Cheers to the Best Day Ever

So married life is pretty great.  Not too many surprises after 7 years together- but it's like we've fallen in love all over again.  It's cloud nine.  In fact, it's probably better than the first time we fell in love. Call it the honeymoon phase, but I hope each new chapter in our lives brings this much happiness and joy.  

We got a preview of our photos and I can't stop looking at them with a giant smile on my face.  Like giddy to have them and relive the most amazing day of my life. ** Update: We finally got the original files to print, post, and plaster all over the house!**

I have been wanting to write a post to capture the day, but I'm not sure I can put it into words.  Words just won't do it justice.  Just like my words won't do most of the vendors we worked with justice- we are so appreciative to them all.  We couldn't have gotten luckier in being able to work with some of the best in Northern Michigan. But here it goes- before it becomes any less clear in my mind...

It was a day of magic and rain.  I woke excited and calm and ready.  There were a few hiccups, but it wouldn't have been OUR perfect day without them.  It rained and the wind was blowing snot.  The plan was to go to the Grand Traverse lighthouse for our first look before the ceremony.  I'll be honest, a quick thought crossed my mind and I almost decided not to do it.  But I said screw it, and off we went in the wind and rain.  We drove in separate cars and the rain subsided just as we arrived.  The wind did not however.  Luke was already waiting for me- I was standing on the side of the lighthouse sheltered from the wind, and I can say I almost didn't want to leave the safety of the large building blocking the wind, but I did and I nearly blew away.  But the look on his face- pure happiness, was all worth it.  We were wet and windblown by the time we left but I'm so glad we didn't pass up the amazing opportunity.  

We arrived early to the church, and from the first day we met our Pastor he told us that the wedding begins when the bride is ready (no matter what time it's really supposed to start).  Well guests hadn't even arrived yet and I was ready.  So excited to meet my groom at the altar and vow to forever.

I thought I would cry a lot more on this momentous day- I certainly cried a lot leading up to it.  All happy tears of course, and tears of joyful anticipation.  A few frustrated tears- but not as many as some experience I'm sure ;)

As I walked down the aisle, in a hurry- my dad had to remind me to slow down (according to the pictures, I should have reminded him to smile), I started to choke up- like really big tears, amazed by all the people there to be witness to our love and commitment.  All people who have loved us before we even knew each other.  I took a very deep breath (choked back the ugly crying) about half way down the aisle, and that was it.  All smiles from there on out.  Pure happiness and love.  The real thing.

Actually, that's a lie.  I cried like a baby when Luke danced with his mother- it was such a sweet moment.

There were two times I made the conscious decision to stop and take it all in.  To look at everyone who had come to be with us on our best day ever.  As I arrived at the altar with my groom, I turned out and took everyone in.  And as I sat at our sweetheart table at the reception, I felt an intense amount of happiness and calmness.  So peaceful and loved.  Everyone at their tables having a great time, it couldn't have been better.

We took several moments to just be together through out the big event, fortunate to have our amazing photographer capture them!

In all honesty- the day after was so hard; I think all of the emotions finally caught up to me.  I cried all day at the drop of a hat because I was so sad it was over, but totally, blissfully happy at the same time!  My grandma always told me, "don't be sad it's over, be glad it happened".  The day after was a serious letdown, but fortunately the sadness was mostly gone the following day.  Post-wedding blues is a REAL thing...

We didn't go on a honeymoon right away- it's all planned for February 2017, when it's stupid cold out.  But spending time together in our home, as husband and wife has been so wonderful. 

Together forever. For life.

Photography by Meg Paxton of Paxton Photography (We HIGHLY recommend her!)

Positive Dreams and Wedding Things

I'm totally a poet 👆🏽

So I felt like I needed to write this because I was so excited to have been given this sign, and maybe it will help someone else.

I received confirmation in the form of a dream last night that thinking positive thoughts and not making up stress really works.  I had a dream about our wedding ceremony- which is only two weeks away!

It was the most beautiful dream.  So much emotion and love- neither of us could get through our vows without tears.  Afterwards, everyone couldn't stop talking about the most amazing feeling and how great it was to be witness to so much love.

I can only hope our wedding day is like that! (I'm pretty sure it will be 😊)

You're probably thinking- wow, for real?  I'm so stressed out about my wedding, or man, I was stressed out two weeks before my wedding.  Is she just saying that, or is she really this zen about it?

