Getting Married and need some Guidance? Read the 25 important steps below for a stress free wedding day

It’s no surprise that planning your wedding day is not going to be an easy thing to do, so we have gathered the best wedding day advice from wedding pros for a stress-free event.

As a wedding photographer serving Destin, 30A, Pensacola and Florida’s Emerald Coast, I’ve had the privilege of documenting hundreds of weddings over the years. I’ve seen everything from perfectly organized celebrations to timelines that left couples feeling rushed and stressed.

The good news? A little preparation goes a long way.

To help you enjoy your wedding day to the fullest, I’ve compiled 25 practical wedding day tips based on real-world experience. Whether you’re planning an intimate beach ceremony or a luxury destination wedding weekend, these suggestions will help create a smoother, more enjoyable experience for you, your guests and your vendor team.

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PLAN AHEAD

One of the best ways to reduce wedding planning stress is to start early. Popular venues and sought-after vendors often book 12–18 months in advance, especially throughout Destin, 30A and Florida’s Emerald Coast.

As you begin planning, create a dedicated space to organize your ideas, inspiration photos, vendor information and wedding checklist. Whether you use Pinterest, a planning app or a simple folder, keeping everything in one place will help you stay organized and focused.

Break larger tasks into smaller steps and work through them consistently over time. A well-planned wedding doesn’t happen overnight, but by staying organized and avoiding last-minute decisions, you’ll create a much smoother and more enjoyable planning experience.

Most importantly, remember that your wedding is about celebrating your relationship. Focus on what matters most to you as a couple and enjoy the process along the way.

Choose Experienced Wedding Professionals You Trust

One of the most important decisions you’ll make during the planning process is choosing the team that will help bring your vision to life. Every vendor plays a unique role in creating a seamless wedding day experience, from your planner and photographer to your florist, DJ and caterer.

When selecting your vendors, look beyond pricing and focus on experience, communication, professionalism and reliability. The best wedding professionals not only provide exceptional service, but also work collaboratively behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. A responsive vendor team that communicates well and genuinely cares about your experience can make all the difference in reducing stress and allowing you to fully enjoy your wedding day.

Take the time to read reviews, schedule consultations and choose people you trust. When you surround yourself with experienced professionals who are passionate about what they do, you’ll feel more confident and supported throughout the entire planning process.

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GETTING READY PART OF THE DAY

1. Choose a Getting Ready Location with Beautiful Natural Light

The getting-ready portion of the day sets the tone for your wedding gallery, so choosing a bright, spacious location with plenty of natural light is incredibly important. Whenever possible, have your hair and makeup completed near a large window rather than in a bathroom or dimly lit room. Natural light photographs beautifully and creates a clean, timeless look that artificial lighting simply can’t replicate.

To help everything run smoothly, keep the getting-ready space tidy and free of unnecessary clutter. Ask your bridal party to designate an area for bags, clothing and personal items so the room remains clean and organized. If possible, reserve the largest window area for final touch-ups and getting dressed, as these moments often create some of the most meaningful photographs of the day.

2. Invest in Professional Hair and Makeup

Your hair and makeup need to look beautiful not only in person, but also throughout an entire day of hugs, happy tears, dancing and photographs. Hiring experienced beauty professionals who understand different skin types, lighting conditions and long-wear techniques can make a tremendous difference in both your confidence and your final images.

I highly recommend scheduling a trial before your wedding day. This gives you the opportunity to make adjustments and see how everything photographs before the big day arrives.

While both hair and makeup are important, hair tends to be the first thing affected by wind, humidity and movement. Keep a small touch-up kit nearby with hairspray, extra bobby pins and a brush for quick fixes throughout the day. For the groom, lip balm and a quick grooming check before portraits can make a surprisingly big difference in close-up photographs.

The goal is simple: feel like the very best version of yourself while still looking natural, comfortable and authentically you.

3. Be Careful with Spray Tans and Sun Exposure

If you’re considering a spray tan before your wedding, schedule a trial well in advance to ensure you’re happy with the color and how it photographs. The goal is a natural, sun-kissed glow—not an overly dark or orange appearance that can be difficult to correct in photographs.

