This is Part Three in a series. To read Parts One & Two, click here.

Last week, we covered how to avoid doing too much DIY. This week, we'll discuss a mistake that is near and dear to my heart

Mistake #3: Skimping on the Photographer

One of my favorite things to do when I visit my grandmother is look at through all of her photo albums and at all the pictures on her walls. Her home is covered in them, and they tell the story of her life. The story of my mother's life. The story of our family. Photographs are SO SO SO important to pretty much everyone I know. This is why it is of the utmost importance that you hire a competent photographer with a style you LOVE to capture the biggest day of your life to date.

These images will last forever. They will be a tangible way for you to look back on your wedding day for years to come. You will show your wedding photos to your children and your grandchildren for the rest of your life.

Why then would you trust the capturing of those photos to a rookie? Or even worse: the cell phone of your friends and family?

How To Avoid This Mistake

Please, for the love of all that is good and holy, hire an excellent wedding photographer! And even more important, make sure you love the photos you see on their website. Ask to see a full gallery so you know what to expect from every part of the day. The photos of this day are priceless. They are too important to trust to someone who doesn't know what they are doing.