Survey Says - If You Had A Budget, Did You Stay Within It?

If you had a budget set, did you stay within it?

I was lucky, and didn’t get one from my dad, even though I asked him for one. I know not having one from him probably meant that there were some things that I probably spent more on than I should have because I didn’t have that figure set.
-Melanie Perkins, married June 2007

We did have a budget and we did not stay within it. We were a few thousand dollars over.
-Nona Henson, married August 2007

Although we did have a reasonable budget set initially, we soon realized that our budget did not cover the vision we had for our wedding. We decided to re-assess our needs and adjusted our budget to accommodate our wishes.
-Amanda Harlan, married October 2007

Kind of. My parents were giving us a certain amount of money, which mostly went to the venue and food. For everything else, we tried to keep the costs as low as we could, but really didn’t have a budget for those things.
-Julie Rivera, married September 2007

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Cloud Nine - Name Changing

You know you want to spend the rest of your life with him, but have you thought if you want to spend the rest of your life introducing yourself as Mrs. Jones instead of Ms. Smith?

For some, the thought of changing their last name can bring on a headache. According to Brides Magazine, 87% of brides change their name to the groom's. What will you do?

There are so many options:
1. Keep your name.
2. Take the groom's name.
3. Hyphenate your name.
4. Take his name, but keep your surname as a middle name.
5. Creating a new last name that you both take.

Check out bridelaw.com for a free name-change kit.

*Source: Brides Magazine, May/June 2008.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Ask Marvin - Distressed Over A Dress

Dear Marvin,
I am having a small issue with my future Mother-In-Law. The one color I asked her not to choose for her dress (that she is wearing on my wedding day), is of course, the one color she has chosen! I really haven’t asked for that much from her with regards to my wedding and I can’t believe that my one small request has been completely ignored. And, I really do have a good reason behind my request. My future Mother-In-Law’s dress is the same exact color as the tuxedos! I am not thrilled about my future MIL not only matching my future Father-In-Law's, but the groomsmen, and most importantly, my groom! I am feeling really resentful and irritated that my soon to be MIL isn’t taking my feelings into consideration. What should I do?

Distressed Over a Dress!

Dear Distressed,
It sounds like you are in a bit of a sticky situation. If you have already been honest with your MIL-to-be and explained to her the reasons behind your request, there isn’t a whole lot left for you to say. If she has already chosen the “forbidden” color, and plans to wear that dress- what else can you do? It sounds like it is time to just let this one go. What is the worst thing that will come of all of this? If your answer is there will be too much “matching” going on, is that really so bad? At this point, it will benefit all involved if you can adjust your perspective on the whole situation and be more understanding of what your future MIL wants to wear. Even though she isn’t the bride (that’s you lucky girl!), I’m sure you can certainly understand her wanting to feel her best on such an important day. So, try and let it go. Focus on what is really important…the love you share with your soon to be husband and your future together. Enjoy your day of celebration and don’t let anything bring you down.

Marvin

Photo courtesy of Profinish Design

Tip - Coordinate Your Exit

When planning all the details for the pre-wedding, the ceremony, everything up to the last dance, don’t forget to plan for the clean-up of your most special day. There is always a friend or family member that wants to be part of the team so ask them to help gather up your left over favors, the cake table accessories and table center pieces that might need to go to another location the next morning like a family brunch. Too many times we see the bride trying to gather the last of her personal items at the end of the reception. Planning an exit with your DJ/MC is the best way to make sure your guests know “you are leaving the building". Tip provided by Slip of Elegance Chaircovers
Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Ignite the Flame - Summertime

Now that the weather is heating up, why not spend some time outside with your honey. You don't have to leave the house to have a date night. Silence your phones, PDAs, pagers and shut off the TV. Relax in the backyard with this beautiful weather and enjoy the warm evenings with a BBQ, glass of wine and maybe your own campfire. You can buy a movable, personal fire pit for your backyard and bring the camp to you. Share your week's stories, talk about plans for the future, just relax and enjoy this summer time warmth and the uninterrupted time with your honey.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Create A Wedding Logo

More than a monogram--create a wedding logo. Use this logo on everything from your save-the-date cards and invitations to your favors and cake. Most lighting companies can project your logo onto a dance floor or reception site wall.

