We’re so excited to welcome you back to another interview with Michelle, our 2026 bride who continues to approach wedding planning with so much intention and joy. Since we last caught up with her, plenty has evolved—from fresh ideas to new perspectives—and she’s here to share how this season is unfolding now. Join us as we check in and dive deeper into her journey toward the big day.
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Walk us through your planning routine - do you plan together every week, divide and conquer, or tag-team certain tasks?
I usually spend about one to two hours a day answering emails or calls from vendors and clarifying details, especially now that we have RSVPs coming in. I always loop Jeff in for his input on certain things, such as the guest list and food selection, but the week-to-week planning has mostly been me. That said, there were a few things he really cared about and took the lead on. He selected our officiant, built our music playlist, and even organized our dance classes so we could have a choreographed first dance! Honestly, I think this is pretty normal. A lot of my friends getting married next year are in the same boat where they are handling most of the planning!
What Plannerd features have been most helpful in keeping everything organized?
The task list has been the most helpful for keeping everything under control. I love being able to break things down into smaller steps and check them off as I go, it makes the whole process feel so much less overwhelming. Once the tasks are organized, the timeline tool helps me visualize how everything fits together on the actual wedding day. I like that it has built-in milestones but still lets me add really specific details, so nothing gets missed!
Tell us about a moment when you felt the planning chaos creeping in - how did you get things back on track?
I definitely felt the planning chaos in those first four months after getting engaged. We had to book a venue almost immediately, literally a week after the proposal, because winter weddings in Florida are peak season, and our timeline was already limited by baseball. I also really didn’t want to push the wedding into late 2026 or early 2027, so it felt like a race from the start.
What really helped me get back on track was leaning into tools like Plannerd, using my project management skills from work, and carving out a couple hours every other day to focus on planning. Once I created this system, everything felt a lot more manageable.
What’s a small win you’re really proud of, something only the two of you would appreciate?
For us, it’s sticking with our dance lessons. We both love dancing, so having a first dance that feels special was really important, we didn’t want to just sway back and forth. It’s become something fun we look forward to together, and it makes us even more excited for the wedding.
What has surprised you the most about the wedding planning process?
Honestly, how many tiny decisions there are. I thought the big things like venue, catering, and photography would be the hard part, but it’s the million small details that sneak up on you, like getting your wedding dress steamed, buying frames and printing engagement photos for the welcome table, things that aren’t super obvious. I’m also surprised by how emotional the process can feel. It’s not just logistics, it’s imagining what the day will actually look and feel like, and that makes every decision feel more meaningful.
How do you keep planning fun and connected instead of stressful? Any rituals, date nights, or sanity-savers?
I try to remind myself that all this planning is for our “big day,” and I’m genuinely so excited to see everything come together, this helps keep it fun instead of stressful. When Jeff and I plan together, we turn it into a little date night. We cook a nice dinner, like steak with some yummy sides, open a good bottle of wine, and go through whatever decisions we need to make. Making it feel intentional and cozy has helped us enjoy the process more, and we’ve been trying to imagine the actual moments of the wedding as we plan. It makes everything feel lighter and a lot more fun.
What advice would you give other couples who are in the “messy middle” of planning right now?
My biggest advice is to take things one step at a time and not compare your timeline to anyone else’s. There’s always going to be another task waiting, but not everything needs to be done immediately. Break things into smaller chunks and set aside specific days or hours to focus on planning so it doesn’t spill into every part of life. Believe me, you don’t want all your conversations with your fiancé to be about the wedding! Also, don’t forget to check in with each other and celebrate the progress you have made. Even tiny wins count! The messy middle feels chaotic, but it does smooth out once you get systems in place.
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As Michelle steps into 2026, it’s clear that her thoughtful approach, joyful perspective, and genuine enthusiasm remind us why we love sharing real bride stories like hers. We can’t wait to see how her vision comes to life, and we’re so grateful she shared a glimpse of her planning experience with us. Here’s to Michelle & Jeff as they enter the home stretch of planning for the big day!