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Magazine Features

Behind The Scenes of the February Issue

by admin February 2, 2015

Liana Gonzales of Diva Dulce Photography and Josh Salinas of Josh & Co. teamed up this fall to create a breathtaking bridal shoot highlighting the natural beauty of Sinton, Texas, and the true love of two fashionable and gorgeous couples who both recently married in this lovely town. Andres and Carol Alaniz were married in January 2014 while Matthew and Megan Villareal tied the knot in April 2014. The couples, who met in grade school, maintained their relationships through college and were honored to host their weddings in Sinton right around the same time, and now once again, call Sinton home.

These two couples caught our interest because of their ability to stay connected. We thought it was so fun that they get to start a new chapter at the same time. These relationships are something special and it made our job easier that they are so good looking!

The shoot featured the grand oak trees that span across the grassy hills of Welder Park in Sinton, a park in which the couples played in as children. In contrast to the more subtle tones of their weddings (both have spotlights this issue), Josh Salinas envisioned more colorful jewelry, dramatic makeup, and bolder hair with loose curls and long locks for the fashion shoot. Necklaces and earrings were courtesy of Stella& Dot. Liana Gonzales wanted to make the best use of the natural scenery found in Welder Park and found amazing areas to photograph the couples as well as the brides individually. While some trees made for fabulous backgrounds, others were perfect for “climbing.”

Thankfully, with the help of Greg Ybarra as well as Charles Kimmel (and his truck!) and Kahaulani K. Babich (hair and makeup) the brides were able to be hoisted upon trees and pose, while still looking perfect. The shoot also took advantage of the abundant shade, peeks of sunshine, and even a small creek in Welder Park.

The session was so much fun for everyone involved and all agreed that this lovely location and the great company made for a perfect day. The grooms’ tuxedos were courtesy of Men’s Wearhouse. Carol’s dress was by Mori Lee and Meagan’s dress was from David’s Bridal. Thank you to all the contributors and sponsors for an amazing cover.

Find Liana Gonzales of Diva Dulce Photography at www.divadulcephoto.com, and Josh Salinas of Josh & Co. at 361-437-8989.

February 2, 2015

Features Magazine Wedding Spotlights

Dream Weddings by All Party Rentals

by admin October 20, 2014

If you want your wedding to be “distinctively different” then check out the beautiful and sophisticated style of Dream Weddings by All Party Rentals. They are currently featured in our article for the Reserve at Dancing Elk Ranch in our new October Issue!

Located in the Rio Grande Valley, Dream Weddings is setting the trends for South Texas Weddings. They specialize in every event from birthday parties to corporate events and they will be sure to accommodate your unique theme or special occasion. They were featured in numerous publications such as The Knot and Style Me Pretty to name a few.

For more information check out their website http://www.allpartyrentals.com or call (956) 381 – 9080

Photo by Anahi Navarro

October 20, 2014

Features Magazine

The Reserve at Dancing Elk Ranch

by admin October 17, 2014

For the couple looking for an inspiring and versatile venue space, wanting to enjoy the escape and luxury of a destination wedding without leaving South Texas, look no further than The Reserve at Dancing Elk Ranch. Just off highway 37 in Mathis, Texas, this brand new venue is about to put South Texas on the map, offering couples an all-out experience that will make memories for a lifetime.

Set amidst a picturesque hill country style 1500 acre ranch owned by Neurosurgeon Dr. Mathew Alexander, The Reserve at Dancing Elk boasts a litany of amenities that will capture the attention of not only brides, but grooms as well! Dr. Alexander admits that everything Dancing Elk has becoming is no accident. He purchased this land six years ago with the ultimate vision to make this an iconic wedding destination venue unlike any other.

The Reserve at Dancing Elk Ranch is not a location that can be fully appreciated in photos. You truly have to visit to take it all in, and I am certain it will leave an impression on you. The Reserve boasts a jaw-dropping 16,000 square feet of absolute style and elegance. Overhead, exposed wood beams offer a dramatic effect in the 30 foot ceilings. The entire space is bathed in gorgeous natural light, and all around there are touches of elegance and detail that create a sophisticated environment. What I loved most was that the space did not dictate the style. Any vision could be completed due to the versatility of the room whether the bride desires a rustic elegance or more modern theme. This space can comfortably seat 700 people with 2 full-service bars, a full kitchen, huge dance floor and even space for a live band on stage to boot. The Reserve can handle it all. Despite its massive size, even an intimate wedding could flourish and not be drowned out. This is a location that can completely transform to fit any size and style.