Trend provided by Tsakopoulos Library Galleria
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Dynamite Sites/Blogs - Lucky Orchid Wedding

Check out this amazing stamp concept shared by Laura at Lucky Orchid Wedding. She can take an icon from your map once it's created and use it to make a personalized stamp with your monogram. Your theme is conveyed through all your materials. Cute, huh!? Laura is an exceptional calligrapher who's design work is a unique art and her creative mojo is always flowing!
All images courtesy of Lucky Orchid Wedding

Tip - Assign A Touch Up Assistant

Apply touch ups often. Have a friend or bridesmaid carry your touch-up makeup and notify you when you need to reapply powder or freshen up. Though most photographers can retouch images, keep in mind that a shiny T-zone can ruin a great image.

Tip and photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Trend - Honor Your Family

One way to honor your parents, grandparents or any other married family members it to get pictures of them on their wedding day's and display them. Put them out with your engagement picture and share the family love!Trend provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Uplighting

The new trend in lighting is beyond an overhead truss or T-bar system. With our upscale events, we've been offering “up-lighting.” Instead of lights that just beam down on the dance floor, we spread our lights out more evenly throughout the room and cast color and designs throughout the room, and paint the ceiling with moving colors and shapes, project gobo/images or names and initials onto walls and ceilings and splash color on pillars and recessed ceilings and brighten walls and corners. The dance floor comes alive with energetic intelligent lighting using colors and designs. The room then takes on a completely different feel.

Trend provided by Music on the Move DJs
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Rock Your Reception

TLC is looking for brides and grooms to Rock the Reception. They're looking for engaged couples to team up with choreographers to rock their first dance. Get on TV, learn how to dance, and surprise your guests. This could be a great experience for you and your fiance to share together.

To apply, email the following information to CASTING@BNENT.COM:

- A picture of the bride and groom
- Bride's name age and contact info
- Groom's name age and contact info
- The DATE of your wedding
- The CITY you live in
- The CITY your reception will be in
- How many people will be in the BRIDAL PARTY?
- What's your ideal first dance SONG AND WHY?
- Briefly describe yourselves and tell them why they should pick you for this amazing experience

* No previous dance experience necessary.

Tip - Remove Those Pre-Wedding Jitters

Pre-wedding jitters? No problem! On the morning of your special day arrange for a relaxing and pampering Swedish massage with customized complimentary aromatherapy. You’ll have increased circulation, glowing skin, soothed muscles and a refreshed spirit.Tip and photo provided by J. Christiaan Salon & Spa

Tip - Create A Style File

Every bride should have her very own Style File. A Style File is an organized place to put anything that inspires you and illustrates the ambiance you envision for your wedding. Start with a binder, accordion file or even a plain envelope and whenever you come across an inspirational element place it in your Style File.

Some good places to search for inspiration:
* Media- magazines, Internet, books
* Fabric stores- ribbon, trim and fabric samples
* Paint store- paint chips can be wonderful for choosing colors and combinations
* Farmers Markets, gardens, plant nurseries- take pictures of textures and colors in nature
* Scrap booking stores- paper samples can also be great color tools

File your inspirational pieces by category. Some categories are: Theme, Color Scheme, Bridal Party Attire, Hair and Make-up, Ephemera (invites, save the dates, menu cards, programs- anything made of paper), Ceremony Decor, Reception Decor, Flowers, Food and Cake and "Must Take" Photos.

Don't be afraid to share your ideas with the wedding professionals you are considering. A good professional will be as inspired by your Style File as you are.

Tip and photo provided by Flourish

Trend - Flush Mount Albums

FLUSH MOUNT magazine style albums have become one of the most popular album choices. These albums, when properly designed, are a true masterpiece. The wedding album looks like the finest book that you can find a library. The photographer or the album company will do the album design using your wedding photos. Once the photo pages are printed they are mounted on a rigid frame and trimmed flush to the edge of the page. The resulting book album is then covered in fine leather, silk, wood, cloth, or other fine materials.
The beauty of this kind of album is the control that the client and the photographer have on the design and the style. It is possible to incorporate details such as the wedding invitation, poems, and other meaningful text to the design. The album can be designed in such a way that it tells the story of your wedding day.

