Tag: relationships

Wedding for Kermit and Ms Piggy, and Many Others

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There is typically an element of uncertainty in any relationship as to whether a couple will ultimately end up together and get married. In some cases, the drama is more exhaustive than others; Kermit and Ms Piggy are one such example. Their relationship has been a work in progress since the 70’s and has persevered through TV shows, video games, theme park appearances and many movies, including the recently released “Muppets Most Wanted.” Here are some other Hollywood couples who have had their own turbulent relationships.

Carrie and Mr. Big

The relationship of “Sex and the City’s” Carrie Bradshaw and Mr. Big held fans of the series captive for six seasons. Many hearts were broken along the way, including Carrie’s several times; most famously when they were supposed to get married and Big left her standing at the altar in a Cinderella wedding gown. At the series’ conclusion Mr. Big follows Carrie to Paris and convinces her to come back to New York so they can be together.

Carrie and Brody

Carrie and Brody from “Homeland” definitely have challenges in their relationship. In this popular Showtime series, she is a CIA officer with a bi-polar disorder and he is a Marine Corp sniper who was previously held captive by Al-Qaeda. There have certainly been cloak and dagger elements to Kermit and Ms Piggy’s relationship, but the Homeland characters may have more riding on the outcome.

Olivia Pope and President Fitzgerald Grant

Even though “Scandal’s” President Fitzgerald Grant is the most powerful man on the plant, he and Olivia Pope can’t seem to make their relationship to work, no matter how hard they try. When evaluating relationships with challenges, one that involves a married president trying to have an extramarital affair with a former employee and trying to run the country at the same time is in a class by itself.

Ross and Rachel

No list of “on again off again” relationships would be complete without Rachel and Ross of “Friends.” Their ups and downs were chronicled over 10 years of the hit TV show. In the last season, they finally get their happy ending; Rachel is on her way to Paris to start a new job and Ross convinces her he loves her and gets her to stay in New York.

There are many great relationship sagas; some are personal and private and others play out on the big screen, like the one between Kermit and Ms Piggy. No matter your preferences, it can sometimes be hard to predict which couples will get married and which ones will not.

Keep the Romance Alive While Planning Your Big Day

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A lot of effort tends to go into planning a large event such as a wedding. From hiring an exceptional caterer to picking out floral arrangements, you may find your focus is entirely fixed on making your big day as perfect as can be. However, this means your attention might be taken away from your significant other. Since the whole reason you’re getting married is because you love and cherish your partner, it is important to find ways to strengthen your connection. Look over these ideas to find inspiration on how to keep the romance alive.

 

Make Time for Other Activities

While there might be a lot of items on your to-do list, planning your wedding should not eat up all of your available time. To keep the fire burning in your relationship, you must consciously dedicate a part of your schedule to activities you can enjoy with your partner. For example, if you both like to play tennis, set aside some time each week when you can go and let off some steam on the court. If you’re avid readers, visit your local library or an independent bookstore to find some new stories.

Watch Movies Centered Around Love

Another easy way to spend time with your significant other is by watching a movie together. Instead of picking any old title from Netflix, look for content that has strong romantic themes. Watching movies centered around love can be a perfect activity for bringing you and your partner closer together. Whether you decide to check out a classic like “Casablanca” or something more modern like “Call Me by Your Name” or “The Notebook,” watching romance movies can easily invigorate the bond you share. 

Buy Cute Gifts for Each Other

It is no secret that putting together a wedding is an expensive endeavor. While you may feel like you don’t have money in the budget for extraneous purchases, it can be important to find some cash for buying each other little gifts of love. A great way to approach this idea is by grabbing presents that get you excited for the big day. Matching robes or hats are good examples of this, as you can have them monogrammed with your initials or a message like “Newlywed #1.”

A gift does not always have to be a physical item, either. Some people prefer experiences as presents. If you have the funds, consider taking a weekend trip to somewhere nearby. This is a lovely way to bond with each other and focus on your relationship instead of your wedding. 

