"Plan tight and hang loose" with Joel and Holli Phillips of White Willow Farms

It was an absolute joy to hang out with our good friends, Joel and Holli of White Willow Farms, and talk with them about weddings!

Joel and Holli have an incredible story of faith, hope and trust that lead them to creating White Willow Farms and the joy that has followed out of that season as they get to be a part of so many "best day ever(s)"!

Here's the advice they would give to all engaged couples:

1. Ask all the questions you need to. Good pros will welcome questions and be helpful in answering and helping you figure it.
2. Once you've asked all the questions and and verify that they do good work, you now have some trust which is good.  Now trust their recommendations on what works well and what doesn't.  This reduces stress greatly.
3. Play the movie forward, and think about how you want certain things or moments to "feel" before you make decisions on what to "do". This helps shape the kind of special occasion toward what your heart is wanting, rather than what others think.
4. Get clear on the most important things for the day.  At the end of the wedding day, what are the most important events that need to happen, and who are the most important people/relationships that need to be involved besides you two?  And how are you two going to stay connected in a socially intense evening where you're the center of the attention?
5. Have the tough conversations.  Remove people and things that distract from the main thing(s), and explain why.  Do it sooner than later.  You'll be glad you did!
6. In the many months preceding, don't let all the conversations be about logistics and planning.  I recommend the man initiate this for extra points, but either may do this.  Initiate private conversations, dates, etc. where you talk about your relationship, what values you share, what dreams you have, what are your deal breakers, what are your must haves, and what are the foundational principles that you can draw on, besides "we love each other"?  

If you want to have your best day ever at White Willow, check out their website whitewillowfarms.com and book a tour to see the place in person!