The Engagement Edit: Q&A with Lauren of A Lo Profile

Our next Engagement Edit blogger is Lauren Morgan of A Lo Profile. Based in Dallas, Texas. This stylish bride-to-be's blog highlights all things lifestyle-related—from food and fashion to health and travel (and more!). Lauren’s outfit ideas and delicious recipes inspire us every day, and we hope you follow along during her wedding planning process!

Name: Lauren Morgan
Blog: A Lo Profile
Location: Dallas, Texas
Wedding Date: July 1, 2017

WW: Thank you for joining us, Lauren! We’re so excited to have you participate in our Engagement Edit series. What has been the most exciting thing about wedding planning thus far?

LM: Thank you so much for having me! Everything has been exciting, but I think picking our location and soon to be—the dress for me! I’ve been looking at different styles online and cannot wait to go try on dresses. Having such a love for fashion definitely makes this a big decision for me!

WW: In addition to your blog, you also work full time with special needs children. Add in wedding planning and you certainly have a full schedule! What do you do to unwind?

LM: The best method for me to unwind is to work out after I finish my day at my full-time job. Although sometimes planning that in can be stressful in of itself or I may not be in the mood, I always am so glad for the physical and mental benefits afterwards. I’ve never regretted a workout, so that mentality helps me get it done! I also love spending time with my little family—my fiancé and our rescue puppy, Maddie. Blogging started as a creative outlet for me and that still provides so much fun and stimulation for me and can be so relaxing (even though it is a lot of work, too). Reading and cooking are two others ways I love to relax. And, of course on tougher days—wine and chocolate are always there for me, too.

WW: Could you tell us about your #JustSaidYes moment to your fiancé, Charles?

LM: Charles had told me that some friends of ours were going to be in town and wanted to meet at their hotel in Dallas. When we arrived he said they were running late and asked if I wanted to walk down to an overlook on the grounds that has an amazing view of the downtown skyline. Of course, I said sure. He started seeming nervous and then said that our friends weren’t really in town and that he had brought me there to ask me to spend the rest of my life with him. He said so many sweet things, got down on one knee, presented me with the ring of my dreams, and asked me to marry him. Of course, I said, Yes! Shortly after another blogger I take pictures with sometimes popped out and said surprise! She had been hiding and taking pictures of everything. Afterwards, he surprised me with a group of our family and friends gathered to celebrate.

WW: Do you have any advice for involving your fiancé in the wedding planning process?

LM: Ask him his opinions! It is so fun and sometimes even surprising to hear what someone else thinks about all the details of planning. It’s not just my day, it is for both of us, so while I’ve definitely thought of details about a wedding longer just being a girl, when we’re in the moment and making a decision his input is so valuable. We approach decision making from different perspectives so his is so valuable to mine to make sure I don’t get caught up in an idea.

WW: Did you find any of your vendors on WeddingWire? If so, which ones?

LM: I have found so many people to reach out to. It’s been really helpful seeing reviews and average prices for florists, musicians, and event rentals. Being a blogger I am always interested in photography and always have my eye on people for different aesthetics, but I’ve never had to use florists or other vendors for any events in the past. It’s been really helpful to hear what real people have to say about their experiences using different vendors! Plus, I love that I can send the same initial response to so many and contact them directly through WeddingWire.

WW: Have any wedding planning tools on WeddingWire been especially useful to you?

LM: Absolutely! The checklist has saved me so much worry. I am a complete list maker so every time I can check something off, I feel accomplished and know I’m making good progress throughout the planning process. I love the guest list as well. We’ve used that to organize our guests and their addresses. My fiancé is a CPA so he loves anything budget-related to keep us on track. He’s in charge of that and has thought it’s been a great resource! I haven’t used the seating chart tool yet, but definitely will, as its such a great idea and so much easier than whipping out sticky notes on a poster board (Monica on Friends comes to mind here.. haha).

WW: We know you’re currently in the beginning stages of planning your wedding, but any details you can share with us about your big day?

LM: Of course! We’ll be getting married next summer in Florence, Italy. We looked at so many different options, but ultimately we love to travel and just want to celebrate with our closest friends and family. We’re using an amazing photographer, Stephanie Parsley, who we are flying over. I’m using Minted for our Save the Dates and Invitations that we’ve already been working on. I have not picked a dress yet but am going soon and cannot wait! We’ve still got a few big things to finalize and make decisions regarding such as our menu, rentals, florals, and music.. but we’re getting there!

WW: So romantic! Any advice you can share about planning a destination wedding?

LM: I would say be patient and think about where you’re wanting to go. Italy was special to us because it was the first big trip out of the country we ever took together. Florence was our favorite city when were there and we thought it would be wonderful to go back. But, remember that all cultures are different. It may take a little longer to get an e-mail reply, there may be some language barriers, and not every tradition is the same. I’d say be willing to incorporate some components of the destination you choose, also. For example, Italy is big on olive trees, so we’ll be using olive branches and greenery in our floral arrangements. Finally, don’t worry if people can’t come. You can celebrate your wedding other times than just on the day. You have to go into a destination knowing that for both reasons you can and cannot control, some people just won’t make it, and that’s okay.