The Proposal | 11.29.14
The Engagement | 6.6.15
The Wedding | 8.15.16
The Announcement | 7.12.16
First off Dustin and I want to express our sincere gratitude for all the love and support we have received throughout the years. Big or small y'all have impacted our lives so much. From the day Dustin asked me to be his wife, to now where we find ourselves preparing for our first child...all I can think is wow, God is good. He is so incredibly great!
There are so many reasons why marrying Dustin was the best decision of my life. I feel absolutely safe, incredibly loved, and forever cherished. All qualities I strive to return day in and day out. Marriage is such a beautiful thing that all in all requires hard work and dedication. In return marriage cultivates a lifetime of memories and enduring fulfillment.
One year of marriage has really provided a wealth of knowledge to both Dustin and I. We have learned patience is key and selflessness is success. We have a lot to learn and to me that's the best thing about moving through life with someone you love.
Here are the top 5 things marriage has taught me {so far}
1. Express gratitude: I think this is something that can be easily forgotten at times in any marriage/relationship. Whether it's a small gesture like picking up the bill, mowing the lawn, or putting together a new meal...saying "thank you" is always important. It shows a strong sense of appreciation and acknowledgement.
2. Don't forget to flirt: I'm very much a supporter of kissing, touching, and just plain flirting {hello, who isn't}? NO, that doesn't mean slapping on some strong PDA...but showing your spouse love by holding hands, cuddling up, or sending flirty texts is a way to keep things playful. Affection is KEY.
3. Communicate, ALWAYS: If it matters enough to you...discuss it. I don't think anything that makes you feel unsettled within or outside your marriage is silly. It's easy to tell ourselves to let things go and solve it on our own, but that's the beautiful thing about marriage. You have a life partner who is there to help you work through life's difficult moments. I find that when I try and work through certain situations on my own, I usually end up closing myself off too much. Building walls will only hurt a marriage. I trust that Dustin will talk through any difficult situation with me in the best way he is able. That resonates openness and trust.
4. Compliment often: In a world where there's so much sadness and negativity. Remember, giving out compliments never hurt anyone ;). I'll be the first to admit when you become comfortable around someone, like your spouse....it's easy to complain. Whether it be a bad day at work, one little thing not going right, complaining can become a habit. I've realized it's the little things like saying "your haircut looks great...or I love that you're so hardworking." Simply gestures and compliments don't go unnoticed!
5. Pick your battles, forgive: The dreadful.."pick your battles" advice that you may have heard from others actually makes a ton of sense {thanks mom}! With marriage and relationships, comes certain expectations. Like...cleaning up a certain way or wanting something done asap. This is something I've struggled with in the past and have learned to become better at. Do I still have my moments yes..but somethings are so minimal they become less important. It's okay to not agree on every little thing, it's healthy. Lastly, learn to forgive. No one is perfect and things will continue to come up throughout marriage. As long as you both put forth effort and discuss/agree upon an understanding, move forward and forgive.
I hope this speaks comfort to y'all in some kind of way as you navigate through the adventures of marriage! Dustin, baby A, and I are off to celebrate with some Italian food, mocktails, and mini-golf!
XOXO | Mandy Nicole