Revisit Your Favorite Memories

If you’re worried about money, it is important to keep in mind that some activities don’t cost a thing. One of the absolute best ways to strengthen the connection you share is by sitting down together and reminiscing. Depending on how long you’ve been together, you likely have accrued many photos and videos from over the years. Now is an ideal time to take a walk back in time and look over all of these cherished moments. 

You can even turn an activity like this into something more substantial. Print out your favorite pictures and arrange them in a scrapbook. Not only will this make for a cherished memento of your relationship, but you can also bring the finished product to your wedding for guests to look over as they enjoy the reception. You may also wish to submit some of these pictures and video clips to your wedding photographer to have them displayed as a slideshow over the course of your event. 

Rediscover Your Love

The whole point of getting married is to share the rest of your life with a person you cannot imagine living without. Keep this in mind while planning your big day and be sure to set aside as much time as possible for strengthening and celebrating your connection.

Keep the Romance Alive While Planning Your Big Day

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

A lot of effort tends to go into planning a large event such as a wedding. From hiring an exceptional caterer to picking out floral arrangements, you may find your focus is entirely fixed on making your big day as perfect as can be. However, this means your attention might be taken away from your significant other. Since the whole reason you’re getting married is because you love and cherish your partner, it is important to find ways to strengthen your connection. Look over these ideas to find inspiration on how to keep the romance alive.

 

Make Time for Other Activities

While there might be a lot of items on your to-do list, planning your wedding should not eat up all of your available time. To keep the fire burning in your relationship, you must consciously dedicate a part of your schedule to activities you can enjoy with your partner. For example, if you both like to play tennis, set aside some time each week when you can go and let off some steam on the court. If you’re an avid reader, visit your local library or an independent bookstore to find some new stories.

Watch Movies Centered Around Love

Another easy way to spend time with your significant other is by watching a movie together. Instead of picking any old title from Netflix, look for content that has strong romantic themes. Watching movies centered around love can be a perfect activity for bringing you and your partner closer together. Whether you decide to check out a classic like “Casablanca” or something more modern like “Call Me by Your Name” or “The Notebook,” watching romance movies can easily invigorate the bond you share. 

Buy Cute Gifts for Each Other

It is no secret that putting together a wedding is an expensive endeavor. While you may feel like you don’t have money in the budget for extraneous purchases, it can be important to find some cash for buying each other little gifts of love. A great way to approach this idea is by grabbing presents that get you excited for the big day. Matching robes or hats are good examples of this, as you can have them monogrammed with your initials or a message like “Newlywed #1.”

A gift does not always have to be a physical item, either. Some people prefer experiences as presents. If you have the funds, consider taking a weekend trip to somewhere nearby. This is a lovely way to bond with each other and focus on your relationship instead of your wedding. 

Revisit Your Favorite Memories

If you’re worried about money, it is important to keep in mind that some activities don’t cost a thing. One of the absolute best ways to strengthen the connection you share is by sitting down together and reminiscing. Depending on how long you’ve been together, you likely have accrued many photos and videos from over the years. Now is an ideal time to take a walk back in time and look over all of these cherished moments. 

You can even turn an activity like this into something more substantial. Print out your favorite pictures and arrange them in a scrapbook. Not only will this make for a cherished memento of your relationship, but you can also bring the finished product to your wedding for guests to look over as they enjoy the reception. You may also wish to submit some of these pictures and video clips to your wedding photographer to have them displayed as a slideshow throughout your event. 

Rediscover Your Love

The whole point of getting married is to share the rest of your life with a person you cannot imagine living without. Keep this in mind while planning your big day and be sure to set aside as much time as possible for strengthening and celebrating your connection.