Through massive 12-foot double doors, a bride can make a breathtaking walk down the aisle onto the open-air cathedral-style ceremony patio. Simple and understated with a gorgeous vaulted ceiling and stone pillars, 250 guests can be seated comfortably with all of the appeal of the outdoors and the comfort of shade from our Texas sun. The imagination runs wild with the possibilities of how to decorate for a breathtakingly romantic set up in this unique ceremony space day or night.

The team here is extraordinary, offering a chance for couples to take creative initiative from menu to set up to entertainment. Guided by the expertise of event coordinator and gourmet chef, Steven Dienda, couples won’t be handed a limited menu of items to choose from. Instead, Steven will cater to unique taste buds, whether it be Southern comfort food or high-end fare. He is willing and able to create and deliver any marvelous spread your heart desires to meet your budget and tastes. Kristin Scott is the main event coordinator who will be your wedding guru at The Reserve, guiding you each step of the way and leaving no detail unfinished. Her husband, Jordan Scott, is the ranch manager and hunting guide – essentially the man’s man of the property. He expertly manages not only the game and wildlife, but also a nationally-recognized breeding program of many species of exotic hooved game, which includes several on the endangered species list.

Did I mention amenities? Where to begin? Well let’s start with the bride. A spacious loft overlooks the reception space – a perfect setup for hair and makeup and a lounge area to make preparation for your grand entrance relaxing and functional. The details in the bridal loft are right out of Pinterest wedding boards and create a very photo-worthy preparation process.

Close family and the wedding party can enjoy three guest quarters on the property. The main lodge serves as the ultimate bachelor pad with pool tables, flat screen TV’s and outdoor barbecue and fire pit. That lodge alone can sleep up to 24. The other two guest lodges provide both family accommodations and a more reserved escape for the honeymooners! Just 8 miles away, additional accommodations are available at a newly built hotel in Mathis.

Surrounding the beautifully landscaped premises are pastures of wild game that will give your destination wedding an exotic touch. Hooved wildlife from around the world, African Zebras, an infamous camel named Seymour, and soon to arrive Giraffes, along with exotic game species like Black buck, Axis deer and of course elk, ram and a herds of White Tail deer, all inhabit the Dancing Elk Ranch. Many of these exotics can be enjoyed by guests up close, while private guided hunts for deer, feral hog, dove and certain exotics can be arranged for an adventurous excursion before or after the wedding. Skeet shoots are a popular event for rehearsal day along with barbecues, outdoor games and fire pits for evening celebrations!

Continuing to describe The Reserve at Dancing Elk simply won’t do it justice. This is a must-see before you make your venue decision. Introductory wedding package rates are to be enjoyed by all 2014 & 2015 events, so contact Kristin or Steven today to discuss your date!

By Kateri Reyes

Photos by Anahi Navarro

The Reserve at Dancing Elk Ranch

313, CR 351 Mathis, TX 78368

Be sure to view them online at:

www.thereserveatdancingelk.com

Phone: 361-946-4812

Email: thereserve.kristen@yahoo.com

October 17, 2014

Features Magazine Wedding Spotlights

FIT BRIDE: Party, Party, Party

by admin October 15, 2014

The beginning of fall through New Year’s is full of parties. Throw in a bridal shower here and couples shower there and you have a recipe for a health and fitness train wreck. With the lack of sleep, the increased stress of planning a wedding, increase calories and alcohol you may be lucky to only gain a pound or two over the next few months. According to a study published in Nutrition Review in 2000, the average weight gain for an active individual during the holiday season is about 1 pound. The average weight gain for someone who is overweight or obese is closer to 5.

Below I am going to give you some tips to avoid the Holiday Party Hangover and keep you looking great in your dress for your big day. Your fiancé can also use these tips as well.

1. Purchase a Journal – This journal will be for you to write down everything you eat and drink. Counting calories is admirable but just noticing and documenting what you eat and drink can motivate you to get your butt in the gym after indulging in two pieces of cake at the party the night before.

2. Create a Baseline – If your normal routine is to workout hard two times per week and walk at least three times per week that is your baseline. Notice if you are sticking to your regular activity or is it getting interrupted. If it is interrupted find other times to workout and/or walk. If you need to do short intense bouts of exercise try air squats paired with forward and/or side planks. Keep the rest in between exercises short and the duration of your full workout short as well.

3. Sign Up for a Holiday Fitness Event – At my gym Pinnacle Performance and Fitness we run a Holiday Fitness Challenge to keep our clients accountable over the Holidays. If the gym isn’t your style maybe a few fun runs/walks will help keep you motivated through the Holidays.

