Wow.  Writing this post is an absolute dream come true for me.  As I sit here, I am intimidated, inspired, excited and expectant while typing out my vision for this blog.  3 months ago I did not believe this would be coming to life, but with the help of Ross and Jenny at Flosites, many late nights with James (my husband) and my support system along with an amazing friend and mentor, Lara Casey, here we are.  And I couldn’t be happier.

This blog is about life. And living it to it’s full potential.  I like to use the term “wellness” when I describe my inspiration for this site because I feel like it is an encompassing term for what life should embody.

well-ness – noun

1. The quality or state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as a result of deliberate effort.

Let’s break it down.  This definition, as a whole, really hits the nail on the head when it comes to my reason for creating this community.  I want to encourage you as you journey through your wedding planning process to ready yourself for what comes after the wedding day: a marriage!  I feel more often than not, people do not go into a marriage equipped to succeed and flourish.  This is not about just making it (although every relationship hits rough spots), it is about feeling fulfilled in your relationship with each other and, as crazy as it sounds, your relationship with you.  My favorite section of this definition, by a long shot, says this: “as a result of deliberate effort.”  That’s right people, marriage takes work.  I’m with you in the rainbows and butterflies of it all and trust me, my husband rocks my world.  But what gives a marriage longevity and balance?  Deliberate effort by YOU.

We will cover topics such as: budgeting as a newlywed, keeping yourself healthy amid the stress,  weaving your story into the big day, making his man chair fit into your living room, communicating effectively, and what makes a “we”.  I intend to ask you hard questions, to challenge you to move outside your comfort zone, and to encourage you to push yourself to become a better person for your mate.

I by no means promise to be an expert but I do promise to learn alongside you from the incredible collaborators we have on board as well as to be transparent with you when it comes to my story, my daily struggles, my love and my triumphs.

XOXO,

Lauren