Woman Vows To Be Submissive in Wedding

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A woman has vowed to be submissive in her wedding vows to her husband during their wedding ceremony. The woman, whose video was posted to Twitter, stated that she would submit to her husband during their marriage as she kneeled in front of him. A bridesmaid held the microphone as she made this promise, stating that she would follow her husband and build the home as a submissive wife. She referenced their faith in God and said that their marriage went beyond love and was part of a covenant made before God.

While cheers, applause, and whistles can be heard from the crowd, others on social media do not agree with the bride’s vows, kneeling, or promises to be submissive. Many felt that the kneeling was excessive and that the couple should be seen as equal partners in their relationship. 

Proverbs 31 Wife

Supporters of the bride’s vows to be submissive feel that they reflect the Biblical idea of how a wife should act. These supporters mainly reference Proverbs 31, which describes characteristics such as nobility, eagerness to work, generosity, selflessness, and prioritizing the needs of others.

They also cite the New Testament, where wives are told to submit to their husbands, and husbands are instructed to love their wives as Christ loved the church.

What Does It Mean To Be Submissive?

People may have different interpretations of what the term “submissive” means. For a person who wants to be submissive to their partner, it typically means they want their significant other to be in charge. How extensive this can be will vary on a case-by-case basis.

For example, some individuals may want to be submissive only in the bedroom, while others want their partner to make all major life decisions for them. Examples of this include:

  • Asking for permission to make big purchases
  • Seeking your partner’s approval before making changes to the home’s decor or style
  • Letting your partner decide what foods you eat
  • Giving your partner control over how the kids should be raised

Consent Is Key 

As long as both partners willingly and comfortably participate in this type of relationship, it can be healthy and fulfilling. However, many marriage experts agree that a relationship like this is not sustainable long term. Not only will the submissive partner likely start to suffer from low self-esteem and depression, but they may also begin to harbor bitter feelings toward their partner. For this reason, if either participant is uninterested in taking a submissive position or feels uncomfortable with their role in the relationship, they must speak up. Again, it will only be a healthy relationship if it is fulfilling for both parties. 

If a submissive person changes their mind or someone doesn’t want to be submissive in the first place, then it is imperative that their partner respect and support their decision. Otherwise, the relationship can cross the line into abusive territory. The most critical aspect of these relationships is having consent from everyone involved.

Signs of an Unhealthy Submissive Relationship

A dominant partner can sometimes become too controlling toward their spouse, causing fear and anxiety. Because there can be a fine line between acceptable dominant behavior and abuse, it’s important to know the signs of an unhealthy submissive relationship. A submissive person who frequently appears timid, displays body language indicating discomfort, or seems insecure is likely not in a healthy relationship.

For now, the husband and wife featured on Twitter are on the same page about her submission to him. However, only time will tell whether this will work long-term or if the relationship will have to shift from a submissive relationship to a partnership.

Five Ways To Help Guests Who Attend Your Destination Wedding

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Have you always dreamed of a destination wedding? Have you always wanted to leave the confines of your small town and get married somewhere luxurious? If this has always been your plan and you can afford it, you should make it happen. First, however, there are several things you should do to help make the trip easier for the friends and family that you would like to attend.

Limit the Guest List

Chances are most people in your life won’t be able to come to your wedding if it isn’t local. Whether it’s because of money, time, or lack of child care, it’s hard for people to get away. For this reason, you should limit your guest list as much as possible. Instead, aim for close friends and family who you think will be able to and want to make the trip. Doing this gives you a better idea of who can attend, which will make planning much easier for everybody.

Offset Costs However Possible

Your guests will likely spend a lot of money when paying for travel, lodging, food, and other miscellaneous expenses. See what you can do to help offset the costs of your wedding. Even things such as providing some of the meals can go a long way.

In addition, you can rent a larger space where your guests can stay. This shouldn’t cost you too much money but would help with the affordability of your guests’ trip. If you can’t afford that, call around and see what deals hotels in the area offer. You may save some money by booking several hotel rooms at once, and you can find some at different price points so that guests can stay within their lodging budget.

