Vendors: wedding advice from jenstar yoga and dance

Our monthly blogs are back with advice from the experts! This month we’re chatting with Jen Berres, owner of Jenstar Yoga and Dance. Jen is giving us a few tips on feeling and looking your best for your wedding day, as well as how to de-stress and focus on what matters throughout the planning process.

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What would you like people to know about you? 

I own Jenstar Yoga and Dance in downtown De Pere, Wisconsin. I love to combine old traditions with new moves and my goal is for everyone to feel like they learned something (either about themselves or alignment of a certain pose) when they leave class! The studio itself is ever-evolving. We have a variety of offerings (yoga, barre, and dance) and I encourage teachers to let their own style and personality shine.  We are hands on and will help you.

Where do you find inspiration?

Three of my favorite yoga teachers are Kathryn Budig, Elena Brower and Jason Crandell. They inspire me in my yoga teaching and practice. I draw inspiration from books (anything from chakras to anatomy), music (I make a killer barre playlist), and even nature. It’s good to get outside and just breathe. But the best way for me to stay inspired is getting myself to class with other people around. I love the energy exchange.

What classes do you offer that would help brides de-stress? 

Everyone de-stresses differently, but I would recommend yoga at the top of the list. Breathing, moving, stretching, balancing - you will find some challenge but it’s all done with a mindful perspective and there is a lot of space given for you to calm your mind and just “go with the flow”. Yoga breathing techniques help de-stress your nervous system so it’s not always in fight or flight mode. Brides need this!

What classes would be best to help brides who are looking to “tone up” for the wedding day?

If people are looking to tone-up and kick up the intensity, a Barre class is the answer. The music is bumping, the choreography is moving/changing from planks, to core, to arm work.  People feel strong and accomplished after this class and the physical results show.

What is the best piece of advice you could give to couples planning their wedding?

It’s your wedding. Make choices that reflect your style and who you are as a couple. Don’t feel obligated to change your vision to appease other people. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You don’t have to do everything on your own.

What are some good ways to de-stess at home? 

This one might sound weird, but it works. Take at least 20 minutes every day to set your electronics aside, be by yourself, and be quiet.  You could take the time to do something that you love, but it’s all about the conscious choice to stop what you’re doing, ground, and recharge. Clear minds are less stressed minds. This is so much harder than it sounds, but it is worth it if you can make it a daily practice. We don’t need to be busy all the time.

Anything you would suggest in the final days before the wedding to keep brides feeling their best? 

A consistent wellness routine months in advance is so important leading up to those final days. The week of the wedding keep to your fitness schedule and maybe add one additional yoga class or workout session. Drink tons of water to stay hydrated and keep skin nourished. Remember to avoid super salty foods and alcohol (even at the rehearsal dinner) so your body isn’t retaining water. Every night make it priority to get at least 8 hours of sleep. Keep your phone on the other side of the room so you don’t feel tempted to lay in bed and scroll through Facebook. The most beautiful bride is a well-rested bride.

Every wedding has obstacles and stressful moments in the planning process… what advice do you have for focusing on what matters?

Remember the reason you are getting married is because you love this person and want to share your life with them – that’s what’s important.  No one cares what your bridesmaid dresses look like or what color scheme you chose. We get way too wrapped up in petty details sometimes. Simple is better, always.

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You can find the Jenstar Studio at 365 Main Avenue in De Pere or online at www.jenstaryoga.com