From Cobra Wrangling to Wedding Planning: Lessons in Bravery from Kalli Fullerton Doubleday
Wedding Planning Takes Bravery — seriously.
They say hindsight is 20/20, and let me tell you, looking back on my fearless days as a tiger researcher and cobra wrangler in India, there's one thing I can say for sure: wedding planning isn't for the faint of heart. Sure, facing down a man-eater in the dense Indian jungle or hunting cobras in the pitch-black night had its risks, but trust me, navigating the often-treacherous terrain of wedding planning can be just as thrilling (and sometimes terrifying!).
Wedding Jitters? Been There, Done That (With Cobras!)
I've pushed through some of India's most crowded slums, squeezed into dark hovels, all to find a rogue cobra coiled up beneath a rickety bed – heart pounding, adrenaline pumping, snake bag clutched tightly in hand. Night after night, I braved the urban and wild jungles of India, on the hunt for these venomous beauties. With all their decisions and potential pitfalls, weddings don't even come close on the fear scale (although some in-law interactions might make you think otherwise!).
The First Step to Bravery: Knowing Who You're Planning For
So, how does being fearless need to showup in your wedding planning?
Here's the first piece of advice: be brave enough to decide who this wedding is actually for.
Sounds obvious, right? Believe it or not, this is often the toughest hurdle for couples. Are you meticulously planning every detail – from the floral arrangements to the music playlist – with your family's or friends' expectations in mind? Or are you making choices based on what truly sparks joy for you and your partner?
It takes real bravery to be firm in your decision because you will be challenged. But here's the secret: it's perfectly okay to choose a family-centric celebration, an intimate elopement, or a beautiful blend of both!
There's no "right" answer except to remember what the day is truly about and what it represents in God’s eyes.
Intimate Sunday Wedding, captured by Taryn Ashlee Photography
The "Why" Behind the "I Do"
Now that you know the "who," it's time to tackle the "why." Again, this requires a dose of bravery. Are you planning a big, extravagant bash to impress everyone, or are you keeping things intimate and low-key? Is this your dream wedding, or are you following a script dictated by others?
Here's the key: write down your "why"! Stick it on a giant Post-it note, frame it, tattoo it on your forehead (okay, maybe not that last one), but keep it front and center throughout the planning process. Refer back to your "why" whenever you feel overwhelmed or swayed by outside influences.
Remember, this wedding is about celebrating your love story. By staying true to your "why," you'll be well on your way to planning a day that reflects your unique journey as a couple, and that's something to truly celebrate!
Stay tuned for more brave tales from the world of wedding planning – and who knows, maybe I'll even share a few tips on how to handle those pesky "in-law moments" with the grace (and maybe a touch of cobra-wrangling finesse) you deserve!
Sweet Tuesday wedding, to fit their rodeo schedules, captured by Charlee Tabor Photography
Pricing & Days of the Week Options at SCR
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