4. Celebrate with Activity – You have heard it before, take a walk after your big Thanksgiving/Christmas dinner. Walking is a great suggestion but is pretty boring. What about playing a game that involves movement and laughter after a meal? Childhood games like freeze tag can all be played with adults with a few minor adjustments so no one gets hurt or overly aggressive.

5. Throw Your Own Party – If you want to control your party environment throw your own party. Prepare your healthy food options. Have low calorie drink options. Throw everyone out so you can get to bed on time. You set the theme and the time. Your friends will come have a good time and move on to the next party if they want to.

6. Bring Your Signature Dish – Most holiday parties they ask you to bring a dish. Why not bring a healthy dish? Someone will always bring a high carb/high fat choice. A few parameters you’re your dish may be; any lean protein with two or less legs is a good choice. Side dishes that are full of veggies and not in a casserole is a good choice and a dessert without crust and includes lots of fruit is also a safe choice.

7. Start with a Salad – Eating a green leafy salad before indulging in your holiday fare is a great choice. The salad will help fill you up with fiber and cancer fighting phytonutrients. This will help you from overeating the main course and/or desert. Be sure to skip the creamy dressings and stick with the lighter options like oil and vinegar.

8. Don’t Go Back for Seconds – Sometimes we go out to dinner before going to a holiday party and while at the party we have a “seconds”. Avoid getting “seconds”. Put a glass of water or sparkling water in your hand for an hour or so before reaching for any type of food or other beverage. Give your dinner time to digest.

9. Get Sleep – It is easy to let late night parties, alcohol and caffeine interrupt your sleep schedule. If you did one item on this list perfectly this is the one that would have the biggest impact on your body and your mind. Your body needs consistent sleep to burn more calories, to recognize hunger and fullness, and to reduce stress. Guard your sleep schedule. If you need to, take short 15 minute naps during the day.

10. The Clothes Test – Pick out your favorite pair of jeans that fits just right. Put them on just before your party season is in full swing and see how they feel. After a couple of weeks, put on those same pair of jeans and see how they feel. If there is no change, stick to what you are doing. If they are feeling tight, go over the list above and make modifications. If you can’t put them on you may need some professional help to keep you focused during the months to come.

I hope you have a great holiday season and the tips above will help keep you lean and tone during the months ahead.

-Adam Farrell

October 15, 2014

Features Magazine

Top 5 Wedding Songs

by admin October 14, 2014

After months of planning, being dragged to endless meetings, learning the difference between hydrangeas and lilacs, and being asked to taste test four different types of chicken, your wedding day is right around the corner. All of the details are finally coming together! One last meeting with the DJ and you’re done!

Of course, this is the meeting where your mind goes blank. You forgot your iPod, or you left your list of your favorite songs from college at home. All of a sudden, you can’t remember what song you and MawMaw were going to dance to. This was your moment! The music was the only thing you cared about, and now you’re drawing a blank! I’m here to help. Over the last 150 weddings I have DJed, I have compiled a list of the best songs for your special dances.

These are my top 5 picks for 2014

Entrance Songs:

1. Ray LaMontagne: You Are The Best Thing

2. Sam & Dave: Hold On, I’m Coming

3. Chris Brown: Forever

4. The Lumineers: Ho, Hey!

5. Beyonce: Crazy in Love

Cake Cutting:

1. The Archies: Sugar, Sugar

2. The Temptations: Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch

3. The Foundations: Build Me Up Buttercup

4. Stevie Wonder: Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours

5. Queen: You’re My Best Friend

First Dance:

1. John Legend: All Of Me

2. Keith Urban: Only You Can Love Me This Way

3. Dashboard Confessional: Stolen

4. Thompson Square: Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not

5. Stoney LaRue: Let Me Hold You

Father/Daughter Dance:

1. Heartland: I Loved Her First

2. Temptations: My Girl

3. Tom Petty: Wildflowers

4. T. Carter Music: Daddy’s Angel

5. Tim McGraw: My Little Girl

Mother/Son Dance:

1. The Beatles: Here Comes The Sun

2. Joe Cocker: Have A Little Faith In Me

3. T Carter: A Mother’s Song

4. Rascal Flatts: My Wish

5. Lucero: Mom

Of course, these lists only serve as suggestions and also to provide some insight into the trends I have noticed this year. There are a few things to remember about picking music for your wedding. You should ask your DJ to play “clean” versions of songs at your wedding. This will prevent MawMaw from going into shock when she hears Kanye or Iggy over the speakers. When picking party music, keep your guests in mind. What does your family dance to? What do your friends dance to?

