Tag: relationship

Coping With Post-Wedding Blues

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

After the confetti has fallen on the most magical day of your life, you might feel an unexpected sense of emptiness. While few people talk about it, post-wedding depression is a real possibility for even the happiest of couples. After months, or maybe even years, of planning, anticipation, and the euphoria of the big day, coming back to reality can be unsettling. Here are some strategies to cope with post-wedding blues.

Reflect on Your Memories

The first step in dealing with post-wedding blues is to reflect on your big day. Sit down with your spouse and relive the beautiful memories you created together. Share stories about the day and reminisce about the vows you exchanged and the heartfelt toasts that were given. This reflection not only allows you to bask in the afterglow of your wedding but also helps you establish a deeper connection with your partner.

Stay Connected With Loved Ones

If you’re feeling sad after getting married, being isolated from your loved ones can make it worse. Focus on staying connected to close friends and family, especially in the weeks immediately following your wedding.

Host gatherings, attend social events, or simply reach out for a chat or a coffee date. Your friends and family will appreciate continuing to be a part of your life as a married couple, and their support can help you get back on your feet emotionally. After all, your wedding was a celebration of love, and that love can continue to thrive in the days and years to come.

Set Goals Together

Setting goals with your spouse is a great way to distract yourself from the low period after getting married. Whether you want to buy a home, start a family, or travel the world, setting goals can give you something to look forward to. This is a great way to refocus your energy and stay grounded as a couple.

When you create a list of your short and long-term goals, use the SMART acronym to guide you. Each goal should be:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Relevant
  • Time-bound

Create New Routines

Creating new routines is another important strategy when navigating post-wedding blues. A common reason for feeling depressed after you get married is the sudden shift from the extraordinary to the ordinary. If you went on a honeymoon, it might have helped ease the transition for a time. However, it can also add another layer of sadness because then you may deal with post-trip blues too.

As you settle back into your work and life schedule with your spouse, design intentional routines and traditions together. Things like getting up early to sit and have quiet time over coffee or walking your dog together every day after work can quickly become a way to soothe the soul. You can also get festive around holidays and decide on new traditions you want to start as a family.

Practice Self-Care and Rest

You may have pampered your skin before your wedding day, but you probably didn’t get a lot of time to practice authentic self-care. Use the period after your wedding to catch up on things that matter to you, such as moving through your To-Be-Read stack of books and finally learning how to garden.

You can do some self-care activities with your spouse, but you should pursue some things on your own to maintain your sense of independence. By nurturing your own well-being, you’ll be better equipped to bring positivity and happiness into your marriage. 

If you notice that you’re feeling down or blue after your wedding remember that it’s a completely normal emotional response that many other people also experience. You are not alone. Talk to your spouse and loved ones as you process how you’re feeling, and use these coping strategies to set yourself up for healing and growth.

A Quick Guide To Selecting the Right Wedding Music

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

According to William Shakespeare, music is the food of love. It seems these sentiments are as true today as they were in 1601, as it is hard to envision a romantic setting without the presence of some kind of soundtrack. If you’re planning your wedding, then you likely are spending a lot of time deciding what music should be used throughout the event. From the tune you walk down the aisle to, the first dance song, to the jams played by the DJ, each choice will help to set the right mood. Pick the right music with these tips.

Selecting Your Entertainment

Before deciding on the exact songs that will be played throughout the event, you must have your entertainment set in stone. Specifically, it is important to know whether you will be using a DJ or a live band. While both options should be able to meet your needs, a band might need advance notice on specific songs you would like played. A DJ, conversely, should be able to use the internet to pull up any obscure tune you’d like at a moment’s notice. Once you’ve got your choice booked, it is time to look at song options.

Start With What You Know

Just as it is best to start a to-do list by writing down a task you’ve already completed and checking it off, you should start picking wedding songs by focusing on what you already know you want. If you and your partner have a song that you absolutely want played for your first dance, write it down and move on to the next. This will make you feel like you’re making progress, even if you’re struggling to select music for certain parts of the celebration. 

It can also be useful to start by picking the songs for the “big” moments of the event. Think about what songs you’d like played when the wedding party enters the venue or what tunes would make the most sense when you cut the cake. 

Please the Crowd

While you should absolutely go with songs that align with your tastes, you must also be mindful of the crowd. Group dances at weddings might seem cheesy or cliche, but songs like “The Electric Slide” and “Cha-Cha Shuffle” get people out of their seats and on the dance floor. In fact, you’re most likely to get people of all ages dancing when you play these songs. While it might not be “cool,” be sure to play a mix of these songs throughout the event to keep all of your guests in good spirits. 

Additionally, be mindful of how obscure your music selection gets. Even though it is your big day, try to include a mix of popular tracks and songs that align with your tastes. This will keep the energy levels high and encourage people to dance.

Allow Requests

Finally, it is usually a wise idea to allow guests to make requests throughout the event. If a friend or family member thinks that a certain song will improve the vibe of the reception or get more people dancing, then provide the ability to get that tune played. Most entertainers will have no problem with requests, but you should still discuss it with the vendor in advance. Too many requests can throw off the DJ’s own playlists, so giving a bit of advance notice can help with timing out the music. 

Get Up and Dance

Picking the right songs for your wedding might take a bit of time, but there are plenty of ways to discover tunes that bring your event to life. As long as the music you choose gets everyone on the dance floor, you’ve made the right choice.

