So Wednesday June 29th 2016, my relationship status on Facebook changed from "In a Relationship with Eric Biggs" to "Engaged to Eric Biggs." Ring pictures were posted, 500 likes and 100 comments later, the moment was still surreal to me!

After a few days the terror set in...what do I do next, how do we make this work, money doesn't grow on trees! So I turned to all my loved ones and asked for their advice and here's what I got. Please enjoy the "13 Commandments" for a newly engaged couple. (In no particular order.)

13. Biggest thing, enjoy this moment! Don't start doing any planing far a while. Waited about five months or so before we even started thinking of dates and places to have the wedding. Also when it comes down to it, do what you want to do. Go extravagant or simple. And probably the best advice I have been given...you are the only one that knows every detail, so if some thing does go wrong. Don't stress because no one, but you, will know what it wasn't done right.
-Rachel (Hart) Ziese

12. All in all, it's one day. Don't get flooded with the fact that you have to have everything absolutely perfect. As long as you're happy, and you are getting to be with your best friend, and becoming one, that's all that matters.

-Heather (Swanson) Williams

11. Enjoy every bit of it...it FLIES by!

-Jordyn (Reed) Nuss

10. Enjoy every moment of all the bliss. It may start to seem stressful or frustrating, but take a second and take a step back and really enjoy and appreciate the process. It is so wonderful! On your wedding day just remember whatever happens happens and that's how it was supposed to be! For example: I really wanted a veil so of course I bought one for the big day. For some reason we forgot to put it in and I didn't wear it! That's just how it was supposed to be!

-Megan Slay

9. Your gonna have arguments and disagree on things, but like my parents and grandparents said never go to bed mad at each other. Forgive each other and listen to each other it makes things better. Love each other like they are not going to be there tomorrow. And always, I mean always, start every struggle or bump in the road with a pray to the good Lord. I can't tell you how many times He blessed us...a house, a new car and new jobs!

-Joey Tharp

8. Remember to take time:

Time to communicate.
Time to cherish.
Time to love.
Time to relax.
Time to enjoy.
Time to make memories.
Time to spoil.
Time to comfort.
Time to snuggle.
And time to be who you are when you're with the man you love.
All the planning and stress will only lead you to one day...focus more on the rest of your lives.

-Patti Nichols

7. We started planning like two weeks after we got engaged. We have a lot done so far and it's making it easier knowing you already have something done. Weddings are very expensive and pricey. Always remember to talk to one another. Never go to bed mad always say "I love you," even if he's just going outside for a minute.

-Kaitie (Nichols) Schreiber

6. Tell your partner they're good looking even if they look like they got hit with a jumbo jet.

-Benjamin Santos

5. Trust. Truth. Team work.
Today, tomorrow and forever.

-Kim Scott

4. Talk, talk, talk. Always keep the communication open! Laugh and cry together. Play slumber party and stay up and chat late into the night sometimes.

-Michelle Hein

3. Very tough game marriage. Enjoy riding roller coasters. Ups downs, good bad, cheers and sorrow. 23 years this year with Michelle. I would be telling a lie if I said it was all fun and laughter, but I wouldn't change a thing. I was told by my Grandma Wood many, many years ago you may "fight" or disagree with each other and that is healthy, but never never go to bed angry with each other. Work it out.

-Morgan Hein

2. Don't let everyone's opinion make your own minds up. You're in this together and will marry each other. I had said something once and my mother-in-law said, "Well honey that's between you and Doug, no one else shared your vows, eats at your table or sleeps in your bed."

-Denise Barnes

And my personal favorite...

1. Save the money, fly to Vegas.

-Erin Dunning

Thank you to all who have wished Eric and I the best! We are very excited for our new journey!