This is the season of being engaged; the season of love! Last year at this time we were getting engagement photos taken in Seattle. Ever since we got married, I've had a slight aversion to all things wedding. Planning a wedding was fun and enjoyable, but slightly stressful when so much else was going on at the same time. It was such an exciting time of growth and planning, however, I'm so thankful it's over.
I often wonder if we'd do it (wedding) all differently now. I look at pinterest and find so many things I wish we'd done or done differently. But when I actually step back and think about it, I realize that it's not about the colors, flowers, dress, food &, music. It's about being joined together as one. About being united as one flesh in God's name.
."..A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh...So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."
Matthew 19:4-6
The pretties are just an added bonus. Having friends and family take part is such a blessing and offers a wonderful time to build memories. But in the midst of planning and decorating and creating that special event, it's easy to forget about the whole purpose of a wedding and only focus on the details. It's easy to get caught up in focusing on all the guests coming and making sure they have a good time or that it is "worth it" for them to spend their time and money to be there. I encourage anyone in this phase of their life to step back and stay focused on the purpose, not the pretties. Not that the decoration, food, flowers, etc. aren't important and so much fun.... Just remember that the whole reason you are there is to profess and promise your undivided love and life to the man or woman standing next to you on that special day. All will fall in it's place and in the end and you'll leave this event with waving and well wishes, and most importantly, with the man or woman that you will fall deeper in love with each and every day. What a blessing marriage is. God is good.
First, I LOVE your engagement photos! My fave is the one where you're facing each other with your fingers interlocked--amazing.
ReplyDeleteSecond, "stay focused on the purpose, not the pretties" so so true. All future brides should be required to read this post! :)
Third, thank you for the sweet comment on my last post. I sure try :)
This is so true! And why I like what James tells couples in pre-marital counseling: to spend more time planning the MARRIAGE than you do planning the WEDDING. A wedding is just one day, marriage is a lifetime. And you're right, the "pretties" are a nice added bonus. :)
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