If you plan to spend time outdoors before the wedding, be mindful of sunburns, tan lines and peeling skin. Florida sunshine can be intense, especially during spring and summer along the Emerald Coast. Wear sunscreen regularly and avoid making dramatic changes to your skincare or tanning routine right before your wedding day.

The best photographs happen when you look and feel like yourself—just a little extra polished.

4. Prioritize Rest and Hydration

One of the simplest ways to look and feel your best on your wedding day is to get plenty of rest the night before. While it’s tempting to stay up celebrating with friends and family, a good night’s sleep will help you feel energized, refreshed and ready to enjoy every moment.

It’s also important to stay hydrated throughout the days leading up to your wedding. Drinking plenty of water can help reduce puffiness, improve your skin’s appearance and keep your energy levels up throughout a long day of celebrations.

Most importantly, try not to overdo it with alcohol the night before. You want to wake up feeling excited, present and ready to fully experience one of the most memorable days of your life.

5. Keep Your Getting Ready Space Cool and Comfortable

A comfortable getting-ready environment can make a significant difference in how your day begins. Hair and makeup artists, bridesmaids, family members, photographers and videographers all sharing one space can quickly cause the room to become warm and crowded.

This is especially important for weddings along Florida’s Emerald Coast, where temperatures and humidity can be high for much of the year. If possible, choose a spacious, air-conditioned room with plenty of natural light and room for everyone to move comfortably.

A cool, comfortable environment not only helps your hair and makeup last longer, but also allows everyone to relax and enjoy the excitement of the morning without feeling rushed or overheated.

6. Keep Getting Ready Locations Close Together

When planning your wedding day timeline, consider the distance between the bride’s and groom’s getting-ready locations. Travel time can quickly eat into valuable photography time and create unnecessary stress throughout the day.

If you’re staying at a hotel, consider reserving rooms on separate floors or in different areas of the property while still keeping them conveniently close. If you’re renting vacation homes or Airbnbs, choose locations that are within a short drive of one another whenever possible.

Keeping everyone nearby allows your photography team to move efficiently between locations, capture more moments, and maximize the time available for portraits, details and candid interactions throughout the day.

7. Gather Your Wedding Details Before the Photographer Arrives

One of the first things I photograph on a wedding day is your carefully chosen details. Having everything gathered and ready before your photographer arrives allows us to work efficiently and ensures nothing important is overlooked.

Consider placing the following items together in a box or designated area:

• Wedding dress and veil
• Shoes
• Invitation suite and stationery
• Rings
• Jewelry and accessories
• Vow books
• Perfume
• Sentimental heirlooms
• Gifts or letters exchanged between the couple
• Bouquet and floral details (if available)

If possible, remove your dress from the garment bag ahead of time and have it steamed and ready to photograph. A beautiful wooden or personalized hanger can also elevate your detail photographs and create a more polished, cohesive look throughout your gallery.

These thoughtful details help tell the complete story of your wedding day and often become some of the most cherished images in your final collection.

8. Have the Bridal Party Ready Before the Bride

To keep the morning running smoothly, it’s best for bridesmaids to have their hair and makeup completed before the bride’s final touches begin. This allows everyone to be dressed and ready to assist with the bride’s gown, veil and accessories when the time comes.

The bride is typically the last person to get dressed, which creates a beautiful and emotional transition into the next part of the day. These moments often result in some of the most meaningful photographs, as mothers, sisters and bridesmaids help with the final preparations.

Before getting dressed, take a few moments to relax and celebrate with your closest friends. Whether it’s sharing stories, enjoying a champagne toast, exchanging gifts or simply soaking in the excitement of the morning, these candid interactions often become some of the most treasured photographs in your wedding gallery.

By allowing enough time for everyone to be ready beforehand, you’ll avoid feeling rushed and create space for authentic moments that beautifully tell the story of your wedding day.

9. Make Getting Dressed a Meaningful Experience

Once the bridal party is fully dressed and ready, it’s time for one of the most anticipated moments of the morning—getting into your wedding gown.

This is often a beautiful opportunity to slow down, take a deep breath and be fully present with the people closest to you. Traditionally, the maid of honor, mother of the bride or another special loved one helps with the final details, such as fastening the dress, adjusting the veil and ensuring everything looks perfect before you walk down the aisle.

