I remember thinking as we were driving down to the rehearsal dinner that nothing better happen to this car full of people, we’ve got the Flower Girl, the Photographer and the Minister all together here!

That’s just the kind of wedding this was, a family affair.  Held on the family ranch, decorated and set up by friends and family…this gorgeous wedding had all kinds of love poured into it just as the bride and groom intended.

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This year will mark my 8th wedding Anniversary, so I’m clearly an expert on marriage (HA!!!).  No, mine is still a young marriage but nevertheless 8 years will teach you a lot.  There are definitely some things that stand out that I would share with any newlyweds, particularly those I happen to love!

For starters: date night.  Ahhhh date night.  It’s a good thing to shower, get dressed up and all ‘purty’ for each other every once in awhile.

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Now that you’re married you are family, but even more than that – you are each others #1.

She’s your sweetie pie

He’s your honey bear

She’s your wifey poo

He’s your hubby

Point is, family is everything but your spouse is everything +1

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You’re gonna have to evolve and grow, by by all means don’t change what’s cool, quirky, and weird about yourselves.  After all, that’s what you love about each other!

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Be brave.

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Be honest – lovingly

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Guard your marriage.  You WILL drive each other crazy.  You WILL need to vent.  But make sure it’s to someone who loves your spouse, who won’t judge, who supports the two of you.

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Have babies.  Lots of them

Okay, that’s not really advice – just a selfish request on my part

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 Forgive

Even when it’s really messy.

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 Laugh, dance and make fools of yourself. It’s refreshing, it’s freeing and sometimes it’s survival.

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 It’s going to get tough at times.  I don’t say that to be a know it all, I say it so when it happens you know it’s normal.  Work hard, and when you get through it, I swear it’s even better on the other side.

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Pray.  For yourself, for each other, for your marriage.  Even if you’re not sure who’s listening…I promise it’s not in vain.

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We love you guys.

Congratulations…