We tell our couples pretty often that we know EXACTLY how and what they’re feeling as a newly engaged couple, and that we can relate so much to them because we JUST were in their shoes not too long ago. And the thing is, it’s completely true.
2 years ago today, my sweet husband gave me the surprise of my LIFE when he got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him, and guys, I literally cannot fathom the fact that it’s already been that long. That’s one of the reasons I think we can relate so much to what our couples are going through- the way time goes by so fast these days, it feels like just yesterday (not 2 years ago!) that my jaw dropped and tears sprung to my eyes when my boyfriend got down on one knee at the same place we had one of our first dates.
I remember the feeling of shock and joy and every other emotion in the books and the way time just plain stood still in that moment. I remember realizing what was happening as I glanced around at the same park where we watched the most GORGEOUS sunset ever together less than a year before and I just KNEW I’d found something special in this guy. And I remember not being able to fall asleep last night because I couldn’t stop staring at the new sparkle on my left hand. It was magical, and I’ll never – ever – forget it.
Engaged girls, we want to encourage you guys to just soak this time up. Buy every “fiancé” tshirt and mug you can get your hands on. Buy 5 white dresses for your bridal showers and bachelorette parties, and catch yourself staring at that beautiful new ring while you’re at work or at the gym. Take breaks from scribbling plans into your giant wedding planner, and for the love, get off Pinterest every once in a while and just enjoy it all. 😉 Go on dates where you don’t talk about wedding planning, but talk about your dreams for your actual MARRIAGE instead. Laugh at the crazy wedding dreams about your pastor not showing up and you forgetting where your wedding dress is. Pray together- often. Let go of those fears about how everything will look and turn out. Read lots of marriage books, learn as much about your fiancé as you can, and remember everything will all come together.
Because before you know it, your mama will be buttoning up that white dress that was made for you… you’ll hug your daddy when he sees you for the first time, you’ll be tearing up while walking up to your fiancé for your first look, you’ll tear up again when you see your beautiful bouquet, you’ll be completely convinced you’re about to pass out before you walk down the aisle (speaking from experience here!), you’ll walk down the aisle and only be able to see your future husband, you’ll look out over the room to see everyone you love most in the world in one room – probably for the only time ever – as you head back down that aisle, hand in hand, as a Mr. and Mrs. You’ll dance the night away and hug the necks of everyone who spent the day celebrating with you and you’ll get in that car and wave as you drive off and away from it all.
And then, it’ll be over- and all you’ll have left are your new husband, some beautiful and blurry memories, and your wedding photographs.
And before you know it, Facebook will pop up with memories of the night your best friend proposed, you’ll probably tear up and shake your head like I did this morning, and it’ll bring it all right back. Brides… both those of you who have booked us for your sweet days (yay!!) and those of you who are just following us from afar, please know this: We care about you. We’re cheering for you and your new marriage. We’re ecstatic for you as you start off your lives together. And we can relate to you… because we remember how you’re feeling so well. So, soak this time up, sweet friends. ???? We promise, you won’t regret it.
