For all of you local girls who think it’s hard to find a good man in Nashville, Sarah Morse’s story will inspire you.

Some men spend months planning the perfect proposal. Others take a deep breath and dive right in. Toby Cooper did both. On July 4, 2007, the 30-year-old from Southampton, England, proposed to the love of his life in a sun-dappled coral cove 20 feet below the waves, just off the Florida Keys. Krista Thornton nodded an emphatic “yes” before removing her scuba diving regulator to kiss her husband-to-be.

OK, be honest. Were you truly happy for Carrie Bradshaw when she finally donned her suit and said, “I do?” Or were you more than just a little disappointed that our favorite single-on-the-prowl was now committed, tied-down, unavailable ... however you say it ... coupled?! (Yes, it’s rhetorical.) Regardless of your answer, if you are wearing a rock on your hand, you too are about to embark on the interesting, often humorous, sometimes difficult journey from being single to married. An exciting ride? Sure! A hard one? Without a doubt.

Well, hello, bride to be. Chances are that the very second that you’re perusing this page, your mind is racing with endless to-do’s and a cacophony of opinions on everything from flowers and cake to the getaway car.
    Well, sweet thing, chill for just a minute. Close your eyes and picture this: Front row of the church … a perfect trinity of Mother of the Bride (MOB), Mother of the Groom (MOG) and dear ol’ Mother Earth (ME) looking serenely, proudly and lovingly upon your brand new union blossoming before their very eyes.

OK, OK. Weddings are not competitions. And they certainly do not have any real impact on the ultimate success of your marriage. But, if you’re a modern bride-to-be, chances are you may be feeling the pressure to out-do Carrie Bradshaw and Princess Diana. Brides today are inundated with advice to stay a step ahead of the trends on their journeys to the altar, even at the expense of becoming exhausted, confused and downright frustrated with the entire affair!

Funny thing about being the bride-to-be ... it seems like the whole world revolves around you and your pending trip down the aisle. Yet, the socially conscious, consumer-savvy, politically engaged, globally aware woman you are maintains that the rest of the world still has "issues" requiring attention regardless of whether or not you say "I do." These people — family and friends — are spending so much energy on your big day, and they're taking their cues from you; use this for a greater good.

Engagement ring? Check.

Wedding to-do list? Check.

Taffeta color swatches for the girls? Check.

Need a nap? You know it!