Staying “present” is the BEST present you can give yourself
Getting married is likely one of the biggest decisions you’re going to make in your life. It is such a special time inyour life together as a couple, but if not kept in check, can lead to an “expectation” hangover.
Having been a guest, photographer’s assistant, bridesmaid, and bride, I’ve experienced the entire range of emotional expectations.
Working previously as a coordinator and now as a consultant for Baja Weddings, I understand the stages of expectation and thought it fitting to discuss. Not to bring the happy mood down, but to ackowledge the entire gammet of feelings you are feeling and let you know, once the champagne is flat and the flowers are wilted, we’re still here!
The Big Day for many of us involves an enormous amount of time, planning, money, support, participation, and gaga attention from family and friends. Typically the bride has her mother, sisters, cousins, friends, grandmas a whole hen house of women doting on her from the initial announcement of her engagement. Even if she is not planning a large affair, there is still a great amount of awe created by a newly engaged couple. Even strangers may overhear the word engaged and start asking questions, How did he do it? and When’s the Big Day? The amount of attention received during the months leading up to the nuptials rivals the amount received during a pregnancy.
Weddings come with big expectations. It is natural and understood by those of us in the wedding business. We cater to those expectations, as do the people close to the couple. A bride and groom deserve the wedding they have always dreamed, saying I Do on a sandy beach in the sun. But no matter the how, the why is what is important. This is where many couples come up short after the Wedding Day. It’s not that they don’t understand or recognize the why: spending a life together, sharing everything, constant companionship and support. They simply lose sight of the why in the midst of all the wedding hoopla.
So, to that we say, Stay Present! Remember the 4 Rs…Relex, Remember, Rehearse, Reminisce. http://www.bajawedding.com/why_us_h_4.html Don’t let the honeymoon end too soon! The plunge back into reality may feel like a bit of a let-down but don’t let it! Don’t forget that every guest enjoyed themselves immensely, the caterer was fabulous, the sunset gorgeous and your dress – absolutely stunning!
Life after the wedding is when it really begins. Your life together as husband and wife, quiet and without all the attention may seem a bit awkward at the beginning. But the more you let go of expectations, the better your new beginning will be. Your commitment to one another and your married life together should be the only expectation that matters!
Relax, remember, rehearse and reminisce.
Have a wonder-filled wedding!
Roxann