The big day's marked on your calendar and his.
You've got a flurry of plans in the works, so many details to take care of.
Do you know which of these plans will give you the most lasting memories of your wonderful day? 20 years from now, when you look back on your wedding day, your photos and videos will be the best and most lasting reminder.
And, if you're like most people, your photos will be what you look at most - not the videos.
Photos are easier to view, and allow you to linger over a moment.
Photos are perfect for sharing and reminiscing because they capture a moment and you can relive that moment in your minds eye.
Videos simply take too much time to watch.
With this in mind, be sure to choose your wedding photographer carefully.
Here are three things to remember when choosing the person who will create the most important record of the most important day of your life.
Tip #1: Hire a pro.
If you can afford it, be sure to hire a professional photographer.
It's worth it.
While you may have a brother, cousin, sister or friend who's handy with a camera, you want someone who you can basically hire and fire, if need be.
And if you can't afford it, take a close look at your budget and cut out other items first.
For example, while table settings at the reception are important, they won't be remembered or cherished the same way you'll cherish your wedding photos.
If a pro is simply out of the question, then be sure to get a friend who really knows what they're doing.
Or ask a wide variety of people to take pictures, designating one as your main photographer.
Tip #2: Get backup.
This is where your buddies who know how to handle a digital camera come in.
Get two - one for the bride's side and one for the grooms.
Preferably, they will be familiar with the bride and groom's family.
If not, debrief them.
It's worth spending an evening at a local bar or restaurant pouring over family albums and photographs so they know what Aunt Millie or Uncle Jack or Cousin Cathy look like.
Then do not limit their creativity.
Let them get the candid shots, while the pro photographer gets the traditional pictures.
There's an excellent chance that these candid shots will become your most cherished wedding photos.
Tip #3: Check your photographers out.
Pay a visit to the pro photographer's studio to review his or her work.
Ask what style of shooting they prefer - portrait or photo journalism, or both.
Ask what kind of lenses they plan on bringing (standard, telephoto and wide angle), and how many memory cards they plan on bringing.
They should plan on taking a lot of pictures.
Make sure they use a shot list, and give them your input on the shot list.
Find out if they work in Photoshop, and come to an agreement - with specific dates - on when the proofs will be available online.
As far as your backups are concerned, just be sure you're picking the right people.
When you get together to debrief them on your families, ask them to bring along some of their photographs.
It'll be fun to look at them, and you can point out styles you like that they're comfortable shooting.
Above all else, plan on having fun on your wedding day, and don't get stressed about anything.
You'll want your photographers relaxed and creative, so they can capture the most perfect moments of the most perfect day of your life.