Dating is like being on a tropical island. Everyone leaves you alone. You get to spend insane amounts of time together. You are truly in a bubble.
Then you get engaged, which we call The Hour of Bliss. The moment you say "yes", you have created in-laws and have begun the extremely complicated process of joining two families.
Your tropical island life is over whether you're ready or not!
Having grown up as the daughter of a famous family therapist father, I found myself in a strange new world when I became engaged. After deciding to use myself as an experiment on how to avoid the wedding industry and instead have an “intentional” engagement, I quickly realized that wedding planning offered tremendous opportunities to learn about relationships, marriage, and family life.
I experienced drama myself and read thousands of internet posts from brides who were overwhelmed by the interpersonal stresses of weddings–such as divorced parents, difficult mothers in law, who to invite, and unsupportive friends—and invited my marriage and family therapist father to help uncover the family systems principles behind these stories. Out of these father-daughter conversations came a book and website to help engaged couples where they are—planning a wedding with their loved ones.
Find me on Twitter at @TheFirstDance and check out the large website, The First Dance that offers many ways to get marriage preparation (counselors or DIY) AND sound wedding advice.
Find more marriage advice here.
