In this episode, we delve into the concept of being delusional, particularly in the context of weddings. It's easy to fall into a delusional mindset when it comes to such a significant and unique event like a wedding, given its cultural, historical, and personal importance.

We tend to imagine that on our wedding day, people will behave differently than they normally do, such as expecting a controlling mom to suddenly become calm and supportive. We are reminded not to delude ourselves into thinking that our loved ones will veer from their usual behavior just for our wedding day. It's crucial to base our expectations on reality rather than wishful thinking.

It’s important to maintain a grounded and evidence-based approach to expectations surrounding your wedding. By acknowledging and accepting the reality of ourselves, our relationships, and our circumstances, we set ourselves up for a more fulfilling and authentic experience.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

The Delusional Mindset

Planning for Reality

Setting Informed Expectations

Featured on the show:

Follow me on Instagram to learn more about navigating your wedding with grace and ease: https://www.instagram.com/karaghassabeh/

Check out **The Bridal Prep Academy:** https://karamaureen.com

Let’s connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaraMaureenBridalCoaching

Get your copy of the book, **Whispers to a Bride:**

https://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Bride-handle-stress-drama/dp/B0BCRXBQFN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UXWJVJOF3MNI&keywords=whispers+to+a+bride&qid=1662643892&sprefix=whispers+to+a+bride%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-1

I have been receiving inquiries from brides who are feeling overwhelmed and anxious just days before their wedding, expressing various feelings of disappointment, anxiety, and sadness about different aspects of their big day.

One of the reasons people may be hesitant to acknowledge their fears and stress as they approach important milestones is the fear that everything will fall apart if they admit to it. There is a worry that opening up will bring up too many unresolved issues that cannot be addressed before reaching their goal.

In this episode, I discuss the idea of spreading the burden by sharing thoughts with a trusted friend or engaging in journaling. Unloading everything can bring peace and clarity in a situation that may otherwise feel isolating, especially for brides. Releasing these emotions is healing and helps to regain peace and confidence.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

The power of venting and journaling

Healing through sharing

Holding both joy and sorrow

The importance of letting it out

Featured on the show:

Follow me on Instagram to learn more about navigating your wedding with grace and ease: https://www.instagram.com/karaghassabeh/

Check out **The Bridal Prep Academy:** https://karamaureen.com

Let’s connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaraMaureenBridalCoaching

Get your copy of the book, **Whispers to a Bride:**

https://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Bride-handle-stress-drama/dp/B0BCRXBQFN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UXWJVJOF3MNI&keywords=whispers+to+a+bride&qid=1662643892&sprefix=whispers+to+a+bride%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-1

In this episode, we are celebrating 150 episodes of Whispers to a Bride!! As I’m reflecting on the dedication and commitment required to consistently create content, I encourage you to celebrate your own achievements and hard work.

To celebrate this milestone, I am sharing a poem that holds special meaning for me and encapsulates the essence of supporting brides during moments of transition and growth.

The poem, "The Guest House" by Rumi is a reminder to welcome in all emotions and experiences, even the challenging ones, and to embrace every aspect of your journey.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

The importance of celebrating your own milestones

Embracing the power of poetry

How a poem can help you convey your feelings

Featured on the show:

Follow me on Instagram to learn more about navigating your wedding with grace and ease: https://www.instagram.com/karaghassabeh/

Check out **The Bridal Prep Academy:** https://karamaureen.com

Let’s connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaraMaureenBridalCoaching

Get your copy of the book, **Whispers to a Bride:**

https://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Bride-handle-stress-drama/dp/B0BCRXBQFN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UXWJVJOF3MNI&keywords=whispers+to+a+bride&qid=1662643892&sprefix=whispers+to+a+bride%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-1

In this episode, we dive into the concept of cold feet, particularly focusing on how it's portrayed in media and the gender differences in experiencing pre-wedding anxiety.

We discussed the normalcy of experiencing cold feet before marriage and the role of anxiety in helping individuals make significant life choices.

I highlight the importance of acknowledging anxiety, engaging with it openly, and seeking support from a therapist, coach, or trusted individual.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

Processing anxiety and doubts

Normalizing pre-wedding anxiety

The importance of communication in relationships

Featured on the show:

Follow me on Instagram to learn more about navigating your wedding with grace and ease: https://www.instagram.com/karaghassabeh/

Check out **The Bridal Prep Academy:** https://karamaureen.com

Let’s connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaraMaureenBridalCoaching

Get your copy of the book, **Whispers to a Bride:**

https://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Bride-handle-stress-drama/dp/B0BCRXBQFN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UXWJVJOF3MNI&keywords=whispers+to+a+bride&qid=1662643892&sprefix=whispers+to+a+bride%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-1

In this episode, we explore the concept of what "should be" and how it can lead to unnecessary suffering and unrealistic expectations.

The idea of how things should look, feel, and be can create a sense of pressure and dissatisfaction, whether it's about how people should act, how much should be spent, or how one should feel during this time.

My goal is to help you stop fighting with reality and embrace the uniqueness of one's journey to the altar, allowing oneself to be fully present and engaged in the moment without being weighed down by unrealistic shoulds.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

Featured on the show:

Follow me on Instagram to learn more about navigating your wedding with grace and ease: https://www.instagram.com/karaghassabeh/

Check out **The Bridal Prep Academy:** https://karamaureen.com

Let’s connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaraMaureenBridalCoaching

Get your copy of the book, **Whispers to a Bride:**

https://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Bride-handle-stress-drama/dp/B0BCRXBQFN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UXWJVJOF3MNI&keywords=whispers+to+a+bride&qid=1662643892&sprefix=whispers+to+a+bride%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-1

In this episode, I delve into a fascinating insight gained from a recent bridal session. The bride I worked with was exceptional, planning a grand, elaborate European wedding filled with intricate details and a desire to leave guests completely awestruck.