Music is both a very personal and powerful thing. You want to hear your favorite songs, and you want your guests to have a good time. This can definitely happen at your wedding. Make sure your DJ is flexible, and give him some insight into your musical tastes, that way everyone is happy.

When picking your first dance song, the most important piece of advice I can give you is to choose something deeply meaningful to both you and your bride. Pick a song that you will remember for the rest of your life. Cherish that time together on the dance floor. You won’t forget it.

Party on,

DJ Johnny Hotcakes

Photo via Bridal Guide

October 14, 2014

Features Magazine

5 to 1: A Magic Ratio For A Healthy Marriage

by admin October 13, 2014

Photo by Bellezza Photography

Being engaged and preparing for a wedding is such a special time, and it should be. Family and friends surround the happy couple, participating in the joy and celebration. But one thing we all know to be true is that not all couples make it. We never want to say the “D” word, but the sad reality is that divorce is a common occurrence. So is there anything a couple can do to protect and strengthen their marriage? The good news is that marriages don’t usually unravel or break up on their own, and it rarely happens overnight.

What are the warning signs? The answer may surprise you, because it isn’t anything big or drastic. They are just in the day to day interactions you have with your spouse, particularly the quality of these interactions. Relationship expert Dr. John Gottman has been able to determine that there is a specific ratio of positive to negative interactions that occur in healthy marriages versus ones that end in divorce. What is this magic ratio? It is 5 to 1.

So how can you take this information and use it to help make sure your marriage remains healthy? One way to apply this information would be to start by simply observing and tracking your current interactions. If your findings show that you are not meeting the 5 to 1 ratio, you can do one of two things. You can either increase your positive interactions or decrease your negative interactions. Ideally you would do both. Most couples’ negative interactions consist of bickering or complaining about little things: who is going to do the dishes, take out the dog, etc. and the number of those interactions can increase during times of stress or transition in our lives. If you are aware of these negative interactions you can make a conscious effort to try and reduce them. On the flip side you can also focus on increasing your positive interactions. They can be little things, such as hugging and kissing your spouse goodbye each day, thanking them for picking up groceries,
or sharing how your day was.

The reassuring news is that conflict is okay and inevitable in a marriage, but as a long as you have enough positive interactions, your marriage can handle it. Think of each positive interaction with your spouse as a deposit in your marriage bank account; adversely, each negative interaction is a withdrawal from this account. And, like a real bank account, you never want to withdraw more than you have in your account.

By Bina Bird

October 13, 2014

Features Magazine

Behind The Scenes of Our October Issue

by admin October 6, 2014

Every time we work with Leslie Castro and Ryan Gray of Deux Boheme we know we are going to get something spectacular. It all starts with a concept meeting where Leslie explains (and sometimes acts out) her vision for the upcoming cover shoot. After these meetings, we’re left wishing we had 12 covers to do a year with them because Leslie is always brimming with ideas and we all get carried away by her creativity. She has a unique ability to paint her picture first with words and a story board before she and Ryan ever get behind a camera. Their incredible attention to detail, paired with expert photography and editing skills, give us complete confidence we’ll end up with a wow cover every time. We’re always left with excitement for how it’s all going to come together and peace of mind that the final images will exceed our expectations.

Leslie tells us how this particular cover started with one special piece of inspiration: “It all began with a jeweled mask-: unabashedly glamorous, dazzling, and impractical. This unique adornment inspired a dream of Baroque splendor and Rococo romance. A glittering environment with ethereal diaphanous forms was created to add opulence and atmospheric magic… While an intricately detailed Liancarlo gown, Louis XV ghost chair, and sparkling Kate Spade accessories (courtesy of Julian Gold Bridal Salon) complement & complete our vision of modern decadence with an avant garde flourish.” Impressive!

Our gorgeous model is a muse of Leslie’s, Ciera Sandoval. Ciera was a pleasure to work with and extremely comfortable in front of the camera. We were thrilled to have award-winning hair colorist and stylist, Erica Hardy, who spent all day perfecting her look for the cover. Erica works with Leslie and Ryan often, so she knew exactly the level of drama we were all looking for. Thankfulness abounds for the partnership with Kari Morrison at Julian Gold. The gown and jewelry were a perfect match for Leslie’s vision. Kari also graciously allowed us to use valuable props from Julian Gold’s new bridal salon. A big thank you also goes to Butler Signature Events who provided the shimmery sequined fabric used in the shoot. In the end, the hardest part for us was choosing the winning image!

