How I did it: We met in 3-year-old preschool. Then we re-united in 8th grade. When I left high school after 9th grade, we stayed in touch as friends while he finished high school and I started undergraduate college. We dated for 4 years and then got married after we got our Bachelor's degrees.

We only spent $520 on wedding rings. I used my great-grandmother's antique engagement ring and had a wedding band custom made to fit next to it. We bought an indestructible Tungsten wedding ring for him on Ebay for 20 dollars.

Lessons & tips: Be honest and upfront about your wants and needs for your relationship. Something that may seem like a "gimme" to you may be a point of contention for your partner.

Be flexible and have a sense of humor. Don't sweat the small stuff. Embrace their quirks. Laugh at yourself and your partner. Don't think you are right about everything. Don't be afraid to disagree with each other, but be civil about it. Don't be sarcastic with each other (this includes eye-rolling.)

As far as the wedding goes, don't spend more than you can afford. No one notices the little things that can add up quickly, like extra flower arrangements, embroidered napkins, and chair covers. Don't feel pressured to invite people or do things that will make you uncomfortable. Remember that accidents happen and, no, they're not the end of the world. Donate your left over reception food to a food bank or homeless shelter. Remember to look around and savor the day. Have your wedding at a site that is all inclusive so you don't have to coordinate several vendors. I had one meeting with the cake baker, and the site took care of all the rest.

Resources: Friends, family, and numerous marriage and family classes and textbooks.

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Aug 18, 2009, 12:12PM PDT | 4 comments | 4 cheers