Trend provided by Sharpe Photographers
Photo courtesy of Dynamite Weddings

Martha Stewart Helps Plan Your Wedding

I know we were all worried that when Martha was thrown back into the "real world" that she would have a hard time getting back into the swing of things.

Martha has now teamed up with Wedding Wire to create a free online planning guide with all the tools you could need, including seating arrangements! Say goodbye to your jumbled sketches. Stop paying for upgraded planning programs. Martha's gotcha covered. Check out this amazing gift at Martha Stewart Weddings. What will Martha do next?! She never ceases to amaze us.

Trend - Venues That Give Back

Giving back is big right now. Many couples are choosing facilities that benefit the community. A beautiful ceremony at Capitol Park or receptions at local museums or libraries create dramatic backdrops for your event and assure a unique experience. The revenue from your event will help support your community.

Trend provided by Tsakopoulos Library Galleria
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - More Karats, Less Necessary

Go for a 14-karat ring instead of a 18-karat one. 18-karat does have more gold, but it is softer. If you get a 14-karat ring it will wear better and cost you less!

Tip provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography

Alltop Confirmed It!

It's true! Dynamite Weddings has recently been added to Alltop. Alltop is a collection of "all the top" sites on the web, broken down into individual Alltop categories. Check it out! Brides can gather up to the minute updated information on wedding related topics from many different sources.

Trend - Sharing Color

Add a sash or ribbon of a different color to bridesmaid dresses, and same color ribbon or sash to the bride's gown.

Trend provided by Alterations by Patina
Photo courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography

Tip - Favor Your Guests

Be creative with your favors. One idea is to purchase a small frame for all of your guests to take home. Have your photographer take a picture of each couple that is there…. then send them that photo with your thank you note.

Tip provided by Allison Stahl Photography
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Pacific Weddings D.I.Y. Contest

Pacific Weddings, one of our favorite publications, is having a D.I.Y. Wedding Contest.

While the economy is uncertain, one thing is for sure, couples will not hold back on their dream wedding just because of a little budget crunch. Many brides-to-be, fiances and family members are getting into DIY to save money and soon realize how much fun it can be. We've heard of a few brides realizing their true business calling while creating amazing decor for their own wedding!

So, if you're a DIYer, check out this exciting contest and your idea could be featured in the Winter/Spring 2009 Anniversary edition!

Trend - DVD Montage

DVD Montage - DVD Montages can be done in many different ways. The most common would be the story line of your life. Not to be confused with a PowerPoint presentation or a picture slideshow. A professionally produced DVD Montage will captivate everyone’s attention and spark many emotions as your friends and family share the story-line of your lives. You provide the pictures as it is elegantly produced and edited to music. It is then shown on a big screen and played through your DJs sound system giving your guests the whole movie experience (minus the popcorn). It is also a great way to honor those loved ones who have passed, without creating a somber moment. It also allows the other side of the family to get to know you in ways that they didn’t before. Family members love to be taken on a short trip down memory lane and your guest will definitely consider it one of the highlights of the evening.

Trend provided by MR DJ Service
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Categorize Your Wedding Flowers

Ordering flowers for your wedding can be overwhelming. Most people have never ordered so many detailed arrangements at one time. It is best to relax and remember that a professional florist with wedding knowledge will anticipate these issues and take you through the course of needed arrangements with tender gloves. The easiest way to begin is to separate the wedding into categories: Personals, Ceremony, Cocktail Reception, and Reception. This allows you to prioritize your wedding florals according to your wants and needs. It also creates an outline that can be revised as the wedding flows into place. The planning process is like lasagna, it happens in layers. Wedding plans are never complete with one thought or inspiration. So prior to your consultation, jot down the needs in each of the above categories. This will expedite your nuts and bolts discussion and allow more time for creative inspirations to flow.

