Now that your big day is over, happy ever after can begin...that is, after you write your thank-you notes, merge your money, and maybe even change your name. Exhausted already? Well there's still registry returns, changing your (income tax) filing status to married, and choosing wedding photos to do.

If you caught the October 6 episode of The Hills, you were introduced to Kansas City band Vedera and got to hear them perform “A World Apart� and “Satisfy� from their newly released album, Stages. Like any other close-knit band, the bandmates of Vedera regard one another as family...sometimes literally. Lead singer Kristen May and lead guitarist Brian Little are actually married! We spoke with Kristen, who told us all about the band, plus the guidelines she and Brian live by to keep their marriage intact while living life on the road (and as bandmates!).

The Couple: Kristen May and Brian Little

Met: In high school -- Brian was friends with her old brother, but they ran in different crowds. Only upon her return from Nashville, when Kristen wanted to start a band, did her brother reintroduce them. Once Kristen and Brian started making music together, they never looked back.

Married: 3 years, dated for 6 months

Digs: A quaint, two-level home in Kansas City

Kids: Not yet

Pets: Looking for a band dog to take on the bus!

The Nest: Vedera recently performed “A World Apart� and “Satisfy� from your newly released album, Stages, on The Hills – what was that experience like?

Kristen May: Surreal! We just did our show normally and got to invite all of our friends and family along to watch. Audrina and gang were super-nice and MTV even bought us 30 pizzas after the show! We are so thankful for that exposure.

TN: What was the inspiration for Stages?

KM: It took two years to write the album and it’s really about the stages of both a band and a relationship. After the initial attraction phase of a relationship, real love comes into play and that involves compromise and understanding of who that person really is (even accepting their faults!). I also pull from experiences close to my loved ones -- for example, a time when you’re betrayed by love and how to say, “I forgive you.�

TN: Which band would you compare yourselves to most in terms of lyrics and tone?

KM: We compare ourselves to The Cranberries and The Sundays. We also love the way that Coldplay and U2 have open lyrics where “love� can apply to any relationship -- your lover, mother, or even dog! We aim for open-ended lyrics in our music so that the listener can personalize the song and the words can take on a healing power.

TN: What’s it like to be married to Brian, your band’s lead guitarist?

KM: Well, we’ve been together since the beginning of the band, so it’s natural in one way, but can also get intense since you’re working with your spouse. At first we would walk on eggshells so we wouldn’t take things too personally, like, “Hey, I’m not sure about that chorus,� or “Wanna change this?� but it’s really all about communication. Our whole band is a family in that way -- we all need to communicate!

TN: What’s the most frustrating thing about being on the road so much?

KM: Well, as the only female in the band, I like to keep things equal and drive as much as the others, but driving gets old -- sometimes you just want to chill on the bus. Also, you’re in such close quarters all the time, which can get hard, and I find that I’m always losing my jewelry bopping around from place to place. That’s probably my fault though -- I should be more careful. I’ve never been too attached to my things.

TN: How often do you get to go home?

KM: We try to stay out a month at a time, but can be on the road for a stretch of four to five months too. Our ideal scenario would be three weeks on the road and one week a home, but we do make it home for all the fun reasons to be there, like the holidays.

TN: Describe your nest -- does it reflect your artistic style?

KM: Definitely. We decorate our place to relax and be together as a couple, but also to create music. The decor is a mixture of ’70s and ’80s, and Brian and I like to buy tapestries to hang on the walls. We love to thrift hunt and also shop at Anthropologie a lot.

TN: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give newlyweds of TheNest.com?

KM: Be patient with each other, communicate, and always remember why you got married: for love. It always comes back to love.

To receive a free download of “Satisfy,� sign up here!

Who wouldn’t love it when your better half does something nice out of the blue? Maybe it’s as simple as brewing your morning coffee or maybe it’s turning off the Sunday-night football game to help you decorate the house for Halloween (I know…a stretch!). Nesties are sharing the last nice thing their DH did for them on our boards, ranging from pitching in with the grocery shopping to treating their sweetheart to a back massage. Weigh in on the conversation and brag about your man’s most recent act of devotion.

You know when your spouse does that thing that just irks the crap out of you? Tiffanie Wong feels your pain. In March, she married Mark Joyella -- the man of her dreams -- and realized one very important thing: He's annoying. His nickname for her (baby muskrat), character impersonations (his favorite: Zoolander), and poor gift-shopping skills (he gave Tiffanie a calculator for her birthday) were enough to make her start venting via blog. The result: MyHusbandIsAnnoying.com. Trust me -- it'll make you feel better.

Tiffanie's site is getting loads of attention lately. Apparently, everyone is annoyed at their husbands. His hair in the sink. His habit of leaving milk cartons in the fridge that have approximately two drops left. His insistence on singing U2 ballads in the shower (what...is that just me?).

So what's your spouse's most annoying quirk?

Keep your relationship on the right track by avoiding these common pitfalls.

Mistake #1: Not Dealing with Debt

Newsflash: Money is the #1 thing couples fight about. Fess up about your personal debt -- because for better or worse -- and then set up a financial game plan with our budgeter.

Mistake #2: Alienating Your Friends

Friends are key for a successful marriage, so tag along on those girl's nights out. Just because you're not guy-hunting doesn't mean you can't be a supportive wingwoman.

Mistake #3: Not Having Enough Sex

Over 60 percent of newlyweds we surveyed were already in a sex rut! Yeah you're busy, but that's not a good enough excuse not to get busy. Initiate sex, even if you don't feel like it or have to schedule it. If you get in the habit of having it, you'll start wanting it (and liking it) more.

Mistake #4: Letting Yourself Go

So you put on the "newlywed nine."  Big whup...you've already found your mate, right? Wrong! Make a plan to get fit together or at least respect each other's goals.

Mistake #5: Out-lawing the In-laws

Fifty percent of couples we surveyed have a problematic relationship with their in-laws (ya think?). Manage expectations, like saying you'll call on Sundays so his mom doesn't guilt-trip you for ignoring her weekday messages. Even if your spouse is bitching about his family, resist the urge to chime in. It'll bite you in the butt later.

Mistake #6: Crazy Fighting 

Getting hitched isn't a free pass to hit below the belt (sorry!). When you're getting really heated, walk away to cool down for a few minutes. 

Mistake #7: Becoming Baby-Obsessed 

It's easy to fixate on that next big step, but chill out -- the average couple has a kid within three years of marriage. So really, why rush? Savor the moments (and vacations you can take!) now...when you won't have to be waking up for a brutal 4 a.m. feeding.