stay present, excited, and focused on enjoying this season together. I have been in the industry for so long. Having a planner gives me the opportunity to truly be a bride. 

3. Capturing the Feeling: Photo & Video

Choosing our photo and video team was about more than just pretty pictures. It was about finding people who could feel us. We wanted our day captured the way it actually feels: full of love, laughter, movement, and real moments. From the first conversation, it was clear they understood that.

Now, instead of worrying about being “on,” we know we’ll get to simply be and that peace of mind is everything.

4. Decor That Feels Like Us

Decor was one of those things we expected to overthink… and somehow didn’t.

Because we started early, we had time to dream instead of rush. We talked about colors, textures, little details that felt meaningful to us; not trends, not expectations, just what felt right. Every choice became a reflection of us, rather than a box to check.

5. Discovering Our DIY Moments

One of the most unexpected joys? Finding our DIY projects early.Instead of scrambling at the last minute, we get to enjoy them slowly: turning small projects into cozy nights, shared creativity, and moments we’ll remember long after the wedding day.It’s not about saving money. It’s about adding pieces of ourselves into the day, together.

The Unexpected Gift of Planning Early

Here’s what no one tells you:
When you do things early, joy has room to breathe.

There’s no pressure. No rushing. No constant checking of timelines. Just space to be excited, present, and fully enjoy being engaged.

Now, instead of worrying about what’s left to do, we get to:

• Dream about the day
• Savor the engagement
• Enjoy each other
• And laugh knowing… we already handled it

What This Season Has Taught Me

Planning our wedding early reminded me that love doesn’t have to be chaotic to be meaningful. When you trust your partner, lean on the right people, and lead with joy, everything feels lighter.

So yes, our wedding is still a year away. But the planning? Already done.The stress? Gone. And the excitement? Just getting started.

With love, calm, and a very happy heart,

— Nicole a.k.a DJ Nicole Sara