Tag: marriage

Five Years and Counting….

Published on by aprillynetteLeave a comment

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Wow! Five years ago I began an incredible adventure with my best friend.  July 27th 2009 I got a new name, wife, and the blessing of becoming joined to someone else. No, the marriage ceremony, the vows, or even the communion we shared after the vows did not cause a magical or miraculous change, but they symbolized our commitment to God and each other as we spend the rest of our lives working to become one in Christ. Now, just like this whole mommy thing, I am no expert, nor have I got the whole wife thing down either, but after five years of marital adventure…..here is what I know:

 

1. Marriage won’t make you happy. Sorry, but If you think that “putting a ring on it” will be a quick fix and turn your frog into prince charming, think again! Girl, marriage is hard!

2. Your spouse will not make you happy. Okay, hopefully he/she will bring you lots of fun, excitement, and love, but they CANNOT be the SOURCE of your happiness. Your true joy must stem from your walk with Christ.

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3. You won’t be able to “fix” your husband. Yes, he will throw down his dirty laundry  2.3inches away from the hamper, and it may drive you bananas. BUT…you will always be five minutes late to events because you couldn’t find the (insert accessories, shoes, clothes) for the occasion, and it will baffle him every time! You can try to compromise and improve, but you will not change him/her…..

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4. Food always tastes better when you are sharing with a friend! Dieting is hard when you are married, or at least it is for us. We love to indulge (and share)!

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5. Bearing someone else’s burden is hard. Often times I find myself telling friends and family members that I will pray for them, or I am sorry for their loss, or etc…but when your spouse is hurting your whole world is turned upside down. The purpose of marriage is to become more Christ-life, and nothing could be closer to that than sharing in heartaches and being with your spouse through stormy seas.

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6. COMPROMISE! Does this really need an explanation?

7. Enjoy the moment. Work will be there, and you can sleep when you are dead!

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8. SAY YOU ARE SORRY (and mean it!) Okay, so I admit that this is an area in which I often struggle. If you know me, you know I am pretty opinionated and in the heat of an argument my pride often gets the best of me, but learn from my mistakes….

9. Love the flaws. Is my husband perfect? No. I love him BECAUSE of his flaws, not in spite of them. God created him with a plan and a purpose and he is fearfully and wonderfully made.

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10. Becoming one takes time. True unity is something that develops over a period of time. It is something that develops through purposeful spiritual growth and devotion towards one another and Christ.

 

I want to become old and gray with this man. I want many more anniversaries, but most of all I am thankful for the time that I have been given with him.

I love you Waring.

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Tis the Season, FOR WEDDINGS!

Published on by aprillynette2 Comments

What a crazy season the last nine months have been for Hubby and I! We have been in more weddings in the past 9 months, than I have any other time in my life COMBINED! I have been surprised at how beautiful and unique each of these weddings have been. When I think back to each of these weddings, I am amazed about how I can see elements of their personality shining through in each of their special days. I have been praying for these ladies and the lucky men that get to be called their husbands for a while now. I know that God has amazing things in store for their future.

Here are just a few pics of the amazing/crazy/joyous occasions:

Kristen and Trey (October 20, 2012)

The couple got married in a little wedding chapel on Tybee Island.
The couple got married in a little wedding chapel on Tybee Island.
Really...are there even words to describe this picture?!!?
Really…are there even words to describe this picture?!!?
The brides father almost didn't make it to the wedding for health reasons, but it was so special to see him walk his beautiful daughter down the aisle. Both families are the epitome of Southern hospitality and charm.
The brides father almost didn’t make it to the wedding for health reasons, but it was so special to see him walk his beautiful daughter down the aisle. Both families are the epitome of Southern hospitality and charm.

Katie and Josh (November 17, 2012)

This describes their personalities to a tee!
This describes their personalities to a tee!
Katie and Josh are very artistic! If you look closely in the flowers you can see the ones made out of antique music paper! All the personal touches in this wedding really made it a special day!
Katie and Josh are very artistic! If you look closely in the flowers you can see the ones made out of antique music paper! All the personal touches in this wedding really made it a special day!
If you look REAL closely, you can see Hubby and I!
If you look REAL closely, you can see Hubby and I!
This couple is such a hoot! So retro!
This couple is such a hoot! So retro!

Meredith and Justin (May 18, 2013)

All of the decorations were hand crafted by the bridesmaids, the bride, and her sister! It was a work of love!
All of the decorations were hand crafted by the bridesmaids, the bride, and her sister! It was a work of love!
These guys are too sweet! Justin sang a song her wrote as Meredith walked down the aisle AND they had a foot washing ceremony!
These guys are too sweet! Justin sang a song her wrote as Meredith walked down the aisle AND they had a foot washing ceremony!
Justine and Meredith are some of the most giving and caring people I have ever met. They are going to do amazing things for Christ, I just know it!
Justine and Meredith are some of the most giving and caring people I have ever met. They are going to do amazing things for Christ, I just know it!
16 bridesmaid and 10 groomsmen...they almost couldn't get us in one shot together!
16 bridesmaid and 10 groomsmen…they almost couldn’t get us in one shot together!

Laurelee and Paul (July 6, 2013)

This is how Paul proposed! He is a keeper!
This is how Paul proposed! He is a keeper!
The wedding party looked great in their khakis and cowgirl boots! (I am not in this picture....but it is a LONG story...)
The wedding party looked great in their khakis and cowgirl boots! (I am not in this picture….but it is a LONG story…)
Laurelee and Paul got married at Bethesda Boys Academy, where her grandfather was formerly headmaster!
Laurelee and Paul got married at Bethesda Boys Academy, where her grandfather was formerly headmaster!
This wedding was all about Southern sophistication and style. The reception was brunch food, and it was GREAT!
This wedding was all about Southern sophistication and style. The reception was brunch food, and it was GREAT!

Trish and Ryan (July 27, 2013)

Trish and Ryan were married last weekend at the Savannah Yacht Club! The music and food was amazing. They left at the stroke of midnight!
Trish and Ryan were married last weekend at the Savannah Yacht Club! The music and food was amazing. They left at the stroke of midnight!
There were many more bridesmaids than this, but these girls have been friends since high school, and some even earlier! They take a picture in the same position as one they have from high school. This is their 15 year picture!!! How sweet!
There were many more bridesmaids than this, but these girls have been friends since high school, and some even earlier! They take a picture in the same position as one they have from high school. This is their 15 year picture!!! How sweet!
Trish (my sister-in-law) looked amazing in her dress, although I think she would look gorgeous in anything!!!
Trish (my sister-in-law) looked amazing in her dress, although I think she would look gorgeous in anything!!!

After the many hours of planning, prepping, rehearsing, and partying, I can’t believe that all of these guys are married off and beginning their new lives as newlyweds. Each of them will face different challenges and trials over the next years and decades, however they will have each other to hold onto.

Waring and I have only been married for four very short years, but when I think about the meager advice I could offer these couples,  a particular verse seems to come to mind.  Christ doesn’t warn us that we will have trials he GUARANTEES  it!  However, he follows by promising:   “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16: 33

In the years to come, I hope and pray that these couples grow stronger in Christ and as a family. I hope that they rely on Christ and their relationship with each other as they live each and every day. Waring and I feel so blessed to have been asked to be a part of each couple’s special day. My daddy once told me that weddings are special, and that I should always take it seriously and feel honored to be asked to be a part of such a special day in a person’s life. I am truly honored, and I can’t wait to share many more memories with these beautiful couples!

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

apr