I've been thinking...

Okay guys, I don’t really know where I’m going with this, but I run this blog and I should be able to talk about anything I want (I woke up a lil sassy today, can you tell?) I’m not sure if it’s because i’m getting older or what, but i’ve been thinking about life a lot lately. What’s important, what it means to be alive, what’s my purpose...that sorta stuff.

 Anyway, I was sitting at home doing my usual research routine when I became quite annoyed. While reading a very popular wedding magazine, I was bombarded with all these advertisements, absurd rules and etiquette tips - it was just way too much! A complete circus! But then again, maybe I should have known better. The magazine was about 500+ pages long! What is all this?! This isn’t fun at all! I read articles and watch A LOT of shows about weddings and I always hear couples say “We’re so glad it’s over.” That really makes me sad. So sad that I didn't bother to do anything wedding related for almost two weeks. 

 Yes, I know wedding planning involves a lot of work, but I wish that we didn’t get so caught up in the idea that things have to be done a certain way or that everything has to be perfect. Life isn’t perfect- in fact, its quite messy. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Seriously. I was stressing out whether or not it would rain on our big day (wedding hint: It's going to be outdoors!) and I was like, “Who cares? If it rains, so be it. This is our journey.” The most important thing to me on my wedding day is the exchange of vows. I plan on writing mine. I hope my fiancé is on board with this idea too. It will be the only time I get to be mushy without him gagging or laughing in my face. I’m really looking forward to it. 

For a long time, I wasn't sure if we were ever going to get married. This kind of bothered me, but I think it was mostly due to the fact that I was getting older and felt pressured by time. Two years ago I told myself if it never happened, then I would be okay with it. Why? Because I loved him and he was the only one I wanted to be with. Well, he proposed and it was awesome. I'm loving this new phase and I kinda don't want it to end. It wasn't the ring, or the fact that he took me to Machu Picchu (a total bonus!), it was his words. It wasn't in a letter or a card; it was him, telling me in his own way, how much he loved me. 

So my question to you is this: what’s really important? Whatever it is, hold on to it and don't let go! It's easy to sucked up into the whirlwind of planning. A wedding is just a stepping stone into something bigger than ourselves. Remember that! 

A Tiny Feature: Pop! Wed Co.

Ladies and gents, the search is over. Your stress-free wedding awaits and is just an email away! Why not visit the nation’s capital, take in the sights and get hitched at the same time? Pop! Wed Co. can make it happen for ya.

Husband and wife team Maggie and Steven combine their creative energies to bring you the best that DC and its surrounding states have to offer with their AMAZING pop-up wedding services. How did I find these guys? Public radio of course! I knew I loved NPR for a reason! So, what’s a pop-up wedding? Like magic, a loving couple, celebrant and photographer appear unexpectedly in the most lively, unique spaces and put on a show!

There’s not much planning involved besides selecting a date and location - that’s really all you need to worry about when you're in good hands. Big weddings are fun, but pop-up weddings are so much more awesome! There’s just something so whimsical about it!

I had the pleasure of talking to Maggie Gaudaen from Pop! Wed Co. for this tiny feature. Enjoy!

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I love the concept of a non-traditional/off-the-beaten path type of wedding, what made you realize there was a need for your services? 

We plan weddings that are exactly how we wanted to get married — all of the fun parts of a larger wedding with none of the stress. Plus, tiny weddings are so much more affordable! We mostly do things that we find extremely fun, so our weddings end up being pretty awesome :) 

Your site is so vibrant and fun, you guys seem to have a blast every chance you get. How awesome is it being able to work together? 

It's great to be able to work together. Steven is really talented at almost everything, he does all of the behind the scenes stuff that keeps us in business, which lets me focus on the photography, our blog, and creating a rad experience for our couples.

A couple can plan for the perfect wedding, but there is a slight possibility you may be kicked out of a certain location for having a surprise nuptial. Running from security seems like such a thrill (I love it!) and makes for a great wedding day story. What do you do if this happens? 

There's always a chance when you don't book a venue that you'll be asked to leave. Spontaneity is part of the fun, and no matter what happens, pop-up weddings make for a good time and a great adventure! However, if you'd prefer for your wedding to go 100% as planned, a pop-up wedding might not be for you (and that's totally ok, they're not for everyone!).

I love your portfolio! You've had some pretty awesome ceremonies so far. What's your most memorable ceremony and why? 

We have so many amazing couples, it would be impossible to choose just one wedding! We've had a wedding where the guests made protest-style signs, but with messages of love for our couple; we've had picnic-style weddings in the park in between rain storms; we've had a pop-up wedding at a vintage shop where the people in the store all started cheering when our couple kissed — so many awesome wedding days!

Do you have any advice for our couples? 

If you get married exactly how you want to — not letting society, or anyone else's expectations get in your way — your wedding will be perfect for the two of you! Don't let it stress you out! :) 

For more information, please visit: 

www.popwed.co

www.facebook.com/popwedco

Our Top Four

Four individuals are required for our big/tiny day. If you're considering an elopement, here are a few folks you'll need in order to make your day truly awesome.

• Officiant (Who else is gonna marry you?!)
• Photographer (You need proof. Just Kidding! The person who will supply you with photos that will last a lifetime.)
• Videographer (To capture the live-action essence of your nuptials and also, to show loved ones back home. Viewing party anyone???)
• Florist (For a pop of color and simply because - why not?!)

Like I've said before, I love researching. I can spend hours online searching for anything that pops into my head. My usual vendor-finding tools are social media (primarily Instagram) and Wedding Wire. Once you've picked a date and a place, the rest is pretty easy.

At this point in time, I think we're about 75% sure of when and where we're going to do the deed (hehe). I wish I could tell you more, but it wouldn't be a surprise! I've told strangers because I couldn't contain my excitement. Who are they going to tell anyways?!

Stay tuned! Maybe i'll drop some hints along the way. ;)