If you’d like, different family members and friends can help with meaningful details such as putting on your jewelry, fastening your shoes or helping with special heirlooms. These small interactions often create some of the most emotional and memorable photographs of the day.

Don’t worry about every detail being perfectly arranged beforehand—your photographer will guide you through the process, helping position the dress, veil and accessories for beautiful photographs. The goal is not perfection; it’s capturing the genuine emotions, anticipation and excitement that make these moments so meaningful.

10. Consider Keeping Your Hands Free During the First Look

If you’ve chosen to have a first look, one question that often comes up is whether to bring your bouquet and wear your veil. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer—it’s entirely a personal preference.

From a photography perspective, I often recommend leaving the bouquet behind for the first look. When you see each other for the first time, you’ll want your hands free for hugs, hand-holding and those genuine emotional reactions that make first look photos so special. We will have plenty of time afterward to create beautiful portraits with your bouquet.

The same can be true for your veil. Many brides choose to save it for the ceremony and formal portraits, allowing their hairstyle to be fully visible during the first look. This also creates more variety in your wedding gallery, giving you images both with and without the veil.

Most importantly, don’t overthink it. The purpose of the first look is to enjoy a private moment together, soak in the excitement of the day and connect before the celebrations begin. Whether you choose to include your bouquet, veil, both or neither, the focus should always be on the experience and the emotions you share in that moment.

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GROOM ADVICE

11. Practice Tying Ties and Bow Ties Before the Wedding Day

If your wedding attire includes a tie or bow tie, take a few minutes to learn how to tie it properly before the wedding day arrives. It may seem like a small detail, but it’s one of the most common last-minute challenges I see during the getting-ready portion of the day.

Having at least one groomsman, family member or friend who knows how to tie a tie can help keep the morning running smoothly and eliminate unnecessary stress. A little preparation ahead of time allows everyone to focus on enjoying the experience rather than searching for tutorials minutes before the ceremony.

The getting-ready portion of the day should feel relaxed and enjoyable. Taking care of the small details in advance helps create a smoother timeline and allows for more time to capture meaningful moments with your closest friends and family.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget the Boutonnières

Boutonnières are traditionally worn on the left lapel of the jacket and secured from behind. While they may seem simple, they’re one of the most commonly misplaced or incorrectly pinned details I see on wedding days.

Before the ceremony begins, have someone double-check that each boutonnière is secure and properly positioned. It’s a small detail, but one that makes a big difference in both appearance and photographs.

Trust me—after photographing hundreds of weddings, I’ve pinned more boutonnières than I can count!

CEREMONY TIME

12. Attend Your Rehearsal and Understand the Ceremony Process

A wedding rehearsal is one of the best ways to reduce stress on the wedding day. Taking the time to walk through the ceremony process allows everyone involved to understand where they need to be, when to walk and what to expect.

Your officiant or wedding planner will typically guide the processional order, seating arrangements and ceremony flow. Knowing these details ahead of time helps everyone feel more relaxed and confident when the moment arrives.

The rehearsal is also a great opportunity to practice pacing. Walking slowly down the aisle, leaving enough space between each group and remembering to look up and smile will help create beautiful photographs and allow your guests to fully enjoy the experience.

Most importantly, don’t stress about perfection. The goal is simply to familiarize everyone with the flow of the ceremony so you can focus on enjoying the moment when the day arrives.

13. Consider an Unplugged Ceremony

An unplugged ceremony is a wedding ceremony where guests are kindly asked to put away their phones, cameras and other devices and be fully present during the experience.

Many couples choose this option because it allows their family and friends to focus on the ceremony rather than viewing it through a screen. It creates a more intimate atmosphere and allows guests to truly experience the emotions of the moment.

From a photography perspective, an unplugged ceremony also helps ensure that important moments—such as the processional, vows, ring exchange and first kiss—are captured without phones, tablets or cameras blocking the view.

If you’d like an unplugged ceremony, consider including a note in your invitation suite, wedding website or ceremony program, or have your officiant make a brief announcement before the ceremony begins. Most guests are happy to respect your wishes and appreciate the opportunity to be fully present for such a meaningful occasion.

