It seems so surreal: 10 days to go before I’ll be walking down the aisle and saying “I do.” 

After months and months of planning, that day is finally almost here! Many friends and family members have been emailing me this week asking me how I’m feeling, and also reminding me to have fun and not let the day get away too fast. I’ve heard from past brides it does go very quickly. 

Last night, Nick and I were sitting on the couch crossing off some of our final to-dos when I got to thinking. On November 10, we are merging our lives together forever. This is a big deal. Both of us are very independent and have done OK on our own. We have been dating for over three years, but it will be different once we are married. I will no longer be known as just Tiffany, I will always be associated with another person. It will not only be my life, it will be our life. I can’t just make a decision; I have to get Nick’s input and we have to make decisions together. Yes…lots of changes.

Speaking of change, not only is my life changing, but our parents’ lives are changing, too. I never realized through this whole process how planning for a marriage affects your immediate families. Our family traditions, such as holidays, are adjusting, as I have to celebrate holidays with Nick’s family now, too. The family dynamic is evolving; we now have five family members, not four. 

And there is the separation process. Not only is my “leaving” our family of four hard on my parents, but it has also been hard on me at times. My family has always been there for me—always. Whenever something happened, good or bad, I always went to my family first. If I needed help or advice, or even a few extra dollars, my family was always there to lend a helping hand. The separation process for our family has been one of constant evolution and I have a feeling it will continue that way as my life continues to grow.

As I get down to the final to-dos, I circle back to the meaning of what marriage is all about. A legal union, a merging of two lives and a promise to love one another unconditionally. Isn’t that last part what it’s all about: that no matter what happens, you will love your spouse and they will love you? It’s a commitment on many levels and probably the most important commitment you’ll make in your entire life.

I am ready for this moment.

I’ve been dreaming about it since I was a little girl. And the promise I’m making to myself on my wedding day is to remember the real reason we are doing this. Not the cake, the flowers or the band—it’s about making a commitment based on love, trust and faith, and starting an amazing lifetime journey with the man I love.

In fact, as I write this blog, I just received a text from Nick: “My suit fits. I love you.” That he can still say “I love you” as tensions mount is a pretty good feeling. So here’s to change, life and happiness! 

Cheers,
Tiffany

PS: Brides-to-be, how are you feeling about your upcoming wedding? Married ladies, did you feel this way, too?