To Have, To Hold, And To Savor

Fine-art wedding photography by Catherine Truman Photography. Featured in Book 1 of The Southeastern Bride magazine.
Marriage begins to dangle its charms in front of her face with every venue she tours, every dress she tries on, and every cake she tastes. No longer a girlfriend, but not yet a wife, this bride-to-be hastily makes her wedding arrangements. She furiously checks items off her list, wishing this season would speed up, because there is too much to do, not enough time to do it, and she wishes she were just married already. 
What does it look like to actually live our engagements to the fullest, and not wish them away?

It’s touring apartments with your future spouse, picturing where your couch will go and giggling at the thought of sharing a space together. It’s getting your engagement pictures taken in 100% humidity, not even caring that you’re covered in sweat, because you’re holding hands with the person you love. It’s taking a celebratory selfie the second you book your honeymoon tickets. It’s turning those stressful invitation-addressing sessions into date nights, complete with pizza and a movie on in the background. It’s acknowledging each moment, those spent registering for linens, blenders, and china, having your first bridal shower, and coordinating color palettes as monumental. To me, savoring every bite is looking into Taylor’s bright blue eyes and simply saying in awe, “We’re getting married. We’re actually getting married.” It’s parking myself in that moment while taking mental photographs to hold onto forever.

But, savoring every moment doesn’t just include the sweet things. It’s savoring the bitter things also. It’s having to pare down the guest list, and realizing you don’t fit into your wedding dress quite right, and crying because every venue seems too small or too expensive or a terrible option if it were to rain. It’s sleepless nights editing your wedding website, and it’s stressing out over how in the world your budget will cover everything.

Whatever you do, stay in those moments. Feel it all. Be fully present, aware that these are the ups and downs and twists and turns of one of the most beautiful rides in life. At the end of it all, the day of your wedding is not characterized by how many guests were there or how perfect the table arrangements looked. It is the first day of marriage. The beginning of a lifetime of love. 

Fine-art wedding photography by Catherine Truman Photography. Featured in Book 1 of The Southeastern Bride magazine.

Fine-art wedding photography by Catherine Truman Photography. Featured in Book 1 of The Southeastern Bride magazine.

Fine-art wedding photography by Catherine Truman Photography. Featured in Book 1 of The Southeastern Bride magazine.

Fine-art wedding photography by Catherine Truman Photography. Featured in Book 1 of The Southeastern Bride magazine.

Fine-art wedding photography by Catherine Truman Photography. Featured in Book 1 of The Southeastern Bride magazine.

Fine-art wedding photography by Catherine Truman Photography. Featured in Book 1 of The Southeastern Bride magazine.

Acknowledgements 
Written By: Rachel Wescott, Photography: Catherine Truman Photography, Florist: The Farmer’s Florist. Model: Christie Craig, Venue: Whooping Crane Farm, Gown: White Dresses.