#FavoredFr​iday Vendor Spotlight: Baked by Melissa

christmas cupcakes Why purchase fruit cakes, and boring ginger bread cookies for your next party when you can have a fun spread of cupcakes! Gone are the days of simple vanilla and chocolate cupcakes, now Christmas themed treats are at your finger tips. Baked by Melissa makes it easy to get creative with your dessert table. Check out more about her business and her cupcake art below.

Baked by Melissa started after she was fired from her 9 to 5 in 2008. Inspired by her love to bake and her wanting all to enjoy desserts guilt free, Baked by Melissa was born. In 2009 the first Baked by Melissa bakery opened in New York City. Now her cupcake art can be created online or visitors can browse and purchase creations by others or herself on the website. The creations range from proposals, sports, and logos. If you can imagine it, you can create it! I love this idea and the best part is the cupcakes are mini so you won't feel bad about breaking you diet! So indulge a little and check out Baked by Melissa for your next event!

Real Engagement: Mahelet and Nate

DSC_2386 A night of Karaoke bought Mahelet and Nate together in 2010 and unbeknownst to them was the beginning of the rest of their lives together.

"He bravely went up to sing multiple times, while I sat shyly with the group enjoying everyone's performances. Neither one of us realized then what the future had in store for us, but that's one of the beautiful things about life...the unexpected.

We are each others first loves, and it was well worth the wait."

Mahelet and Nate got engaged on June 6, 2013 during an intimate evening at his home after rain spoiled Nate's original plans. We can't wait to plan their summer wedding next year! Check out a few of their engagement photos below. Congrats to the happy couple!!

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You're Invited: Black Bride Presents The Bridal Brunch DC

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Mix and Mingle with wedding vendors in an elegant relaxed boutique-style layout at the beautiful Carnegie Library in Washington, DC. Dine on delicious brunch fare, and champagne cocktails from our “Married” Mimosa bar while being serenaded by DC’s finest jazz performers. There will be expert discussions, and a fashion segment featuring gowns from local elite bridal salons. Brides will find everything they need to plan their dream wedding under one roof! Top industry insiders and wedding experts will be on hand to offer tips, tricks and guidance in creating not just a wedding, but a lifetime experience.

Black Bride Requests the Honour of Your Presence

at

The Bridal Brunch, DC

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Noon to 5 p.m.

The Carnegie Library at Mt Vernon Square

801 K Street, NW | Washington, DC 20001

For more information and to purchase tickets click here.

 

African Luxe: Meet ZAAF Collection Made in Ethiopia!

ZAAF 3 ZAAF is ZAAF™ is a collection of luxury apparel and leather accessories produced by highly skilled artisans in Ethiopia.

Love seeing young and driven people do what they love! Check out this article on Abai Schulze, Founder of ZAAF and also a friend who is under 30 and already making an impact in the industry!

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ZAAFcollection.com officially launched with a redesigned homepage and online store just in time for the holidays. Shop ZAAF today! http://zaafcollection.com/ Make sure you to stay connected to them!

Website: www.zaafcollection.com Follow us on Twitter: @ZAAF_Collection.

#FavoredFr​iday Vendor Spotlight: The Girl Tyler Design & Photograph​y

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Favored by Yodit Events is always looking for new vendors whose work we love to spotlight. Last week we came across an Ethiopian wedding video that we absolutely LOVED and decided to look up the company that put it together. The Girl Tyler Design & Photography "is a full-service wedding-enthused company that offers print marketing, still and motion photography, and stationery suite design to brides, grooms, and fellow wedding professionals". Check out the video and more about the company after the break.

The Girl Tyler Design and Photography focuses on four key areas:

1. Motion Photography: "We think the term videography stands as much for the type of camera as it does a robotic disposition: turn it on, hit record, repeat a few times, burn a DVD. In all honesty, we spend as much time crafting your story, choosing the right cameras and fine-tuning the settings, as we do editing after your big day. No one look is right for every wedding film, and we know how to dial the right one in. We call it Motion Photography, but it’s OK if you still call it video."