Tell Them As Soon as Possible

Let your guests know the date and location as soon as possible. The more time they have to plan, the easier for them to come. Solidifying a date and place should be the first thing you do to give your guests as much time as possible to make travel arrangements.

In addition, provide them with an itinerary you plan to stick with. This shows them the more specific times they will need to be available. For example, if you have family who will need to be in photos, giving them that information will be helpful for them.

Reach Out to Those Who Can’t Come

Some guests simply cannot afford the time or money to attend your wedding. Ensure you clarify that this is not an expectation and that you completely understand if they cannot come. Consider having a brunch or party locally that they can attend to celebrate your wedding, so they feel like they were still a part of your special day. During this event, you can share photos and tell stories about your wedding day and the days surrounding it.

Put Less Expensive Gifts on the Registry

Many of your guests will be spending a lot of money to attend your wedding. For this reason, consider putting some inexpensive items on your wedding registry. This will help if they cannot afford both the trip and an expensive wedding present. You may also consider letting them know that they do not have to get you a gift but that their presence at your wedding is enough.

These are several ways you can make the experience for your guests a bit easier, which makes it more likely that you will have a good turnout. By doing what you can to help prevent this from being a stressful experience, you are helping ensure that your wedding will be a wonderful time and a great vacation for anyone who can attend.

An Overview of Different Wedding Photography Styles

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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.

A Look at Wedding Superstitions

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When you think of wedding traditions, you may think of things like the bride wearing white, throwing the bouquet, and the groom not seeing the bride before the wedding. While modern wedding couples may not use these somewhat old-fashioned traditions as frequently now, they are still often the framework for how the wedding ceremony will go.

Many of these traditions are the result of superstitions. For example, many cultures believe that wearing a particular color, performing a specific ritual, or following a certain set of rules will ensure that the wedding is prosperous and will have good luck. These traditions and superstitions can vary widely in different cultures.

Something Old, Something New

Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue suggests that the bride wears something in each category for good luck. Something old represents the bride’s past, something new represents her new life, something borrowed represents good luck from someone who has had a good marriage, and something blue represents love, fidelity, and purity. This tradition originated in England back in the 19th century.

Bride Wears Red

The Chinese believe the bride wearing red will bring luck and good fortune to the marriage. The bride may also have a red veil to help ward off evil spirits and show as a symbol of her purity. However, no wedding guest should wear red, as the wedding couple may see it as a sign of disrespect.

Exchanging Garlands of Flowers

An Indian tradition is for the bride and groom to exchange garlands of flowers during the wedding ceremony. Afterward, the bride and groom give each other gifts. This is symbolic of two souls meeting, as well as the merging of two families of traditions and customs into one.

Asking the Father for Permission

A longstanding tradition is a groom asking the bride’s father’s permission to propose. This blessing is seen as a sign of good luck and is believed to lead to a successful marriage. However, many do not ask for the father’s permission and propose despite the lack of the father’s blessing. This tradition can be complicated if the bride has no relationship with her father or if the father has a different idea of what kind of man should marry his daughter than she does.

Dangerous Wedding Traditions

These wedding traditions and superstitions are harmless, but some can be dangerous. For example, a Chinese bride was forced to sit in a basket for five hours to encourage her good temper. As she sat in the basket, her feet could not touch the floor, and she was not allowed to move. This ritual could have caused issues for the bride if she had low blood sugar or got dizzy during the process.

In addition to helping her have a good temper, it is also believed that this ritual brings good luck to the husband’s family. However, many people were outraged at the practice, calling it outdated and unnecessary. 

Decline in Weddings

Not only have weddings become more untraditional over the years, but they are also declining. Many people find they are happy enough being in a committed relationship, and some even believe that weddings are bad luck and would hurt the relationship. Some use the tongue-in-cheek expression that 100% of divorces start with marriage. Not to mention, the stress of wedding planning and expectations makes them believe the wedding is not worth it.

