January 27th, 2010
I hear a lot of whining about the weather these days. And it’s true; winter can seem to go on a long time. But actually it’s the same length as other seasons. It serves an important purpose in the cycle of growth. And if you look around there is promise everywhere. And promise is what weddings are all about. And you don’t want to be so busy whining about the weather that you miss the fact that the light is changing dramatically in wonderful and hopeful ways!
So this is a perfect time to get married! (says the woman married on February 2!)
And what better way to celebrate that coming into being than decorating your table with small pots of flowers in differing stages of blooming. Pastel blooms peaking out of green leaves signify the promise to come. An occasional paperwhite burst into full scent foretells what’s to come. Is this sounding like marriage yet?
Tip: Bulbs are a beautiful (and dare I say it, cost effective) way of celebrating your wedding in this season of promise!
Now, doesn't this image say blooming marriage?
January 20th, 2010
The last week before your wedding is best used for something other than chores.
Yes, actually, you can finish up early. You don’t need to be shopping for (fill-in-the-blanks) on Wednesday when you’re getting married on Saturday. Seems to be a little known secret that they sell stockings on weeks other than the one you’re getting married, and if you were planning on wearing hose, they won’t disintegrate if you get them early.
All this running around adds stress. And stress makes for distance between you and your sweetiebeloved. And you are getting married. Distance between you and your sweetiebeloved is not a helpful ingredient for your wedding day.
Tip: It’s important that you sleep right, eat right, and hang out with the wonderful friends who are arriving from around the globe to wish you well. If you’re absolutely hell-bent on your week of stress, go ahead and plan it a month before your wedding. Then you can use this time to hang out with your soon-to-be spouse.
January 18th, 2010
As you get closer to your wedding date it sometimes seems that you drop into a state of wedding zombie-ness…
In the run up to the day, as you’re taking care of those last minute somethings, in stores where other brides and grooms are shopping, it’s easy to look across the aisle at something that isn’t on your list and think wow… wouldn’t that be a nice addition to what we’ve got going on.
Resist!
- It’s not in your budget. And those last minute adds are the budget breakers, even $30 at a time!
- It’s not in your plan. You very carefully considered what was going to make your wedding wonderful. You’ve got the elements. No need to gild the lily!
- It’s just stuff. Stuff you’re going to have to take home. Stuff you’re going to have to dispose of or recycle. Stuff isn’t going to make your wedding sing, the love you share with your community: your love for one another and your love for them is what’s going to make your wedding remarkable.
Antidote: Call a partner and make a date for romance. Go out, share a drink and stare into one another’s eyes. Go home and practice your kiss and see where that leads. Either or both of these are a lot more fun than stress shopping. (And cheaper!)
January 13th, 2010
When looking to design a ceremony that has meaning and perhaps a bit of wisdom, why not include your own life?
Did the two of you meet at Starbucks through on-line dating? Share a cuppa coffee at your ceremony?
Do you ride bikes together as part of your exercise program? Then come down the aisle on a pedicab — probably the one with the big poofy white dress should ride, but it’ll get a giggle if you go the other way. (I’d practice first, however!)
Don’t over emphasize it, just make it a moment, but acknowledging your life is a good way to help people understand why you’re compatible!
Tip: remember! you want to have a good time at your wedding even as you’re taking it very seriously.
January 4th, 2010
Well, Happy New Year, my friends! I seem to have taken a short hiatus (unannounced even to myself). I had a wonderful holiday, full of singing and fmialy and friends and food. Sweetpea and I even did some recording which was so much fun!
But it’s January, and time for putting into motion all the plans and dreams from before the holiday madness intervened. So, look here for more helpful hints and thoughts about your relationship, your wedding and your marriage. You’ll want to check in occasionally on the writing I do for Examiner.com and Over at Ezine articles (check out the right-hand side of the page.) and this week, no really, I promise!, you’ll get a glimpse of my new monthly newsletter (called, what else? The Wedding Priestess!) with all sorts of reflections about gettin’ hitched from me and from some of my most beloved wedding colleagues!
It’s going to be a great year. After all, you’re getting married! Or you’re woroking on a really wonderful relationship! Let’s celebrate together!
Believing in you and in your love,
Ann
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