This week, I’m happy to continue featuring Grooms for the entire month of June in honor of Father’s Day. Today, we’re sharing “Wedding Advice for the Modern Groom” courtesy of our most recent groom Dre. After month’s of planning and pinning along with his bride Lauren their wedding day turned out to be more than perfect.  Dre and Lauren’s wedding was also featured on Huff Post Weddings earlier this year!

Read along as Dre, who also happens to be my handsome little brother, shares a bit of advice for “Grooms to Be”.

What was the highlight of your wedding day?

Watching my beautiful bride walk down the aisle. It’s a moment I will remember the rest of my life. I have to admit, it was a very emotional, powerful moment. It’s enough to make a grown man’s eyes water.

What words of wisdom would you give other grooms to be?

My words of wisdom would be to choose your groomsmen wisely. Really take some time to consider who you feel will be an active, supportive member of your life 10-20 years from now. Do not choose solely based on “who you’re cool with” at the moment. Who has your best interest mind? Who is consistently there for you? Who can you count on today for support or if you need advice? It’s easy to fall victim to choosing based on who you “grew up with” or “were cool with in college”, but it’s important to take inventory based on their current standing in your life. Who stands next to you during your wedding day is meaningful. It should be considered a honor for whoever is chosen. It’s a tough decision, but do not be afraid to hurt a person’s feelings if you truly do not believe they are worthy. If they are really your friend, then they will be happy for you regardless. In addition, the costs of groomsmen gifts, rehearsal dinners for the wedding party, etc. can add up quickly. All of these points should be factored into your decision.

What gift did you give to your future wife and why?

The gift I chose to give my wife were a pair of “Beats by Dre” wireless Bluetooth headphones. Dre, is the name most of my close friends and family call me. My wife works out quite a bit and always listens to music while doing so. The headphones were a gift meant to constantly keep me, Dre, on her mind. It was a play on words so to speak. Dre Beats…get my drift? If not, she did and that’s all that matters haha.

 

 

Anything else you want to share?

Months of stressful planning and a good amount of money goes into your wedding day. The day itself is a blur with several moving parts and flashing cameras. Chances are something will go wrong. Do not allow yourself to be stressed by ANYTHING on your wedding day. Your wedding day is the one day you have an excuse to be selfish. The only thing that matters is you and your bride’s happiness.  It is truly all about you and you’re surrounded by the people who mean the most to you. That in itself is a blessing. Laugh, dance, drink (if there’s alcohol), and enjoy every moment. Hopefully, it’s the best day of your life like it was for me.

Thank you to Erika Veal Photos & Jay Cummings for second shooting and capturing such amazing photos of the entire day!

Men Suit: The Men’s Warehouse

Groom’s Cake: Who Made the Cake