Tip provided by Visual Impact Design
Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

What A Charmin' Wedding Dress

Do you ever feel frustrated in the search for the perfect wedding dress? This may be a solution...talk about sustainable product.

Katrina Chalifoux won $1000 for her Charmin (toilet paper brand..not charming with a southern drawl) wedding gown. This contest was hosted by Cheap-Chic-Weddings.com and sponsored by Charmin (of course) and Ripley's Believe It or Not. This was one of 564 entries this year!

Here is her niece modeling Katrina's precious creation. This dress only took her 2 weeks. Get to work ladies!

Photos courtesy of Cheap-Chic-Weddings.com

Cloud Nine - Yours, Mine and Ours

Yours, Mine and Ours--If you didn't live together before you could possibly find moving in together a little challenging. Not just because you are now living with another human with their own thoughts, ideas and how to do things but that human comes with all that stuff! It can be difficult to combine your things and his things and then you get to add in all that stuff you got for your wedding. Just remember compromise is the key to happiness. Start out by cataloging what you both are bringing to the table. See what you have doubles of and put those things aside. Anything that you don't have multiples of keep for the time being. You can go back and take a look at all the stuff you keep in six months. If you haven't used it, give it away. Once you've created your mutiples pile start going through that. Keep which ever one is newer, in better shape, etc. If you do this before you actually get married go through this process again, once you receive your wedding gifts. By going through your things fairly you can avoid those silly little fights that we all stumble into. And you will get rid of Yours and Mine and it will all be Ours.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography

Trend - Engagement Tree

In lieu of a framed engagement photo or wedding wishes stacked, try using some alternatives. Hang them up! Use a clothesline with clothes pins. Or use clear fishing line with metal clips. You can hang multiple images and wishes at different heights.


Trend provided by The Memory Journalists
Photo courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography

Survey Says - What Detail Did You Forget?

What detail did you forget on your wedding day?

Having a list of must have pictures; Having someone to hand out payments- we only had one, which is why I probably forgot. If you are going to be giving them out, have the checks with you and not down in your changing room.
- Julie, married in 2007

I didn't walk down the isle with my bouquet. DOH! - Jennifer, married in 2006

I forgot my husband's gift. - Rebecca, married in 2007

I totally forgot that somehow I needed to get my large bag of stuff from the church to the reception.
- Katie, married in 2007

It sounds silly, but I forgot to look at myself in the mirror when I was totally finished getting ready. It was like a whirlwind – a friend did my hair, another my makeup, and then about 4 people helped me dress – and then we just ran out the door! I wish I had remembered to take 2 seconds to admire myself as a bride!
- Hannah, married in 2006

We forgot to make a speech at the reception to thank our parents and our guests. We had planned for it but got wrapped up in the day and forgot.
- Kirsten, married in 2006

Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Utilize Professionals to Ensure Your Day

Smooth running events require wedding professionals. Use a professional wherever your budget allows. DJs and MCs can make or break your event, definitely use a pro. If there is a coordinator available to you, get as much information as you can--often their experience can save you time and frustration.

Tip provided by Tsakopoulos Library Galleria
Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Ignite the Flame - Love Notes

Love Notes--Life gets so hectic and it can get easy to forget to go that extra mile to make sure to always show that love. One easy way is love notes. You can put these just about anywhere! Here's a few favorite ideas: Write a love note on the bathroom mirror in lipstick. Slip a note into the pocket of his work pants or jacket. Buy a card and mail it to his office. Pack his lunch and put a note in his lunch. Just by taking a little time you can remind your husband (and yourself!) of all the reasons you married in the first place.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Ask Marvin - Can I Alter My Engagement Story?

Dear Marvin,
You're going to think I'm shallow but I hate my engagement story. My fiance and I had been talking about getting engaged for months and I knew that it was going to happen sooner or later. He ended up blurting it out when we were laying in bed right before we went to sleep! I thought it was a joke at first but he just grabbed the ring out of the bedside table. And it wasn't one of those "laying in bed and staring into each others eyes moments." I wasn't even looking at him. I mean, the words were really sweet, but still. Anyway, I'm embarrassed. And what do I tell people? I really don't want to be explaining to my grandmother that he asked me while we were laying in bed.

