Today marks week four of my plan to share a chapter each week from my bridal book, Sixteen Steps to “I Do”: A Wedding Planning Roadmap for Joy, Ease, and Savings.

I wrote this book to help brides navigate the practical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of wedding planning. Inside are the lessons, tools, and encouragement I wish I'd had during my engagement season, along with everything I learned along the way.

Whether you’re a bride, a friend, a mother of the bride, or simply enjoy following along with the projects and lessons God places on my heart, I hope this chapter offers encouragement and practical value to you or someone you love.

Today, I’m sharing Chapter One from the book:

Dream Freely

Because everything beautiful begins with a simple idea.

Enjoy 🤍

“Then God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light."

—Genesis 1:3

This is where it all begins.

Before the plans, timelines, and logistics, there is the dream.

Maybe you’ve been imagining this day for years, or maybe you’re just beginning. Either way, give yourself permission to dream freely and without pressure. Picture your ideal wedding with no constraints. Set aside the budget, the guest list, and everyone's expectations for just a moment.

What you think you want and what you actually want might surprise you!

Start gathering ideas that speak to your heart:

• Browse Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding blogs

• Flip through magazines or watch a few beautiful wedding videos on YouTube

• Save the bouquets, dresses, venues, and little details that light you up

If you’re still choosing a venue, imagine the setting that feels most natural and true to your story. One of my favourite parts of wedding planning was having the excuse to explore beautiful venues and new places simply for the joy of gathering inspiration.

Remember: this stage isn’t about making decisions; it’s about discovering what you truly love. Let it be fun, unfiltered, and filled with wonder.

Let Your Imagination Wander On...

The season you’d love to get married in

A colour palette that makes your heart happy

The overall style or aesthetic (classic, romantic, modern, rustic, coastal, garden, elegant)

The ceremony setting (church, garden, vineyard, beach, family property, mountaintop)

Your dream venue or destination

The size of your wedding (intimate, medium, or a large celebration)

The people you most want next to you

Traditions you’d love to include or leave behind

The feeling you hope to have when you look back on the day years from now

Don't worry if your ideas change. In fact, they probably will.

This exercise isn't about creating a final plan. It's simply about uncovering what matters most to you. As you continue through this book, these early dreams will become the foundation for thoughtful decisions that reflect your values, your relationship, and the life you're preparing to build together.

Before there was creation, there was imagination in the heart of God. There is something beautiful about using the gift of creativity to envision a celebration that reflects the story He is writing for your life.

We’ll refine those plans in the chapters to come. But for now...

Simply dream.

Xo,

Natalie

Did you find this chapter helpful?

Before the book officially launches, I’d love to share a collection of complimentary resources from the book, including:

• A 12-Month Wedding Planning Timeline

• Final Steps to “I Do” Checklist

• Wedding Day and Marriage prayer

Access the Free Resources