T Minus 1 Week!

See how our bride-to-be is holding up with less than a week to go before the big day!

By Jessica Solloway

I seriously can't believe that my wedding day is less than a week away. Where did the time go? It feels like just yesterday that I had my first dress fitting, or was looking forward to my showers, or having a blast with my best friends at my bachelorette party. And now, I am handling all the very, very last minute details in preparation for my trip to Cleveland.
Although I am oddly calm (is that weird?), I can't sleep anymore! Between juggling a huge load of work I need to finish before I leave and those last minute wedding details to double and triple check, my mind is always racing. I actually started writing a list on a post-it that was on my nightstand at 1am in the dark last night because I thought of a few things that I didn't want to forget. And then I was up at 6am, unable to sleep again! Seth of course conks out the minute he sits down on the couch. Men are fascinating.

Once we arrive in Cleveland on Wednesday, we'll have a few days to get organized before the guests arrive. I have a final dress fitting the Thursday before the wedding. And other than some pre big day beautifying, my mom and I will assemble all the programs that my friend Adina designed (which are incredibly gorgeous!), organize the Welcome Bags, and drop them off at the hotels for the out-of-towners.

As of now, I am way more excited than nervous. I am trying not to let things I can't control (like the weather) worry me. It's just such a surreal feeling knowing that so many people are packing bags, getting their dresses dry cleaned, and hopping planes to come to my wedding ... this weekend! Ahhhh!

It's really amazing to look at the huge to-do list Seth and I started about 6 months ago, full of overwhelming tasks that we never imagined we could check off. And now, they are pretty much all taken care of. If there are any stressed out brides reading this -- remember my advice, it somehow all gets done. You're not alone if you've ever been on the verge of hopping a plane to Vegas so an Elvis impersonator can just make it official without the drama of budgets, guest lists, seating charts and menus. While it's not always fun and games, wedding planning (the good, the bad and the ugly) is a once in a lifetime experience full of memorable moments. And it's important to keep things in perspective and not let the tough parts get the best of you. Although, I have a feeling we'll be more than ready to sip cocktails on a beautiful beach in Anguilla after we say "I do"...