Don't get me wrong- I've had my moments.  But guess what I've figured out- Wedding stress is a stereotype.  People/women think they have to be stressed out when they are planning/approaching their wedding.  There are so many of those memes and e-card things pointing out how stressful a wedding is, and yes they're funny, but I think they secretly get lost in our heads and end up become a reality. So many people have asked how I'm doing with everything and how the planning is going.  Guys, it's great.  Like really- I'm prepared, everything is pretty much ready and I've got a relaxing week up north on the boat ahead of me before the big day.

Here's the trick- No one or thing can make you stressed out.  You get to choose.  And this goes with anything in life- not just weddings.  Often times we/I create stress in my head for things that haven't even happened.  Isn't that what planning a wedding day is mostly about?  Creating and preparing for this perfect day/image and being damned if it doesn't go that way and worrying about it along the way?

Nope! This is supposed to be the best frikken day of your life so far.  Why ruin it and the process with stress and disappointment?

I have tried to be so purposefully positive with my thoughts and actions throughout this whole planning process.  It's really helped me in all areas of my life.  I've held onto the intention that it is not about what the day looks like, but what it feels like.  Anytime I start to feel anxious or start creating stress, I remind myself that it's about how the day feels and that those little cocktail napkins really don't matter.  And I say out loud, "Stop creating stress for things that haven't even happened yet".  If I don't stress about them now, then I won't stress about them when they do or don't happen because I won't be worried about how things are supposed to go.

I believe the positivity has shown through in other ways too- especially in those around us.

We are surrounded by so many people who love each other.  I knew these people loved each other before because they're married, or in committed relationships... But now I've really seen it.  The unconditional love and unwavering commitments to each other.  It's so beautiful.  And we are so blessed to have these examples as we enter into our own life long commitments of love and togetherness.   Friends, family, even the outward expression of love from people we barely know.  It has effected me and opened my eyes to the rawness and reality of what it means to spend the rest of your life with someone.  And I wouldn't choose anyone else to take this step with.  You don't realize how amazing marriage really is until it's about to become a reality.  Having a wedding and marriage is so much more than the flowers, dress, invitations, etc.  It's about community and family- about being surrounded by those who support your commitment; and together, declare it in front of God that they will be there to support you and guide you through the awesome and scary times, judgement free.

The outpouring of love and support that we have received from family and friends is unexplainable.  You never realize how many people truly have your back and are rooting for you.  The positive support and encouragement means more than anything.

Anyway, we are so excited for the next two weeks.  And totally cool as a couple cucumbers.  Nobody wants to be a bridezilla- stress is optional 😘

Lots of love-
Your favorite zen bride 😉✌🏽

PS- I think a lot of people realize these things after they're married and pass along the advice to future brides- but it totally helps if you realize this (on your own) before the wedding 👍🏽

Changing My Silent Moments

Happy New Year!

I am on a journey.

The other day I had a thought.  I think I was driving and had probably just been cut off, and instead of getting mad and thinking about it for the rest of the drive, I let it go and thought of this:

I often find myself sitting in silence and not using those silent moments for good.  Whether it is at work, during a pause in a conversation (which can be awkward, but it doesn't have to be), driving, etc.  What do you do with your thoughts in those moments?  I know it is so easy to allow complaints or negative thoughts to come in, or feel sorry for someone.  I do this- I don't necessarily say them out loud, but I sit around and wallow or re-hash old happenings.

I've become a believer in "putting it out there".  Putting my positive thoughts and hopes out into the universe to manifest into what it is they are supposed to become.  The saying "what goes around comes around" is REAL.  My thought is that if I am positively sending good things out, specific or not, that it will be received by those it's supposed to.

So I was thinking, what if I took those silent moments and deliberately thought positive thoughts.  Whether it's about the person I am with, sending them good energy and love in that moment.  Or positive thoughts to a situation that may not have been so positive when it was happening- changing the way I look at it and feel about it.  It was brought to my attention that often things or people that enter my life are a "mirror" and I know it is my choice how I learn from them, and of course, react.

I have been very aware and open to admitting to my negative and not so kind moments, it is the only way I am going to become the person I want to be.  And it is hard.  It is a practice, and requires diligence and constant awareness.  But it's pretty cool too.  I want all the good vibes, and I want them to come from me!

"All that we are is the result of what we have thought" -Buddha