2. Paper Goods: "If you’re looking for CUSTOM WEDDING INVITATIONS it means you:

  • want something completely unique
  •  haven’t found “just the right” thing anywhere else
  •  Seriously love great design (and paper too)

We’ve tackled Monograms, Save the Dates, Wedding Invitation Suites, Map Illustrations, Ceremony Programs, Signage Collections, Place Cards, Seating Charts, Menus, and so much more."

3. Still Photography:  "We know you don’t want to forget how in love you looked, your Mom tearing up during the ceremony, that surprise dip during the first dance or the best man’s wildly animated speech – it’s those moments and all the details in between that we love to capture as wedding photographers. We’ll let our images do the rest of the talking!"

4. Business Marketing: "Want your business to stand out from THE REST? We can tackle YOUR MARKETING with design, photography, and video.

We love working with other people who love what they do! We also know there are a lot of options out there today for consumers, which means you need more than your passion and awesome skills to shine. Let us help your business put its “best face forward” with a variety of marketing services – from logo and branding design to promotional photography and video."

For more information about The Girl Tyler Design & Photography check out thier website here.

Video Credits:

Hilton Alexandria Mark Center

Del Ray Baptist Church | www.delraybaptist.org

Beth El Hebrew Congregation | www.bethelhebrew.org

The Girl Tyler Photography

#FavoredFriday Celebrate the Holidays With Ethiopian Inspired Holiday Cards by Designer Maro Haile

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This holiday season get creative & cultured with your greeting cards and gifts with Deseta!

Deseta, a new collection of multicultral cards, tote bags, and more is spreading the love this holiday season.     Deseta [deh-seh-ta]: a noun meaning happiness; how you feel when something puts a smile on your face. from Amharic, one of the many languages spoken in Ethiopia. also spelled/pronounced desta.

As an event planner and "go to girl" for entertaining, Im always looking for new vendors to utilize for my clients and myself so when I came across Designer, Mariam-Sena (Maro) Haile, a Brooklyn-based artist and owner of the e-commerce website Deseta.net, I knew I had to share her amazing work with others.

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Ethiopian girl singing a christmas carol, tis almost the season!

In an interview with TADIAS, Mariam tells us a little bit of her background being born in Addis Ababa and growing up in Minnesota before settling in New York City in 2000. “I was born in Ethiopia, raised in a tiny town in the Midwest, and now have Brooklyn planted deep in my heart,” she said. “My target market ranges from shoppers who appreciate the unique, non-traditional aesthetic found in gift shops and boutiques to young families and friends of young families looking for printed accessories for their children.” Maro’s aim is to reach as diverse an audience as her background.

Check out some more of her designs below:

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Pink afro angel wearing lipstick and mascara logo.

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Some of the other holiday cards are this "Cupid's Arrow" for Valentines Day and "Melkam Addis Amet" for Ethiopian New Years!

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This modern Adam & Eve card is hilarious and riske for Ethiopian cultural! Love it!

Like what you see? You can learn more and purchase Deseta products at www.deseta.net, or on Etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/deseta and follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/desetaArtAndDesign.

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#FavoredFriday: Winter Wedding Favor Ideas

ivory-ugg-boots-with-just-married-embroidery_full Winter is here and you know what that means, Winter Wonderland themed weddings! If you are having a winter wedding but have no idea what to give your guests as favors you are in luck! Take a look at a few of Favored by Yodit's favorite creative winter wedding favor ideas.

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Snowflake Key Chains: Give your guests a gift that will remind them of you everyday. It is subtle but still cute and effective.

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Gloves and Blankets: Send your guests away warm and cozy with gloves filled with hot chocolate or a fleece blanket

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Pine Tree Sapling: Give a gift that keeps on giving. Instruct guests to plant the tree in an area that they can watch it grow and can always be reminded of your big day

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Pine Cone Fire Starters: For our DIY brides, this is an easy and affordable favor that all guests can enjoy. For instructions visit: http://www.myownlabels.com/blog/pinecone-fire-starter-favors/

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Apple Cider: Create custom burlap sacks and fill them with apple cider mix. Add a tag to express your thanks.