An Overview of Different Wedding Photography Styles

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

Your wedding day is going to be a whirlwind of activities and emotions. Between greeting guests, following an itinerary, and handling last-minute details with vendors, you may find it difficult to stop and appreciate the hard work you’ve put into making this day come to life. This is why you want to find the right photographer to capture this special moment. Reviewing different wedding photography styles can help you feel confident about your choice. Consider these options and determine which aesthetic suits you best.

Going With a Classic Approach

Though there are many ways to go about your wedding photos, you may find the traditional method most appealing. Classic wedding photography involves a mix of posed portraits and group shots. The photographer will gather the couple, the wedding party, and specific relatives and friends to take a variety of staged pictures. If this is your preferred style, you want to hire a professional with a lot of experience directing large groups, especially if there are children involved. The photographer should also have familiarity with posing people naturally and effortlessly. 

Capturing the Romance

In recent years, many couples have opted for a light and airy aesthetic. Essentially, this style involves taking photos that utilize natural light to set a tone that is both romantic and whimsical. A professional specializing in this kind of photography may also prefer taking some pictures on film, as classic cameras produce a subtle grain that gives a soft texture to the finished product. Though this option can work for any event, it is ideal for outdoor weddings or during the spring and summer. 

Telling a Story

Staged photos may not be your preference. Some people find posing for pictures to be unnatural and awkward, which is why another popular choice to consider is candid photography. With this method, the photographer will act like a fly on the wall of your event and capture pictures without getting in the way of the celebration. The end result tells the story of your big day as it actually happened, showcasing you and your guests enjoying the festivities naturally. Photographers with a background in journalism often excel with this aesthetic. 

Creating a Mood

Do you have a flair for the dramatic? If so, you may want your wedding photos to capture your epic personality. Some photographers are exceptional at creating a specific mood that stands out from other wedding pictures you have seen. Examples of moody photography can include warm tones, oversaturated colors, and bright flashes. This style combines fashion photography and traditional wedding pictures, creating a finished product that perfectly showcases your sense of adventure. Explore sites such as Pinterest and Tumblr to get a better feel for the different ways to go about using mood-driven photos. 

Finding the Right Emotion

Since weddings tend to be emotional events, you may want your photos to reflect everything you’re feeling on your big day. A photographer who centers his or her work around emotional responses can deliver pictures that perfectly capture everything you experienced during this milestone. Instead of using a traditional approach of asking you to stand and pose, the photographer will interact more with you and your guests. He or she might ask you to tell the story of how you met your partner or recall a funny anecdote to capture the intense, beautiful emotions that flow forth. 

Discovering the Best Style

Picking the right photography style for your wedding is no small task. Take time to explore the variety of aesthetics available to you and discover a fit that perfectly reflects your tastes.

Connect With Your Partner Before Your Wedding With These Ideas

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

The months leading to your wedding are going to be packed with an array of tasks and activities connected to your big day. For many couples, this leads to all of their free time being consumed by planning responsibilities. Unfortunately, this also brings about tension and frustration. To avoid this, you must spend time with your partner who is dedicated to undertakings that are unrelated to your wedding. Explore these ideas and find ways to keep the fires alive as you prepare for your nuptials. 

Keep Communicating

Conversation is key to a healthy relationship. Naturally, what you talk about makes a world of difference when it comes to how the conversations enrich your connection. During the wedding planning process, it is important to frequently check in with your significant other. Talk about how he or she is feeling and what you can do to alleviate any building stress. You should also have chats about mundane and inconsequential topics. Talk about your daily routines, thoughts about current pop culture stories, and fun facts you’ve learned about topics you find interesting. 

It may seem simple, but having time for idle chatter can help you decompress during stressful times. Plus, it strengthens your relationship by showing your partner that you are there to lend an ear or shoulder whenever the time arises. 

Commit Random Acts of Kindness

When you first met your partner, you likely spent more time and effort on little surprises. This is because the early phases of a relationship are built on such little gestures. Sadly, most people tend to commit fewer acts of kindness as they spend more time with their romantic partners. To keep the passion alive in your relationship, see how you can improve your partner’s day with little action. Running a bath and lighting candles when your significant other is coming home from a stressful day is a great example of a little action with a big emotional impact.

Look Back

It stands to reason you decided to marry your partner because you’ve spent many years growing up together. One of the best ways to keep your connection strong as you plan for your wedding is by reminiscing together. Grab your phone and open some old albums you can swipe through. Talking and laughing about adventures you’ve had in the past can help you remember why you are enduring all of the stress of planning a wedding in the first place. Take this idea a step further by visiting locations you went to during your first dates. 

Practice Respect

Having mutual respect is vital to a strong marriage. Get into the habit early by showing your partner the thoughtfulness he or she deserves as you plan your wedding. For example, your partner might be asking you for input on reception decor. If you’re not responding to this request right away, your partner might take this as a sign of disrespect. Avoid this scenario by staying on top of your partner’s needs and being open and receptive to any ideas or tasks that may emerge. 

Go Away

Taking a trip somewhere can also be a good way to shed the stress of wedding planning for a bit. While a big trip may not be in your budget, taking a small trip somewhere local can still have a positive impact on your relationship. The main goal is to dedicate time to going somewhere private where the two of you can connect and remember why you’re getting married in the first place.

Strengthen Your Bond

While preparing to tie the knot can be a thrilling time in your life, it can also be a very frustrating period. To keep the connection you have with your partner strong, be sure to step back and dedicate time to tasks and activities that will enrich the bond you share.