She invested immense time, effort, and personal identity into bringing her dream wedding to life. However, as the big day approached, she grappled with the realization that guests might not view the event with the same significance and intensity as she did, leading to feelings of self-doubt and concern about the overall impact of the wedding.

We discuss the transformative power of embracing one's creations, relishing in the beauty of the moment, and radiating delight from within.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

Embracing personal doubt

Generating delight

Relishing in the beauty of the moment

Featured on the show:

Follow me on Instagram to learn more about navigating your wedding with grace and ease: https://www.instagram.com/karaghassabeh/

Check out **The Bridal Prep Academy:** https://karamaureen.com

Let’s connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaraMaureenBridalCoaching

Get your copy of the book, **Whispers to a Bride:**

https://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Bride-handle-stress-drama/dp/B0BCRXBQFN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UXWJVJOF3MNI&keywords=whispers+to+a+bride&qid=1662643892&sprefix=whispers+to+a+bride%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-1

In today's episode I’m sharing a conversation I had about a bride's experience with a bridesmaid dress issue. The bride, planning a beautiful wedding with a relatively large bridal party, requested her bridesmaids to wear floor-length dresses in varying shades of green. Most bridesmaids were accommodating, but one bridesmaid consistently sent dress options that did not meet the requirements.

This dilemma highlights the underlying tensions and misunderstandings that can arise during wedding preparations, where seemingly trivial details can become magnified sources of stress.

It serves as a reminder of the emotional intensity and unpredictability that can characterize such milestones, shedding light on the need for open communication, understanding, and compromise within relationships.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

How to handle issues with your bridesmaids

Balancing Relationships and Requests

Unpredictable Bridal Party Dynamics

Featured on the show:

Follow me on Instagram to learn more about navigating your wedding with grace and ease: https://www.instagram.com/karaghassabeh/

Check out The Bridal Prep Academy: https://karamaureen.com

Let’s connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaraMaureenBridalCoaching

Get your copy of the book, Whispers to a Bride:

https://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Bride-handle-stress-drama/dp/B0BCRXBQFN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UXWJVJOF3MNI&keywords=whispers+to+a+bride&qid=1662643892&sprefix=whispers+to+a+bride%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-1

Today we are exploring the concept of softening into the idea that it's okay if others misunderstand or misinterpret decisions made during wedding planning and to release the need to constantly clarify or seek approval.

By embracing the mantra "let them be wrong," brides can let go of the rope in interpersonal dynamics, returning to a place of inner clarity and self-assurance.

By accepting that misunderstandings may arise and choosing to let others be wrong about you, a sense of peace and empowerment can be cultivated. It’s so important to trust oneself, prioritize personal peace, and extend love and understanding to those who may hold misconceptions.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

The concept of “let them be wrong”

Softening Into Acceptance

The importance of not seeking approval from others

Featured on the show:

Follow me on Instagram to learn more about navigating your wedding with grace and ease: https://www.instagram.com/karaghassabeh/

Check out The Bridal Prep Academy: https://karamaureen.com

Let’s connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaraMaureenBridalCoaching

Get your copy of the book, Whispers to a Bride:

https://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Bride-handle-stress-drama/dp/B0BCRXBQFN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UXWJVJOF3MNI&keywords=whispers+to+a+bride&qid=1662643892&sprefix=whispers+to+a+bride%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-1

Wendy Rivera is back for part two of our discussion on sacred shopping.

It’s not about the dress, it’s about the feeling you have when wearing the dress. Wendy goes into how she and her stylist help the bride pick the right dress so she can feel beautiful on her wedding day.

We discuss picking the right stylist, not worrying about the aesthetic of your wedding when picking your wedding dress, and not relying on someone else to tell you how you look in a dress.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

The importance of having the right stylist

Why the aesthetic of your wedding doesn’t matter when you are dress shopping

A sneak peak at the dress shopping experience at Ava Laurenne

Not ending your bridal journey after your wedding

Featured on the show:

Follow me on Instagram to learn more about navigating your wedding with grace and ease: https://www.instagram.com/karaghassabeh/

Check out The Bridal Prep Academy: https://karamaureen.com

Let’s connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaraMaureenBridalCoaching

Get your copy of the book, Whispers to a Bride:

https://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Bride-handle-stress-drama/dp/B0BCRXBQFN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UXWJVJOF3MNI&keywords=whispers+to+a+bride&qid=1662643892&sprefix=whispers+to+a+bride%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-1

Connect with Wendy: https://www.avalaurennebride.com/

Today on the podcast, we have a special guest. Wendy Rivera is the owner of Ava Laurenne Bride and also has a consulting business called Do You Speak Bride?

Your wedding is so much more than a numbers thing. It’s about people and love. Wendy really embodies that in her business and she tells us how she uses that approach when selling wedding dresses.

We discuss how beautifully sensitive the engagement period is, the importance of having someone to walk beside you as a bride, and choosing the right wedding dress.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

How beautifully sensitive your engagement is

Being open minded when it comes to dress shopping

Finding the right people to help you with your wedding

Trusting your gut

Featured on the show:

Follow me on Instagram to learn more about navigating your wedding with grace and ease: https://www.instagram.com/karaghassabeh/

Check out The Bridal Prep Academy: https://karamaureen.com

Let’s connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaraMaureenBridalCoaching

Get your copy of the book, Whispers to a Bride:

https://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Bride-handle-stress-drama/dp/B0BCRXBQFN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UXWJVJOF3MNI&keywords=whispers+to+a+bride&qid=1662643892&sprefix=whispers+to+a+bride%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-1

Connect with Wendy: https://doyouspeakbride.com/