14. Walk Slowly and Enjoy the Processional

Every ceremony is unique, and your officiant or wedding planner will guide the specific order of your processional. In many ceremonies, grandparents, parents, the wedding party and finally the bride make their way down the aisle before the ceremony begins.

One of the best pieces of advice I can give is simple: slow down.

When emotions are running high, it’s natural to walk faster than you realize. Take your time, look up, smile and enjoy the experience. Leaving a little space between each person or group walking down the aisle also helps create cleaner photographs and ensures everyone can be seen clearly.

For the wedding party, focus on enjoying the moment rather than rushing to your position. Those smiles, glances and interactions often become some of the most memorable images from the ceremony.

Remember, you’ve waited a long time for this moment—take it all in and enjoy every step.

15. Hold Your Bouquet Low and Let Your Dress Shine

One of the most common wedding-day tips photographers share with brides is how to hold the bouquet. For the most flattering look, hold your bouquet around your belly button or waistline rather than up near your chest.

This allows your dress, neckline and overall silhouette to remain visible in photographs while creating a more relaxed and elegant posture. If your bouquet includes a special charm, heirloom or decorative detail, be sure it faces forward so it can be seen and photographed.

When you reach the front of the ceremony, your maid of honor will typically take your bouquet while vows and ring exchanges take place.

Don’t worry about remembering every detail throughout the day—your photographer and planner will gently guide you when needed. The goal is to help you look and feel your best while allowing you to stay present and enjoy the experience.

16. Be Present When You Meet at the Altar

Whether you’ve chosen to have a first look before the ceremony or you’re seeing each other for the very first time as you walk down the aisle, the moment you meet at the altar is incredibly special.

Take a deep breath and allow yourselves to be fully present. Hold hands, smile, exchange a few words, laugh if the moment calls for it and simply enjoy being together. These genuine interactions often create some of the most emotional and meaningful photographs of the entire day.

Before the ceremony begins, it’s also helpful to discuss the ceremony layout with your officiant or planner. Understanding where you’ll be standing, sitting and facing throughout the ceremony can help ensure everyone feels comfortable and can fully participate in the experience.

From a photography perspective, slight adjustments in positioning can make a significant difference in how your ceremony is documented. Whenever possible, standing at a natural angle that allows your guests, family and photographer to see your expressions helps preserve the emotions and connections that make these moments so meaningful.

Most importantly, focus on each other. The ceremony often passes quickly, so take the time to soak in every smile, glance and heartfelt moment together.

17. Prepare Your Vows and Savor Your First Kiss

If you’re writing personal vows, consider placing them in a beautiful vow book or writing them neatly on quality stationery. Not only will they photograph beautifully, but they’ll also become meaningful keepsakes that you can revisit for years to come. Many couples are surprised by how emotional it feels to reread their vows on future anniversaries.

When it comes time for your first kiss as newlyweds, don’t rush the moment. After your officiant officially pronounces you married, take a moment to embrace, celebrate and soak it all in. A slightly longer kiss allows you to fully enjoy the experience and creates beautiful photographs that capture the excitement and emotion of the moment.

This is one of the most anticipated moments of the day—allow yourselves to be present and enjoy it.

18. Enjoy the Recessional

The ceremony may be over, but the celebration is just beginning. As you walk back down the aisle together for the first time as a married couple, take your time and enjoy the moment.

Grab your bouquet, hold hands, smile, laugh and celebrate with your guests. The recessional is often filled with genuine excitement, joyful reactions and some of the happiest photographs of the entire day.

There’s no need to rush. Walk slowly, take in the cheers from your family and friends, and enjoy those first moments together as newlyweds. If the moment feels right, a quick kiss or celebratory embrace along the way can create beautiful, authentic photographs that perfectly capture the joy of the occasion.

These are moments you’ll never experience again, so don’t be afraid to slow down and savor them.

19. Allow Time for Signing the Marriage License

After the ceremony, there is often a brief period dedicated to signing the marriage license and completing any required paperwork. Depending on your officiant, venue and local requirements, this process can take anywhere from a few minutes to fifteen minutes or more.

When building your wedding day timeline, be sure to account for this transition period rather than assuming the ceremony ends and portraits begin immediately. Including a small buffer helps keep the day running smoothly and prevents unnecessary stress if things take a little longer than expected.

