The first day of marriage — it's more than a wedding

"Remember that your marriage is more important than your wedding."
- From Southern Weddings, Jan. 14, 2015

I've never understood the concept of a blow out wedding. Not that I condemn those who do that, but I just don't understand.

To me, a wedding should be a small occasion, with a few close family and friends.

Granted, that's just my opinion, but that's the beauty of a wedding — you can make it what you want.

And I want it small.

It's not just me, Jim is of the same opinion.

We don't want a big to-do. We want to have a good time. We want to bring together the absolutely most important people.

Not that others aren't important to us, it's not that at all. We just realize there has to be a limit. We want an intimate event and we've chosen a small locale. Together, that forces our guest down dramatically.

Isn't he handsome?
And all mine :)

It's in the works — much too late for my dear momma :) — and it's tough! We know there are many important people to us, many we love and many we appreciate. We just can't include everyone.

Not only that, but we know that weddings are emotional. People get emotional when they attend and they get emotional if they aren't invited.

That makes it really tough. You don't want to upset anyone, you don't want to diss anyone, you don't want to offend anyone.

But you have to draw a line, pick a number, cut it off — if you want to keep that intimate feeling, if you want to keep the cost down and the stress down. And that is what we want.

As I said in an earlier post, our wedding is about our love for God and our love for each other.

I love this guy...

It's about the beginning of our marriage and an official opening into our life together. The day is not the important part. The life is.

That's the part we need the most support for. There will be times when we will struggle as a couple, be it financially, emotionally, spiritually or otherwise. We've been asked by multiple people how they can help.

That's how — by continually praying for us. Pray for our marriage. Pray for our family. Pray for my parents, as they give away their baby girl. Pray for Jim's parents as they observe him enter into marriage again. Pray for his kids, as our little family unit is officially bound together and as it continues to grow and morph and change.

....oodles and oodles.

Pray for my big brother, as he performs the ceremony for his baby sister.

Pray for our dear friends and family, as they stand beside us.

And know, even though you may not be there physically, your spirit and love for us is felt and your prayers are much appreciated.

We love each and every one of you.
Thank you for being a part of our lives.