Everyone is asking me the same question: "Do you feel different now that you're married?"

   Usually my answer is "No, not really." Jake and I lived together for two years before getting hitched. I often think that moving in and then getting engaged were more life-changing than making it official. We had each known long before that we wanted to share our lives, so wasn't that the big turning point?

   Other days, I feel like everything is new. Our relationship is now in Technicolor. The simple act of referring to Jake as my husband has a weighty, significant feeling to it. I'm warmed by the thought every time. It feels so permanent and it feels so right, like I've made a very smart decision. Not scary at all.

   Friends have also told me that they got a case of the blues after their weddings. This didn't happen to me, but I can certainly see the danger. All that time with your closest friends and family totally focused on you, and it's easy to get spoiled.

   I am happy to report that the whole thing went off miraculously. The sun shone, the musicians were on time, the cake was mouth-watering good, and I had the time of my life. There were small things to fret over the days before, but they are all forgotten now, faded like my memory of our first dance. We had the wedding we wanted and now two brains full of the sweet recollections of a monumental day.

   Now that I've survived and tossed aside the bulging, blue folder that kept all my wedding notes and plans, I do have a few tips to share on getting through the big day with ease.

1. Steal some time for yourself the morning of the wedding. Take a bath, meditate, whatever. I went for a short run to clear my head. It helped.

2. Bring an extra pair of pantyhose. It's an obvious one, but I busted mine before I got to the ceremony. Good thing my dress covered it.

3. Realize that a lot of people have done tons to help out - either by helping organize, footing the bill, or just being there for support. Be nice. Tell them you love them.

4. Don't stress out when you realize a detail has been overlooked. It's probably too late to deal with it and chances are no one will notice anyway.

5. In the midst of the occasion, be sure to step back, breathe deep and concentrate on taking in the whole scene. It's such a whirlwind - those moments will count.

   Although I'm relieved to be done with wedding plans and think about other things for a change, the fun doesn't feel entirely over. We continue to receive gifts, sweet notes and relive the best moments with friends.

   And best of all, one of my bridesmaids got engaged the following weekend (not that catching my bouquet had anything to do with it!). Time for me to make room for the next bride, but I'm really hoping she'll take me along for the ride.