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S'mores: Give your guests the official snack of winter to enjoy. Create a label with a cute quote for a personal touch.

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Cocoa Mix: Fill Mason jars with cocoa mix and label with your wedding date. Even after the cocoa is gone, the mason jar will always be a stable in their kitchen.

Tips for a Delicious Vegetarian Thanksgiving

a_vegetarian_thanksgiving_menu There has never been a better time to host a meatless Thanksgiving: The huge variety of vegetables and grains available at farmers' markets and specialty food shops is staggering, making it easy to create an incredible vegetarian meal. For the best meat-free holiday feast, follow these smart tips. One of the best: Skip the fake turkey. Instead center the meal around a hearty vegetable dish like this baked acorn squash stuffed with chestnuts, apples and leeks (below). Here, more satisfying and indulgent vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes Source: Foodandwine.com

Thanksgiving Vegetables

From green bean casserole to brussels sprouts with chestnuts and bacon, here are fabulous Thanksgiving vegetable recipes.

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Thanksgiving Greens Recipes

From classic creamed spinach to crispy baked kale with Gruyère cheese, here are superb greens recipes for Thanksgiving.

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Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts

From moist banana cake to chocolate and pistachio biscotti, here are delicious and healthy Thanksgiving desserts.

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You're Invited: Brides Against Breast Cancer Charity Event in Reston, VA

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In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Favored by Yodit Owner, Yodit Gebreyes is going to be a guest bartender for a charity event TONIGHT Tuesday, October 29th called Last Night Out from 5:30-9:30!

All ticket proceeds go to Brides Against Breast Cancer which is an amazing organization that helps Bride to Be's who are fighting the battle with Breast Cancer still feel like beautiful brides on their special day by offering them different services. The location is in Reston, VA and tickets are $35, food & drinks are included in the ticket price. Please spread the word on social media & email if possible today!

Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Time: 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Venue: Vinifera Wine Bar & Bistro 11750 Sunrise Valley Drive Reston, VA 20191

Attire: Tacky!

Tickets: $35 purchase online, $45 at the door (Get Tix Here)

Included: Unlimited Light Bites, Adult Beverages, Entertainment, Great Networking!

 

 

 

DIY: Healthy Halloween Treats

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Just because Halloween is coming doesn't mean you have to break your diet! There are a ton of healthy snacks receipes that are not only good for you, but taste good and look good. Check out some Healthy Halloween Treat Inspiration below that can pull double duty as decor.

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 How cute are these Chocolate Banana Ghosts and Celery and Orange Pumpkins!

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Crave open apple slices and fill with peanut butter to make scary vampire teeth. Make the teeth with the left over apple or with almonds!

For more ideas check out: Mirabella Creations

#FavoredFriday Vendor Spotlight: Captured Journeys Photography

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Photographers are one of the most important vendors you can hire for your big events. The right photographer will capture the essence of your day and leave you with timeless photos that you can treasure forever. This week we would like to spotlight a local company that prides themsleves on " providing CERTIFIED professional level quality at prices far below even less capable studios." Meet Kalina and Kelly at Captured Journeys Photography after the break.

The Captured Journey's Photography page says, "Our style is modern and timeless and combines unique artistic approach, knowledge of lighting techniques and photojournalistic skills. Our goal is to capture the love and emotions of your special day thru fresh and effortless images. We believe in attention to detail, highest quality of images and happy clients. Shooting always with two photographers as a husband and wife team, gives us the luxury of looking at the same moment from different perspectives."

Captured Journey's Photography is offering a wedding special for 2014! If you book a wedding package by December 31st, 2013 you will recieved 10% off. They also offer a discount for Active Duty Military personnel. Check out some pictures of their work below.

