Today, we are checking back in with Tara + Waylon and see what they are up to after their July 2014 Wedding.

Looking back on my wedding day the one thing that stood out was the support and love we received! It was overwhelming to see the number of people that came to see us tie the knot and beautiful Port Gamble (I highly recommend the pavilion for a wedding venue!). I also loved to see my vision come to life. It was also better than I could have dreamed!

Waylon and I have bought our first home since the wedding just over 2 years ago! We live in downtown Puyallup, within walking distance to the fairgrounds. We absolutely LOVE it and the neighborhood. Waylon has since received his Masters Degree in Special Education and is going back to school for his National Boards during his free time, He is a full time teacher and coach in Kent. I work full time at Davita and loves spending time with my 17 month old daughter, Sophia! Between work, school, toddler, and the occasional social obligation, we stay busy and very happy!

My favorite part of the wedding planning process was, crazy as it sounds, was the planning. People were constantly telling me when we started planning how happy I will be when it's over. This was not true for me! I missed it so much and discovered that it was a passion of mine to plan fun events. I got antsy after the wedding to plan more events so I volunteered as an intern to learn from the best of them, Elegant Affairs. Coordinating and checking things off a to do list are right up my alley! My husband loved to be involved in the wedding planning process also, it was fun to collaborate with him on the decision making! The wedding was truly a reflection of both of us!

The advice that I would give couples would be to plan ahead super early! Book vendors and venue as early as possible. Failing to plan, is planning to fail! Also, in my opinion, have one dress for the bridesmaids to choose from. In my experience, allowing everyone to wear different ones leads to confusion, last minute shopping, and a more polished look in photos! Timeline, timeline, timeline. . Lori created my timeline for the day of. Everyone received one, and it eliminated TONS of stress and a million questions. People knew who what when where and why! As the bride, appoint someone, bridesmaid or maid of honor, to be in charge of your phone so that as the bride you don't get stressed out when the questions come flooding in! Make sure the point person is well versed in the days plan and activities. Last but not least, involve the groom!!! I was lucky that Waylon wanted to be involved because it made it more fun but it was also very important. The day of the wedding he knew what was going on and what things should look like etc. It also had the vibe of both of us, from music, to colors, to the invites, he had a hand on the decision making.

Lori and her team are truly fantastic! My wedding would not have been as fabulous without her! She is so friendly and easy to work with. I'm so lucky to now call her a friend!

Photo by Kelly Rodriguez Photography