I remember the day I got engaged and the days leading after it. It was full of incredible joy, along with shock that it was actually real and happening. I couldn't stop staring at the beautiful ring on my finger and showing it off to people who asked. And of course those who didn't! It was a special time, and it's a time that will never happen again, so I love to encourage those who are newly engaged to focus on a few things:

1. Enjoy the season of life this is. It's special, whether it's 4 months or 14 months, you'll never get it back, so treasure the special time of life it offers. It will be gone in what seems like the blink of an eye!

2. Don't get too caught up in planning the wedding. Yes, it needs to happen and it looks different for everyone. My advice in regard to planning: focus on planning for a GREAT MARRIAGE. One that will stand the test of time through all the easy and hard things that happen along the way. Marriage is both equally beautiful and intentional. I love marriage, and I love my husband. But, our first year of marriage required some work, and that was on the heels of being somewhat prepared and spending time with a pre-marriage counselor. I can't imagine that first year of marriage without having spent some time preparing for marriage while we were engaged.

3. Find people you trust. I have been part of more weddings than I can count at this point, and I've seen the good, the bad and the ugly. Focus your efforts on finding great vendors and people to work with for your wedding day. Someone you can trust will be someone you can easily talk with and share your wedding vision with. And I promise, it will make all the difference for your special big day.

Congratulations to all the newly engaged couples out there!