Embarrassed in More Ways Than One

Dear Embarrassed,
It seems to me, dear girl, you have fallen prey to the hype. The hype that your engagement story is your LOVE STORY. It just isn't true! While I can understand not wanting to offend people by letting them know WHERE you got engaged you can certainly tell them all about your love. If I was you I would tell them your love story. There is no need to go into where, just say you were talking and share with them whatever you feel comfortable telling them. Remember this isn't about all the stuff, this is about your love. Happy planning!

Marvin

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Be Prepared For Emergency Repairs

Bustle emergency repair is a common problem. Extra large safety pins can fix a bustle that has inadvertently been stepped on and torn. Make sure that someone near by is armed with your emergency bridal kit.

Tip provided by Alterations by Patina
Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Boxter Setting

Brides are making their stone look bigger with a boxter setting. This style features small stones clustering the center stone, making a solitaire look much larger. These settings make a ring more interesting and often more feminine looking.Trend provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - You Tube

It is truly the You Tube generation's time to get married. With millions of videos viewed everyday on the internet, why should you expect anything less from your wedding video? Online video is the best way to show friend and family who didn't have a chance to attend your wedding a chance to relive it, if only a very small portion. No longer will a bride have to buy additional copies of her video or attach large video files via e-mail. With online media, over 80% of the computers connected to the internet can view your wedding video masterpiece.

Trend provided by Sheffield Multimedia
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Order Invites Together & Ahead

When to order and when to mail is #1 question from engaged couple. All stationers do not work on the same production schedules, so check-in early with your favorite stationer for specific turn-around times. I recommend ordering stationery at least 2 months before you need to pop them in the mail (announcements, save the dates, invitations, etc.). If you're ordering coordinating reception stationery (programs, table cards, escort cards, etc.), order at the same time you're ordering your save the dates and invitations. Specialty papers and embellishments come and go so it's best to order as much as you can with your initial order. Some general guidelines: Mail engagement announcements as soon as you're engaged (one year+ before the wedding); save the dates (4-6 months before the wedding); invitations (6-8 weeks before the wedding) and thank you notes (within one month of returning from your honeymoon).

Tip provided by Stephanie J Designs
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Personalize Thank Yous

Personalized Thank You Cards - Many brides and grooms are saying thank you in a way all their own with custom thank you cards. Some couples are taking a picture holding a sign with the words “Thank You” on it, but others are going even further by creating custom cards with some of their favorite images from the wedding day. Ask your photographer to put together a custom thank you card design so you can say thank you in style.Trend provided by Sarah Maren Photography
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Lift Your Cake

If you have a small cake, consider using a cake stand. It will lift your cake typically 5” higher. Also, consider using a smaller table so your cake doesn’t get lost on a large table.

Tip and photo provided by Pfeiffer Event Planning

Trend - Family Transportation

Many brides are offering limousine transportation to close family members in addition to the bridal party. To accommodate older or less mobile passengers, ask your limousine company about cars with a “fifth door”. A “fifth door” refers to vehicles that have an additional door towards the front of the vehicle on the right hand side (away from traffic). This added feature prevents family members from having to do the “sit and slide” all the way around the limousine bench. This feature is becoming more prevalent in recent years.

Trend provided by Luxury Limousines
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Pick A Buddy

Designate Personal Assistants~ Most brides select their best friend to be their maid of honor. She usually goes to many of the appointments with you and helps you make decisions which is a great way to bounce ideas around and have fun. But on wedding day, she will also be busy and involved with your photo sessions. I suggest considering selecting another close friend that can be your personal assistant on wedding day. Someone who can find Aunt Betty for that special photo you had in mind or run to your car to retrieve something you forgot. This person can also manage any outstanding payments that need to be delivered to vendors on the day of the wedding. The same goes for the groom. -- a friend that can attend to a few little details can be a huge help. When selecting your personal assistant, it is best to select someone who is familiar with your family. It never hurts to have an extra helping hand on your wedding day.