If you plan on getting married, whether you decide to implement some of these traditions depends on your culture and whether you are superstitious. However, you may believe that getting married is a bad luck charm for your relationship and decide to stay content with how you are. 

Tips for Including Your Pet at Your Wedding

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Bringing a pet into your family is one of the most special and unique experiences you can have in life. As you begin to plan your wedding day, you might notice that you can’t stop thinking about what your beloved furry friend will be up to while you’re busy getting hitched. Why not include them in the events? Here are 10 tips to help you include your pet at your ceremony and other marriage festivities.

1. Check with Your Venue

Before diving into pet-related plans, check with your favorite wedding venues about their pet policies. Some places may have restrictions, so it’s crucial to confirm that they are pet-friendly. If they are, inquire about any specific guidelines they may have for bringing animals onto the premises. Alternatively, you may choose an outdoor or backyard venue to accommodate your four-legged pal.

2. Choose the Right Role

If your heart will be happier with your pet by your side on this momentous day, pick a role for them to play. Popular options include:

  • Ring bearer
  • Flower pet
  • “Best Dog” or cat, etc.
  • Guest greeter

Consider your pet’s temperament and training to determine the best fit. If your furry friend is calm and well-behaved, then walking down the aisle will be a breeze.

3. Practice Makes Perfect

Rehearse with your pet leading up to the big day. Familiarize them with the venue, and train them to do the specific actions they’ll be performing during the ceremony. Regular practice will help them feel more comfortable and confident on the actual day.

4. Pick Pet-Friendly Attire

Design their outfit early. A cute bowtie, floral collar, or even a tiny tuxedo can add charm to your pet’s appearance. Ensure that whatever you choose is comfortable for them to wear and won’t cause any distress.

5. Designate a Pet Handler

Assign someone you trust to be your pet’s handler on the wedding day. This person can be responsible for bringing your pet to the venue, taking them for bathroom breaks, and ensuring they are comfortable and well-behaved throughout the celebration. Having a dedicated handler allows you to focus on enjoying your special day without worrying about your pet’s well-being.

6. Capture the Moment

Work with your photographer to plan shots that include your pet. Discuss specific poses or shots you have in mind to ensure nothing is missed.

7. Embrace a Pet-Related Theme

To let your guests know how much your pet means to you, add in some pet-themed decor, reception goodies, and signature cocktails that display your love of animals. Including your pet in the overall theme of the wedding adds a cohesive and personal touch to the entire event.

8. Pet-Safe Treats

Offer safe treats for your pet to enjoy during your event. Whether it’s a special cake, dog-friendly cupcakes, or treats they love, having something to reward them for their good behavior is a thoughtful touch.

9. Plan for Breaks

Pets, like humans, can get tired or overwhelmed. Plan for breaks in your pet’s schedule to allow them some downtime. This is especially important if your celebration lasts for an extended period.

10. Inform Your Guests

Let people know that your pet will attend your wedding. This is particularly important for guests with allergies or fear of animals, but it may also inspire your friends to bring their companions along too.

You should get to spend your wedding day with those who are closest to you, including your furry family members. Whether you simply bring them along to the venue so you can check on them throughout the day or you arrange for your pet to be part of the ceremony, your animal companion will love being near you for such an important occasion.

Bringing a pet into your family is one of the most special and unique experiences you can have in life. As you begin to plan your wedding day, you might notice that you can’t stop thinking about what your beloved furry friend will be up to while you’re busy getting hitched. Why not include them in the events? Here are 10 tips to help you include your pet at your ceremony and other marriage festivities.

You should get to spend your wedding day with those who are closest to you, including your furry family members. Whether you simply bring them along to the venue so you can check on them throughout the day or you arrange for your pet to be part of the ceremony, your animal companion will love being near you for such an important occasion.

Connect With Your Partner Before Your Wedding With These Ideas

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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.