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#BrideToBride: Keys to a Successful Marriage

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Greetings Fellow Brides! I am very excited to guest post this week for Bride to Bride! As a blogger myself, I rarely have the opportunity to write on the subject of marriage. Special thanks to Carol for allowing me to share a bit of wisdom with others :-)

My third wedding anniversary is in a couple of weeks and I can hardly believe it. It seems like just yesterday we said “I Do.” We have been together for 10 years and I thank God every single day for my husband. We have been through so much together, but Team Collins is strong in love and blessed to be happily married. Part of having a successful marriage is learning to truly give yourself to your partner so you can grow together as one. But another part is learning from past mistakes and having the capacity to love each other no matter what. I definitely don’t consider myself anywhere near an expert on marriage, but I have learned quite a few things since becoming a wife. Here are a few tips that can help make your marriage last a lifetime:

* Before marriage, talk extensively about your wants and needs as well as the goals and expectations of your relationship. Be willing to compromise and seek premarital counseling if you need to.

* Keep God at the center of your marriage. Pray together, go to church and rejoice together. These things will make difficult times that much easier.

* Always be honest and truthful. Trust is vital to any relationship, especially a marriage.

* Listen to your partner. Don’t just listen to their words, but put yourself in their shoes and really try to understand their feelings and point of view.

* Keep learning from each other and supporting one another. Building up your spouse makes them a better individual and partner.

* Continue to get to know and understand your mate. Marriage is for life so make sure you not only love them, you like them and get them.

* Never say never. The unexpected can come at any time. Be open and flexible for your spouse. Trials will test your relationship, but the strong and committed partners get through it together.

* Have time together and apart. It is very important to spend time with your spouse. Life can get busy, but set aside some time that is just for the two of you to reconnect and bask in each other’s love. Time apart allows each of you to miss one another. Have some fun without your husband and have a girl’s night out. He will appreciate the time apart just as much as you.

* Be prepared to argue. Couples are mistaken and think that a ring and a wedding will magically make them happier. Communication can be difficult in a marriage simply because men and women think and act differently. And while we would all like to talk through every issue rationally, it doesn’t happen. But remember, arguing is still a form of communication. When you’re no longer arguing, the relationship may definitely be headed for trouble.

* Touch often. Kiss and hug your husband as much as possible. Tell him you love him and appreciate him, but also show him. Men need and want to feel wanted. It will also keep stress levels down and makes marriage that much better. Just do whatever you do to keep a smile on his face ;-)

* Be discreet. Keep private things just between the two of you. Your union is the most sacred relationship you have and you want to be a trustworthy spouse. If your friends and family try to get involved, tell them to let you live your life the way you see fit.

* Don’t compare your marriage to anyone else’s. You never know what is going on in their household.

* Always be his bride. After the honeymoon period is over and the normalcies of life start again, we as women try to live up to these extremely high standards of what a wife should be. We get so focused on what we think we should be doing, we begin to neglect and even isolate our spouses. Remind your husband of your wedding day often and all the excitement that followed it. Take the pressure off and just be the best wife & bride you can be!

kelly

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Kelly Collins is a 28 year-old college-educated, Georgia Peach currently residing in Raleigh, NC with her awesome husband DeAntony, and their beautiful little boy, Preston. Other than being a wife and mother, she is also a full time nanny during the day. She is what she calls a ‘Non-traditional Southern Belle’ with a touch of Mary Poppins. In her spare time she loves to write, run and cook/bake. Visit her blog for more information!

Happily living the Best of Both Worlds!

My Ultimate Day Fall Season Wardrobe!

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Nothing screams fall then a new wardrobe! I love mixing prints like a little plaid with a cozy fall sweater for the ultimate fall look. For some edge, try adding a few tough accessories to make it extra fabulous, here we have gold studs with a statement bracelet. And since Im always on the run meeting clients a cute pair of cheetah flats and big black bag complete my day look! Happy Fall Fashion!

1. Zara Plaid Studio Cape 

2. Chunky Sweather

3. Vince Camuto Bullet Proof Hinged Bracelet

4. Anthropologie Dame Collar

5. Zipper Satchel Bag

6. Zara Cheetah Ballerina Flats

 

 

Recap: The Wedding Salon at the Madison Hotel

A couple Monday nights ago I attended The Wedding Salon with one of our upcoming favored couples. We had a great time seeing all of the bridal fashion, decor inspiration and of course wedding cake tasting!

Check out some of the pictures from the event below.

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#BrideToBride: Advice from a Planner's Perspective

photo.jpeg Hey Bride!