Tip provided by Newcastle Wedding Gardens
Photo courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography

Trend - Photo Guest Book

Design a guest sign in with photos from your engagement session….it will be a life treasure and you’ll have more reason to look at it.

Trend provided by Allison Stahl Photography
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Honor Loved Ones

Honoring special people in the couple's life can have a great effect on the family and the reception. Consider having special family members introduced at the beginning of the reception. Acknowledgment of them at the event will make a big difference during the reception and also later in life.Tip provided by Music on the Move DJs
Photo courtesy of Profinish Design

Tip - Be "The Turtle" not "The Giraffe"

Learn what is known by some as “the turtle”. Pull your shoulders straight back and stick your chin out. Remember, it is the turtle you are going for, not the giraffe, so keep your chin out, not up! This will eliminate shadows and the appearance of a double chin.
Tip and photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Trend - Floral Sculptures

Floral sculptures are making the scene at wedding receptions. Pomanders, topiaries and highly stylized shapes can introduce the unexpected to your reception décor. Use hanging pomanders of varying sizes to decorate the exposed beams and ceiling of your reception site (for added “bang” mix with Japanese lanterns). A flat rectangular platform covered in button mums would make a fabulous base for your wedding cake. Large topiaries fashioned from carnation blooms and displayed in roman urns would make an eye catching entrance to your reception room.

Trend and photo provided by Flourish

Survey Says - What Guidance Would You Share?

What could you have used guidance on?

Etiquette, the traditional things (example: Addressing the invites).
- Rebecca, married in 2003

The only part of the process I needed and used guidance on was vendor selection. I carefully gathered references and found out who works well together and who worked well with me. If I had done the search blind, without bridal industry experts offering recommendations, I think I may have ended up with a different day-of product or maybe an anxiety attack!
- Alyssa, married in 2007

Our coordinator did a great job providing guidance on hiring all our vendors, and structuring our day – our minister did a great job of providing guidance for our relationship. Unfortunately, because of illness, my parents weren’t able to be as involved as I know they would have liked to; I would have loved having more of their perspective.
- Hannah, married in 2006

The timeline for the day was super important and I knew nothing about coordinating; help with coordinating some of the smaller details of the ceremony.
- Melanie, married in 2007
Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Ignite the Flame- Romantic Scavenger Hunt

Romantic Scavenger Hunt

Send your honey on a romantic scavenger hunt. Leave clues for him around the house or at accommodating store locations with an item that he has to collect and bring with him. Items you can leave with the clue: wine, candles, massage oil, blindfold, chocolate, lingerie. Be creative! All the clues can lead to the romantic finale you have planned which requires all the items he's collected along the way.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography

Trend - Co-ed Bachelor/ette Parties

Bridal showers are not just for the girls anymore. Many brides are opting to invite both male and female guests. Even bachelor/bachelorette parties are going coed.Trend provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Face Forward Ceremony

Get creative with your ceremony set-up. If you’re not having a church wedding, why be limited to where you stand, where your guests sit, or where your minister officiates from? Try standing at the top of a few stairs with your minister at the bottom of stairs looking up at you. This way your guests will be looking at your faces the whole time instead of your back or side.

Tip provided by Arcularius Events
Photo courtesy of Chris Harder Photography

Cloud Nine - Words to Live By, Part 3

Part 3:Live for Today.

Perhaps the most significant of all: live for the moment that is before you. Like the age old saying, ‘never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.’ None of us are guaranteed the dawning of a new day. Don’'t waste time staying angry or upset. Don'’t put off spending special time with your spouse and your family. Don’'t delay ‘date night’ until you can afford/make time/make arrangements for the perfect date, the ideal romantic evening, or the long awaited vacation. Make the most of each moment and tell your spouse daily how much you love and cherish them. You know how much you love your husband —commit daily to make sure that HE knows it well. Take time each and every day to connect with each other, make time that is just for you to talk about your day and your feelings. Literally live each day as if it were your last so that each moment is absorbed in the now. By waking up every morning with the commitment to make the most out of the day that is before you and the relationships that you have, you will never wake up tomorrow with heartache or regret for what might have been, never have to wonder how you grew so far apart.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography