My Beautiful Life

Written with love, by Jaime Glonek

As I see my reflection, my heart starts to race. It's the power of the dress. I see the girl I used to be and the woman I want to be both staring back at me. I see flaws and I see perfection. I see anxiety and I see love. I want my forever but all I see is my now. There are things that I should be stressing about-the food, the venue and even the weather. But, all I can think about is that moment.. the moment of no return. The moment I see him. The instant in time that I lose my breath and have tunnel vision. Everything seems extraordinary and nothing else seems to matter. I don't expect my fairy tale day because in him and our love, I am home. 

Fast forward to my "every day life." It's just one month until I become a Mrs. to my best friend. I have been engaged for six months and have not been stressed in the slightest bit. I just don't understand how so many girls get so caught in the detail of planning that they completely forget to enjoy the experience. I've been alongside my soon-to-be husband for almost seven years and it has been the most influential seven years of my life - through love, health, and change.

It's now crunch time and I should be analyzing every detail. Every decision should make or break the day. I take a step back and my eyes glaze over. I crave stability but find everything but. 

An engagement, as well as planning a wedding, can be a very stressful time. We aren't used to having to make so many decisions, spend the allotted money from our budget, and plan the perfect night for our guests. It's easy to become overwhelmed. It's easy to become stressed. With stress comes mindless, binge eating. You know, the homemade red velvet cupcake or the monstrous bowl of chocolate-laden froyo. That kind of emotional eating always makes us feel better.. right? That is where we are wrong. By reversing the cycle and fueling our bodies with PROPER nutrition, we will feel so much better. Not only will we stress less about fitting into our ever-so-tight bridal gowns, but we will be sleeping better, thinking more clearly, and have a better focus on the wedding. 

I can honestly say that my nutrition has helped me overcome many stressful decisions during my engagement. Eating whole, real foods, along with adequate amounts of water has helped put my mind and body at ease. I cannot wait to share with you more about how to stay focused on your goals throughout your engagement. I hope to be able to de-stress you during this busy (and very exciting) time in your life. 

As I see my reflection a little bit clearer, I realize I am not even looking at myself in the mirror in my wedding dress. I am looking at my future of happiness, healthiness, and handsomeness. And I couldn't be more elated.

Today on the Bridal Boutique: Something Blue Bridal Heels by Badgley Mischka

If you’re looking for a super glam something blue, then look no further! These Badgley Mischka heels are the perfect shade of Cinderella blue to make your big day dreams come true. We all know that for many of you, it’s all about the shoes and on your wedding day, and these will be the ones to make the perfect statement. The peep toe and jeweled accent create an elegant vintage look and they’d be adorable with a tea length dress or a floor length one! For our glamazons out there, these shoes are everything. They're also available in a variety of colors such as blush, teal and the classic white!

Shop them below and don't forget to subscribe to the blog on the right so you don't miss out on next week's amazing bridal boutique item!

Badgley Mischka in Social Media

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If you have any comments, feedback, or even suggestions for products,
please feel free to contact us at meredith@theoverwhelmedbride.com

All photos courtesy of Bleudog Fotography

3 Things I Love About You

Written with love, by Pastor Dave Page

Have you ever noticed how so many weddings seem the same? I seek to perform weddings that are meaningful and memorable. The key to achieving this goal is to personalize each ceremony - no cookie-cutter weddings allowed. Every couple is distinct and every couple has a story. It is my job as the officiant to help couples tell their story in a way that reflects their uniqueness, beliefs, and beauty.

I came up with a new element that I call 3 Things I Love About You. I ask couples to give me three things they love and appreciate about their fiancé and summarize these up in three words. I then ask them to write a couple sentences for each word that describes exactly what they love and appreciate so much about their future spouse. If they desire it to be a surprise on their wedding day, I ask they email me the three things separately. They then have the choice to either have me read it to their fiancé or read it themselves.

Here is a real life example:

3 Things Mark Loves About Heather:

1. Her beauty - I often just stand and stare at her from a distance. I am and have been taken back ever since I met her eight years ago. She is my take on what beauty is. Not only from a physical standpoint but also from a beautiful heart standpoint - it's all encompassing.   

2. Her support - She supports and loves for me no matter where I am in my crazy head and no matter where I am in life. She constantly is my support, no matter if I was a bagger at a grocery store or the CEO of a multibillion-dollar company. I love that about her. 

3. Her communication - The way we can communicate is like no other I have met. It's what all should strive for. We flow and it's a natural flow. I love to hear her stories of the day. It's like a movie every night - all I need is popcorn. 

3 Things Heather Loves About Mark:

1. His passion - Mark has a passion for life. From love to work and everything between – he has it!

2. His compassion - Mark approaches everyone and everything with love. I feel so grateful to have someone who loves me this much.

3. His humility - With all that Mark has accomplished, with all he has and is, he remains humble.

3 Things

Why 3 things? There is something magical about the number three. The secret of effective communication is found in the power of three. We find things easier to follow when we can break them down and remember three key things. Many familiar stories are centered on this concept of three: The Three Blind Mice, The Three Little Pigs, The Three Stooges, Three Amigos, as well as Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

I Love and Appreciate

I believe love and appreciation are the greatest gifts we can give to another human being. On the biggest day of your life, why not give the best gift you can to your fiancé by telling and showing them how much they really mean to you. The best way to do this is by speaking from the bottom of your heart.

Take a cue from Wedding Crashers: Rachel McAdams’ character wanted to be funny in her toast. Owen Wilson: “I think you're better off going with something from the heart.” Rachel McAdams: “I think people are going to like this.” Wilson: “I think you're going to hear crickets.” Unsurprisingly, Wilson’s character was right.

The words you exchange to each other during your wedding ceremony should be about vocalizing the true love your heart feels for this person. Expressing your heartfelt appreciation for your partner is not just for the wedding – it is essential to your ability to create happiness, fulfillment, and a healthy relationship throughout your marriage.

About You (The other person)

Simply put, it’s not about you. Love is about putting the needs of the other person above your own. It’s all about encouraging and building them up. The amazing result is that as you seek to meet their needs, your needs will be met in return.