Real-Time Wedding

What makes a “real wedding” you may ask. It was a perfect fall day with gorgeous weather, family, and friends all coming together to celebrate Shane and Jessica’s love story and commitment to one another. The wedding included an intimate gathering at a private estate in Penn Valley, California. The day and time had arrived; all the months of planning were complete.

But it is in the first look that every couple has when all the anxiety is lifted and there is peace in the world.  You realize that your love is the reason for all the planning.  Today starts your daring new adventure together. A calmness fills the air and the wedding begins with peace in your hearts, joy on your faces and love from family and friends. 

The advice I always give my couples is this…”On the day of your wedding, all the plans and details are over. So, relax, let things go and most importantly just enjoy each other because, in the end, all you truly have is the sweet embrace of one another as you embark on this beautiful life and future together. Stop and take time to reflect on the moments and details of your day – you’ll remember them forever.”

In looking back on my own wedding day, a friend offered to make my wedding cake for the 400 guests as a wedding gift. I gave her detailed images of the cake I wanted and when I arrived at the reception – it was not what I had expected and at that moment, I was sad. As instantly as I held that emotion, I remembered those words of wedding day advice. I instantly realized the time, energy and love my friend dedicated to giving me such a generous gift. I looked back at our cake; it became the most beautiful cake in the world. The love that was poured into it couldn’t be bought or replaced and I was blessed. 

Weddings are all about perspective and in a recent poll with my Facebook tribe - I was amazed by the answers from the men in the group.  My favorite recommendation regarding the wedding day comes Eric Goetze when he shared, "Most people put a hundred times more time, energy and thought into planning their wedding day than they do into planning their marriage. The wedding is just one day - you've got 50+ years of marriage ahead of you. Plan for that!"  Words of wisdom from a very wise man and I completely agree.  This coming year, we're coming up on our 22nd anniversary and we have put a lot of love commitment and hard work towards making our life pretty wonderful.  My husband is amazing.  I can say that when I experienced Jess and Shane's wedding - I see this kind of future for them.  

Reflecting back on the perfect wedding day, Shane and Jessica beamed with contentment. It wasn’t about the food, the decorations or even the music that made their wedding perfect. It was their love and commitment to one another. According to Shane, “Our wedding day was a picture perfect day. It was magical and obviously the best day of my life.” That is what makes a “real wedding”.