As brides, we tend to get caught up in all of the details, chair selection, seating charts, menu, every song on our playlist, the perfect shade of ribbon, how to get the out of season blooms, fonts on our invitations and the best flavor of cake. I have been there, I completely understand and frankly, that’s why we designers and planners are here to help you.

One of the biggest reasons that I started this business is to free you of those wedding planning issues and allow you to focus on the more important stuff. I know, it all seems like important stuff now, in the thick of things. Believe me, I know. I was there, I see it all the time and it is entirely normal. But I want you to step back, take a deep breath and really envision this for me. Imagine what your life looks like, with your family and soon to be Mister, in 10, 25 and 50 years. Imagine what it sounds like, smells like, feels like. Where are you? What are you doing? Now hold onto that and stay with me.

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I would wager that those moment you just imagined have nothing to do with your wedding day itself. You were probably thinking about your children, a trip you will take, memories you will make, food, family, laughter, gatherings – something to do with relationships and experiences. Right?

Those moments and dreams you just envisioned, those are not created or born out of the details and things you are stressing over in this season. Those memories are born from strong relationships. From planting good seeds now and rooting your marriage in what matters long term. That is why I believe so strongly in freeing my couples from the logistics and details. I want you to focus on your marriage planning over wedding planning. Life planning over event planning.

While I am no relationship expert or marriage counselor, I do have a few resources and tips that we have found helpful over the years. Publications like Cottage Hill and Southern Weddings are definitely favorites of mine. We also have read The 5 Love Languages and have gone through Financial Peace University. Outside of these resources, date night is still one of my favorite ways to keep our marriage fun. Making time for each other, unplugged and regularly is so important. During the planning months, set boundaries for wedding talk versus real life. Don’t let your social life, dates, time talking about your future and other important things go by the wayside.

The moral of the story being, please be sure that you are looking ahead to the amazing life and legacy you will have far beyond your wedding day. While it is certainly momentous and a celebration, it is only the beginning to the rest of your life that you build together. Plan for your life, not just one day. Leave that day to me.

What are some ways that you prepared, or are preparing, for your marriage?

xoxo, Jenn