By all accounts, I had a dream wedding with my husband Gus. But the planning—oh, the planning.

After the six fast months we pulled our wedding off in Mexico, I finally understood the building stress that can turn some sweet women into Bridezillas. And I learned so much about seeing things “bright side up” that I wanted to share it.

So here’s my essay in Brides magazine: “Happily Ever Before.”

—Amy Spencer