So I know you were expecting advice from an actual Bride, and not see my single and sassy self on the front lol BUT this week I decided to do something a little different. Oh and by the way that isn’t my boo with me in the picture above, well not in real life that is lol but heeeeeeeeeeeey Jay Ellis *waves, winks* A girl can dream right lol.

I have been working for Favored by Yodit Events for about 10 months now and I have learned sooooo much. Not so much about married life, but about wedding day woes. As a planner/ coordinator you experience and see a lot of the background happenings at weddings that can be easily avoid. Check out my #BrideToBride Advice from a Planner's Perspective below.

1. Avoid your bridal party members pulling double duty as a vendor: I know your best friend/maid of honor is the only person in the world that can get your baby hairs to slick down just right, and your momma cooks mac and cheese so good it makes you want to slap HER momma. However, if they need to get ready as well as take care of another big task more than likely they are going to be late, which could in turn cause delays in the wedding. The best bet is to hire an outside vendor to do your hair, makeup, cater, etc so that everything can get the attention it needs and stay on track.

2. Don’t Skimp on the Photographer: I know Cousin Ray Ray has been taking all the pictures for the family reunions for years and he can pick a Instagram filter like its nobody’s business, but weddings are a different ballgame. A picture perfect moment happens in an instant, and when it’s gone it’s gone. You can’t redo the look on your groom’s face when he sees you walking down the aisle, or your first kiss as husband and wife, or grandma twerking on cousin Steve. A photographer that is accustomed to doing weddings, will capture the essence of your day. Don’t be afraid to ask for samples of their work and google wedding pictures that you like so that you can give them a clear vision of what you want and are expecting.

3. Plan ahead and Prepare in advance: Make a checklist of everything that needs to get done for the wedding ie Hair, nails, makeup, pick up candles, pick up dress, etc and complete as many as those tasks that you can in advance. The last thing you want to do is wake up the day of your wedding and have to worry about a manicure or stress about running to the dollar store to pick up tea candles. At the very latest, try and purchase décor items a month in advance. This may sound extreme but trust me it’s better to have those items sitting in the basement then scrambling at the last minute and stressing yourself out. Get your nails done and hair prepped the night before. It will make the morning of your big day a lot calmer.

4. Get on Pinterest: I am convinced sweet baby Jesus himself created this website. Everything you can think of can be found on this site. No matter if you are looking for decor ideas, wedding dresses, color palette inspiration or creative wedding shoots Pinterest has it! For my budget conscious brides, Pinterest has a lot of creative DIY (do-it-yourself) ideas that look amazing. So do yourself a favor and create an account. Thank me later.

5. Hire a planner or at the very least a day of coordinator: I’m not just saying this because I work for the greatest event planning company, Favored by Yodit Events. There are a million things that need to be done the day of your wedding and trust me YOU do not want to worry about any of them, nor do you want your maid of honor stalking all of your vendors to make sure they show up on time. It is your day so relax and let someone else stress about all the details. since you are already here, (inserts shameless plug *kanye shrug*) contact us for all of your wedding needs!

Congratulations on your engagement!!

Your Future Wedding planner *wink wink*,

Carol

 

Recap: Fab and Favored Bridal Bootcamp

_sv21638 On September 21, Favored by Yodit Events teamed up with The Fab Body Factory to whip a few future brides and their bridesmaids into shape. It was a great event filled with 20 lovely ladies ready to workout doing wedding inspired exercises. The Fab and Favored Bridal Bootcamp was a kickoff for celebrity trainer Deanna Jefferson's 6-week Bridal Bootcamp starting Oct. 5. For more information about the bootcamp and to see a few photos from the event, continue reading below.

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Get ready to walk down the aisle toned & fit! We understand that every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day, but budgets are tight and the clock is ticking. For ONLY $125 ($42/person) you and 2 bridal party members can train with celebrity NIKE trainer, Deanna Jefferson, for 6 weeks in preparation for your BIG DAY! To Register and for more information click here.

