sorry if i sounded patronising i didn't mean it like that. All i meant was is i'v heard some horror stories from first time experiences like when my friend did her first wedding i.e... she couldn't get people to do what she wanted, .... she missed a few textbook set up shots, and to top it all none of the shots she did with film came out as the camera had jarred. So what i meant was you could be great with a camera (which i'm sure you are) but a large percent of shooting a wedding is how to arrange people, what shots to take etc....
I'm doing one later this year and my photogs ok.... but i'm makeing sure my friend can get the day off to help direct me and make sure i dont miss anything. Which is another idea for you... if you can get your friend to help out that would be a great start for you.