At the most recent June wedding we attended, I was brought to tears by a tenor when he hit the high note in Mollette’s arrangement of “The Lord’s Prayer.”  My goosebumps continued when the bells of the cathedral chimed for the newly minted “Mr. & Mrs.”

We retired to a reception at the local country club.  Little white lights twinkled and the menus were written on chalk boards.

The shrimp and crab cakes dissolved into blissful mouthfuls.  An acclaimed regional band played beach music.

May the newlyweds find their path ahead filled with delectable scallops all the days of their life.  Symbolically, of course.  I love them and their respective sets of parents dearly.  We were truly delighted to be partaking in the family’s blessing.

Many couples only aspire to this kind of magnificence to christen their union.

And so, I’m taking this opportunity to share my personal and somewhat counter-cultural philosophy regarding the reception.

I am all over a celebration, especially when you are joyously surrounded by the dearest people of your life.  Savor the moment, because the next time such a precious crowd gathers might be at your funeral (or when your winning Powerball ticket is announced).

Society’s  ‘Affluenza,’  Disney, and bridal shows on cable tv have created Reception Mania for the Princess Bride.  It’s very good for the local economy.  But, it sets up unrealistic expectations for many little girls and some boys, too.

Who says one last hurrah for the soon-to-be-dirt-poor couple is such a bad thing…..???  It’s not bad as long as no one is taking out a loan to boogie.

Savor the shining moment of romance.  But, the wedding reception isn’t what really matters.

The days AFTER the wedding are what matter.  What matters is how you hone your life.  Sharpen your wisdom daily with the sword of God’s Word.  What matters is how you both embody the servant nature of Christ, let the Holy Spirit work in your heart and live it out in your marriage.

(And to be fair, the couple from this weekend understands this.)

All of us look back upon our weddings with sweet nostalgia.  I’m not slamming receptions.  I’m trying to encourage where the focal point should be.  

The ceremony and its decorations hold no indication or guarantee of future marital happiness.

Will you spend the majority of your pre-ceremony energy recreating your pinterest findings or in grabbing a marital advantage through the following list?

~Discuss what your faith will look like as a couple.

~Get pre-marital counseling (I would recommend from a pastor/minister with counseling education in their background, not all pastors/ministers have this)

~Read books like the ones in the­_generous_wife’s marriage library.

~Find a seasoned married pair who have fun being together and start a conversation.

~Find a divorced person and start a conversation about marriage.

~Celebrate your sexual union by reading things like: Preparing for the Wedding Night (hotholyhumorous.com)

future marital happiness is not always intuitive and definitely not dependent on a buffet line.

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Are you a grammar nazi?  Do you edit other people’s writing in your head?  If so, would you be willing to help me with a small chore?  I am offering two free Unlock Your Libido ebooks for a little help.  THANK YOU!!!!  ~ Bonny

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