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Stella & Dot - Wedding Jewelry Styling

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The Fab Body Factory - Personal Training & Fitness

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Shea Suite - All Natural Body Creams for Gifts and Skin Care

_sv12115 _sv12086 _sv21647Photo Booth by Surpass Visuals - Event Photography

A Special Thank you to all of our vendors

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We would also like to thank our Sponsors for the great gift bags!

Spring 2014 – Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Bridal Edition

It’s never too early or late to find your dream wedding dress in fact most of us have an idea of what we want to wear when walking down the aisle on our big day. Mercedes Benz Fashion week isn’t complete without a bridal collection from our favorite designers. Top designers like Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Pnina Tornai, Galia Lahva and Amsale are just a few to preview their Spring 2014 Wedding Collection at fashion week in New York. They all had different approach in mind when it came to creating their numbers for their highly anticipated spring line.  Vera Wang

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#BrideToBride: Top 7 Things New Brides Should Know

greenups2.jpeg I was asked to write a blog from the perspective of a wife to a new bride. In doing this, it allowed me to take a step back and evaluate my marriage in order to identify key principles that work for my husband and I. To my surprise, I found myself not accepting some of the items on my own list. Below are the top 7 things that work for The Greenups:

1. Keep God in your marriage

Bottom line: When God is not in your marriage it leaves room for the enemy to sneak in and create chaos. Pray for your spouse to be able to face day to day life. (An excellent book is “Power of a Praying Wife” by Stormie Omartian)

2. Happy wife…happy life

Often times I say this to my husband jokingly when I do not get my mind. However, I have found that I have to say this to myself because I do not take care of myself as I should. I have found that I get so caught up in being a good mom to my son and supportive wife to my husband that I forget to take for myself. What do I mean by taking care of myself? For example, I will make sure everyone in the house has eaten and forget to eat myself due to other items I need to get done for my home of my family. This often ends in me being sick or burnt out. When married, make sure you remind yourself to take of YOU! It is impossible to be a good wife if you are not healthy. This includes mind, body, and spirit.

3. He is who he is and will not change just because you say “I do”

Some women get so caught up in the mindset that “he will change once we are married.” WRONG! He is who he is. The same laid back demeanor and quiet disposition that my hubs has and the reason I fell for him is the same laid back demeanor and quiet disposition that works my last nerves at times. When this happens, I must take a step back and remind myself why I love this man and chose to marry him. As women we often get caught up in trying to mold and perfect things….eventually you have to let your man be who he is….flaws and all. The one thing men need to know is that you love him unconditionally with not only all his good…but with all his bad as well.

4. Forgive and let go

This point should be started off by saying “PICK YOUR BATTLES.” (I find that I am guilty of this at times.) If you find yourself always complaining about the socks he leaves in the middle of the floor, eventually he is going to get tired of hearing it….and you will be tired of saying it. Just save yourself the stress and kick the socks towards the dirty clothes hamper. Arguments should never be about right or wrong. It should be about what will encourage a healthier relationship. This is done by talking (not yelling) through issues and not only forgiving your spouse…but letting it go. By not letting go of an issue, they will fester over time and cause you to operate in your marriage as if you are in a war. Operating in your marriage as you would do in a war will cause you to look at your spouse as the enemy and not your partner. It is impossible to be happy and enjoy life when you are constantly in “defense mode.”

5. Men think differently from women

I am going on my fourth year of marriage and have been with my husband for eight years. So on top of thinking differently because he is a man, he is also left-handed!!! (My son is too and they look at me like I’m abnormal) This is one thing I struggle to understand! For instance, I have to allow him to things HIS way….no matter how much I disagree with his process of doing them. It is important to build your man up and not tear him down.

6. Men need sex AT LEAST 2-3 times a week

This means, do NOT hold sex as punishment for a disagreement or an argument. Unlike women, men NEED this release. I know…it sounds so simple. But after the wedding, when life goes back to normal and more items get added to your “To Do” list….do not forget your spouse. Date nights are a necessity.

7. HAVE FUN!!!!!!!

Marriage should be a fun, ongoing adventure. It’s easy to get so caught up in life that you forget that you married your best friend. The fun should not end because you both said “I do”.

- From one bride to another, Mrs. Greenup