I've been thinking...

Okay guys, I don’t really know where I’m going with this, but I run this blog and I should be able to talk about anything I want (I woke up a lil sassy today, can you tell?) I’m not sure if it’s because i’m getting older or what, but i’ve been thinking about life a lot lately. What’s important, what it means to be alive, what’s my purpose...that sorta stuff.

 Anyway, I was sitting at home doing my usual research routine when I became quite annoyed. While reading a very popular wedding magazine, I was bombarded with all these advertisements, absurd rules and etiquette tips - it was just way too much! A complete circus! But then again, maybe I should have known better. The magazine was about 500+ pages long! What is all this?! This isn’t fun at all! I read articles and watch A LOT of shows about weddings and I always hear couples say “We’re so glad it’s over.” That really makes me sad. So sad that I didn't bother to do anything wedding related for almost two weeks. 

 Yes, I know wedding planning involves a lot of work, but I wish that we didn’t get so caught up in the idea that things have to be done a certain way or that everything has to be perfect. Life isn’t perfect- in fact, its quite messy. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Seriously. I was stressing out whether or not it would rain on our big day (wedding hint: It's going to be outdoors!) and I was like, “Who cares? If it rains, so be it. This is our journey.” The most important thing to me on my wedding day is the exchange of vows. I plan on writing mine. I hope my fiancé is on board with this idea too. It will be the only time I get to be mushy without him gagging or laughing in my face. I’m really looking forward to it. 

For a long time, I wasn't sure if we were ever going to get married. This kind of bothered me, but I think it was mostly due to the fact that I was getting older and felt pressured by time. Two years ago I told myself if it never happened, then I would be okay with it. Why? Because I loved him and he was the only one I wanted to be with. Well, he proposed and it was awesome. I'm loving this new phase and I kinda don't want it to end. It wasn't the ring, or the fact that he took me to Machu Picchu (a total bonus!), it was his words. It wasn't in a letter or a card; it was him, telling me in his own way, how much he loved me. 

So my question to you is this: what’s really important? Whatever it is, hold on to it and don't let go! It's easy to sucked up into the whirlwind of planning. A wedding is just a stepping stone into something bigger than ourselves. Remember that! 

"You're what?!?"

Please note: The following post is just MY opinion for MY wedding day. I love all weddings!

Eloping. Yes, that's what we're doing. As to where or when, that's our little secret. It may be a little hard for friends and family to swallow at first, but once you explain your decision, they'll eventually come around. Hopefully. So, why elope? Well, according to The Knot's 2014 Real Wedding Survey, the average wedding costs around $31,000. Let that thought just marinate for a little. THIRTY-ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS. I don't know about you, but I can think of PLENTY of things to do with that amount of money. 

 My fiance and I are trying to buy a home of some sorts within the next two years. Becoming homeowners is our top priority. We currently rent a space at my parents' house and would really love to have a nest of our own. With that being said, we're sorry to disappoint you friends and family, but it's our day and our wallet! No hard feelings?

I've heard a few of our loved ones suggest that we hold a tiny get-together after we return from our elopement. Ugh. I know, I know. I'm kinda being an anti-bride here. Truth is, I really hate to be the center of attention. I've had birthday parties in the past and never really enjoyed them  because I get so worried wondering if my guests are having fun or not. It's stressful! I'm still on the fence about that one...maybe a small dinner, maybe.

 We want our nuptials to be a celebration of our journey - to be as stress-free and and as easy as possible. Most couples get caught up in all the wedding hoopla that they forget why they wanted to get married in the first place. It not about the party, its about love! Don't lose sight of that!

I always think back to the Sex and the City movie. Carrie and Big were ready to take the plunge, but it quickly became a circus. Don't let the wedding run you, you run the wedding! As long as you and your partner are on the same page, you will have a great time no matter how big or small your nuptials are. What do you have in mind for your wedding day? Leave a comment below!

Breaking the news

So, you've decided to elope.Congratulations! Now, how will you break the news to your family and friends? Back in the day, eloping was something that young lovers did when their families didn't approve of their relationship; when they were so crazy in love they just had to be together ASAP. Running off, leaving the world behind them...so exhilarating!

Couples still do this to this day. I would assume mostly due to the high cost of weddings and not because they want to avoid the parentals. Eloping also eliminates all the stress that goes along with planning. If you're like me and not the spur-of-the moment type, the best way to prevent your loved ones from feeling out of the loop is to inform them of your plans. You don't have to tell them where or when, just let them know what's going on.When I say loved ones I mean immediate family and best friends. You don't have to tell the everyone!

When I got engaged, it didn't take long before I started receiving emails from distant relatives inquiring about invitations. This really put some pressure on me. That's when I talked it over with my fiance and we decided elopement was the route for us. Your immediate family and best friends are the most important people in your lives. It would be a little heartbreaking for them to discover you've tied the knot via a Facebook post (I posted a video of our engagement on FB and my brother was a little offended that I didn't call and tell him before hand. Sorry Louie!).

I'm all for fun and adventure, but by skipping town without a word, you run the risk of damaging a relationship. It sounds very petty, I know. After all, it is YOUR day. Weddings have a strange affect on people. We tend to get very emotional and take things to heart when we aren't included in such an important life event. So before you exchange you 'I dos', sit your loved ones down and explain to them why this is so important to you and your partner. They might not agree with you 100%, but they will appreciate your honesty in the long run.