Many couples use this time to enjoy a private moment together, freshen up, grab a drink of water or simply take a deep breath before moving into family photographs and the rest of the celebration.

A well-planned timeline creates space for these moments and helps everyone enjoy the day at a more relaxed pace.

COCKTAIL HOUR, RECEPTION & BRIDAL PORTRAITS

20. During cocktail hour, if you have a package that includes a second photographer, we split duties. My assistant will take candid, photojournalistic shots of people enjoying themselves, while I will photograph details and the reception area before doing family formals.

We ideally should have 1 hour, and I need about 20 minutes for details. To work efficiently, you will need to make a list of family groups that you want photographed ahead of time. We will hand that list to a family member or friend who can call out who’s next. That should take about 20 minutes as well. We still need to take couple portraits and bridal party photos, if we have not done those prior to the ceremony, which is suggested. 

21. Give Yourselves Time to Be Together

Some of the most meaningful photographs of the wedding day happen when it’s just the two of you.

Whether we capture these portraits before the ceremony, during cocktail hour or at sunset, creating a little space away from the excitement allows you to slow down, relax and focus entirely on each other. Without the distractions of timelines, guests and wedding-day responsibilities, you can simply enjoy being together and celebrate the fact that you’re finally married.

These portraits aren’t about stiff posing or perfect smiles. They’re about genuine connection—the laughter, the quiet moments, the happy tears, the inside jokes and the way you naturally interact with one another.

As your photographer, my goal is to create an experience where you feel comfortable, present and free to enjoy the moment. Those authentic interactions often become some of the most cherished images in your wedding gallery because they reflect who you are as a couple.

Trust the process, have fun together and let yourselves be fully present. The most beautiful photographs happen when you’re focused on each other, not the camera.

22. Create a Warm and Inviting Reception Atmosphere

Once portraits and family photographs are complete, it’s time to join your guests and enjoy the celebration. Throughout the reception, your photography team will document the important moments you’ve planned, including grand entrances, first dances, parent dances, speeches, toasts, cake cutting and all the fun that follows.

If you’re hosting an outdoor reception, especially along Florida’s Emerald Coast, thoughtful lighting can make a tremendous difference in both the guest experience and your photographs. String lights, candles, lanterns, chandeliers and other ambient lighting elements help create a warm, romantic atmosphere while adding depth and dimension to your reception images.

While professional photographers bring lighting equipment to capture events throughout the evening, decorative lighting contributes significantly to the overall look and feel of the space. A well-lit reception not only photographs beautifully, but also creates a more inviting environment for your guests to relax, celebrate and enjoy the evening.

The most memorable receptions are often the ones that feel warm, welcoming and full of energy—and great lighting plays an important role in creating that experience.

23. Keep Reception Events Organized and Guest-Friendly

A well-organized reception helps maintain the energy of the celebration and keeps guests engaged throughout the evening. Before the wedding day, coordinate with your planner, DJ and catering team to ensure everyone understands the timeline for speeches, toasts, dinner service and special events.

If speeches are planned during dinner, make sure drinks have been served beforehand so guests can comfortably participate in the toasts. In general, shorter speeches tend to have the greatest impact. Thoughtful, heartfelt remarks that are concise and meaningful often keep guests engaged while allowing the evening to flow naturally.

If you’re planning traditions such as a bouquet toss, anniversary dance or other special activities, your photographer, DJ and planner will work together to ensure everyone is positioned properly and ready to capture the moment.

For your grand exit or send-off, remember the same advice applies as it did during your recessional: slow down, smile, laugh and enjoy the experience. Whether you’re using sparklers, bubbles, glow sticks or another creative send-off idea, taking your time allows for more authentic moments and beautiful photographs.

The final moments of the evening are often some of the most joyful and celebratory images of the entire wedding day, so don’t be afraid to soak it all in and have fun together.

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24. HAVE FUN!

Most Importantly—Have Fun!

If there is one piece of wedding day advice I hope you remember, it’s this: have fun.

You’ve spent months, and perhaps even years, planning this day. You’ve chosen your venue, hired your vendors, selected the details, coordinated the timeline and envisioned this moment countless times. Now it’s finally here.

Take a deep breath, relax and trust the team you’ve carefully assembled. Allow your planner, photographer, coordinator and other professionals to do what they do best. Try not to focus on the tiny details that may not unfold exactly as planned. Chances are, your guests will never notice, and years from now, neither will you.

What you will remember is how you felt.

You’ll remember the excitement, the laughter, the happy tears, the hugs, the dancing and the overwhelming joy of celebrating with the people you love most. Those are the moments that truly matter.

Your wedding day is not about perfection—it’s about connection, celebration and the beginning of a new chapter together.

Be present. Be grateful. Laugh often. Dance a little longer. Kiss a little slower.

And most importantly, enjoy every second of it.

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25. Trust Your Vendor Team

Last but certainly not least, trust the professionals you’ve hired.

One of the biggest advantages of working with experienced wedding vendors is that we understand how to work together as a team. Your planner, photographer, videographer, DJ, florist, caterer and venue staff all play an important role in creating a seamless experience for you and your guests.

The most successful wedding days happen when everyone is communicating, collaborating and working toward the same goal: helping you have an incredible celebration.

Communication Matters

Throughout the day, your photographer, planner and DJ or MC will often coordinate closely behind the scenes. Reception events such as grand entrances, first dances, parent dances, cake cutting, speeches and special traditions all require careful timing to ensure they are properly documented.

For example, photographers and videographers frequently adjust lighting setups throughout the reception to accommodate different events and locations. A few moments of communication between vendors can make a tremendous difference in ensuring every important moment is captured beautifully.

This is why experienced vendors place such a strong emphasis on teamwork and communication. When your vendor team is working together, you can relax knowing that everyone is focused on creating the best possible experience for you.

Let the Professionals Do What They Do Best

You hired your vendor team for a reason. Trust their expertise, allow them to guide you when needed and focus on enjoying the celebration you’ve worked so hard to create.

At the end of the day, the details that matter most are not the perfectly folded napkins or whether every timeline item happened exactly on schedule. What you’ll remember are the emotions, the laughter, the people you love and the memories you created together.

Be present. Trust the process. Celebrate fully.

The rest will take care of itself.

Wedding Planners & Coordinators

A great wedding planner or day-of coordinator is one of the best investments a couple can make. Their role is to oversee the logistics, keep the day running smoothly and allow you to be fully present and enjoy your celebration.

One of the most important responsibilities of both the planner and photographer is timeline management. While planners create the overall flow of the day, photographers help determine how much time is needed to capture details, family portraits, wedding party photos, couple portraits and all the meaningful moments in between.

The best wedding days happen when your planner and photographer work together from the beginning. By collaborating on the timeline, we can ensure there is enough time for both the events you’ve planned and the photographs you’ll treasure for years to come.

A strong vendor team communicates openly, remains flexible when needed and always keeps your experience as the top priority. When your planner, photographer, videographer, DJ and venue team are working together, the entire day feels more relaxed, organized and enjoyable for everyone involved.

My goal is always to work alongside your planner and vendor team to create a seamless experience while ensuring that every important moment is beautifully documented.

Videographers

Wedding photography and wedding videography are closely connected, and when both teams work together well, the result is an incredible collection of memories that allows you to relive your wedding day for years to come.

Because photographers and videographers are often capturing the same moments from different perspectives, communication and collaboration are essential. Experienced professionals understand how to work alongside one another, coordinate positioning and ensure that both photo and video coverage are captured without disrupting the flow of the day.

Throughout the wedding, there may be moments when we coordinate who is capturing a particular angle, adjust our positions during the ceremony or work together during portraits to create both beautiful images and meaningful video footage. The goal is always the same: documenting your day in the best possible way.

During the ceremony, reception and portrait sessions, thoughtful positioning helps ensure that neither cameras nor equipment become distractions in your photographs or video. The most successful wedding teams are those who communicate well, respect one another’s craft and remain focused on providing an exceptional experience for the couple.

When photographers, videographers, planners, DJs and venue staff work together as a cohesive team, the entire day feels more relaxed, organized and enjoyable. Most importantly, it allows you to stay present and fully enjoy your wedding while we focus on preserving every meaningful moment.

As always, we hope you have enjoyed this. Questions or suggestions? Send them our way! We’d love to hear from you, send us a message HERE.

Cheers!