Through all the weddings I’ve been a part of, including my own, my biggest takeaway is to invest more in your marriage than your wedding day. 

On average, we live about 28,835 days. The average age to get married is 28. That leaves about 18,615 days married, Lord willing. 

Your wedding day is so significant, but that one day is not going to be what you’re thinking about when you’re up for the fourth time throughout the night with a crying baby and you’re both trying to figure out what in the world to do with a very exhausted mind and impatient heart. That one day doesn’t really come to mind when you’re managing a tight budget, grieving loss, or deciding who should take on what chores.

Invest now in the 18,615 days. Learn one another and how to truly serve and love one another. Prioritize premarital counseling. Become comfortable with saying “I’m sorry I did this. Will you forgive me?” Which means it’s helpful to also get comfortable with saying, “I forgive you.” Dream about what you want to be true about your marriage and use that to inform the decisions you make for your wedding day. 

Because in the end, it’s 1 day vs. 18,615 days. I’d much rather invest in the 18,615.

I hope to be there for the 1 day, and I’m cheering you on for the other 18,615. Thank you so much for being here!

If I could give any advice to the couples

If I may, book the session. 

Don’t wait until you lose the weight. Don’t wait until your schedule slows down. Don’t wait until the kids don’t have as much energy. Don’t wait until you can afford that one outfit. 

In my experience so far, life never seems to slow or feel put together. Years from now, when everyone is grown and out of the house, I promise you’ll appreciate the documented moments from this season, regardless of how you feel about your current reality. Capturing the true essence of your family, craziness and all, is worth it. 

Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment. Each and every day is a gift, and documenting your family's legacy means more than achieving anything resembling perfection ever could. 

and some advice for the families  

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