You can find Deux Boheme online at www.deuxboheme.com, Julian Gold at www.juliangold.com and Butler Signature Events at www.butlersignatureevents.com. Be sure to visit Julian Gold’s new bridal salon at 3840 S. Alameda St. The grand opening is October 16th! Corpus Christi brides are about to be very blessed! Thank you to everyone for another glorious cover!

October 6, 2014

Features Magazine

Traveling Fit

by admin June 11, 2014

Photo via Bodybuilding.com

Summer is right around the corner and that means road trips and long plane flights. Whether you are traveling to see your Nana, float the Frio or see the sights in the Big Apple, I have few strategies that will help you stay fit and ready to look beautiful on your wedding day.
Preparation – Without a plan, you are planning to fail. If you have not created a plan for how you are going to eat clean and get in your workouts while you are on the road, your months of hard work month could be negatively impacted by a slothful week off. Pack your workout clothes first. Make sure you have everything you need so there are no excuses.
Snacks – Pack snacks that have protein and will not melt. Almonds and other nuts travel well. Most nuts are full of protein and good fats that will fill you up. Beef or turkey jerky is another easy snack that will fill you up and does not usually have many processed carbs in its ingredients. GORP (Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts) Clean Energy Bars are healthy bars full of real food that you can go anywhere with. They will fill you up with Omega-3’s, protein and fiber. Having healthy snacks will help you with your cravings that can derail your goal to look great on your wedding day.
Water – Next to oxygen water is what the body needs most to function and stay healthy and fit. Water isn’t always convenient to drink on a road trip but is important to help metabolize fat and eliminate waste. Plan your stops ahead of time so you can continue to drink water while on the road. If you are flying try to drink water continuously during the flight. It does not matter the length of the flight, because of the altitude your body will dehydrate.
Posture – Sitting for long periods of time can wreak havoc on your posture. To avoid long term postural imbalances from sitting I highly recommend this next exercise after sitting in a plane or in a car. Once you get the opportunity to stand up, squeeze your glutes as tightly as you can. When you do this two things will happen. First you will activate (turn on) one of the largest muscle groups in your body, your hips (glutes). Your hips support your body and keep your body aligned. Secondly, you stretch your hip flexors. Hip flexors are located on the top front of your thighs. After prolonged sitting hip flexors get shorten and tight. Tight hip flexors will tilt your pelvis forward which puts pressure on your lower back and can make you look like you have a protruding stomach when you really just have poor posture.
Resistance Bands – A Resistance band is a great piece of equipment to have when traveling. Bands can fit in the bottom of any bag and/or suitcase. They are extremely light and very versatile. My man Dave Schmitz aka “The Band Man” has a whole website dedicated to giving you free exercises and workouts with bands. Go to www.resistancetraining.com/library. At my training center we use resistance bands every day for our workouts. When I started our outdoor training program resistance bands were the only thing I had and needed.
Sample Workout – Not having equipment should never be an excuse to missing a workout. Below is a great travel workout I made for several of my clients that I think you will get a lot out of. This will stoke your metabolism and help you burn a ton of calories in a short period of time. Consult your physician before starting an exercise routine.
Warm Up
Sumo Squats
Backward Lunge 10 ea R/L
Lateral Squat/Lunge 10 ea R/L
Hip Hinge
Push up to Calf Stretch/Downward Dog

The Travelers Workout: Perform 20 seconds of work followed by 10 seconds of rest. Repeat that same sequence for the first exercise for 8 rounds before moving to the next exercise. Once you finish your 8 rounds of an exercise take a one minute break.
1. Squats or Squat Jumps
2. Push Up Holds, Push Ups, or Single Leg Push Ups (Alternate Legs each round).
3. Drop Lunge (Like a curtsy where you drop your leg behind you and your back knee touches the ground and then you stand back up). Switch legs each round.
4. Lying Superman/Superwoman while making a W, Y, or I shape with your arms.
5. Side planks. Switch each round.

Optional Finisher: Perform 20 seconds of work 10 seconds of rest. Repeat this sequence for 8 rounds.
1. Burpees with a jump
I hope these suggestions will help you stay fit while traveling this summer. If you need more personal fitness coaching contact me at info@pinnacle-cc.com.

By Adam Farrell

Be sure to read the FULL article online here or pick up our June Issue at one of our distribution locations

-The One Bride Guide Team

June 11, 2014

Features Magazine

Dinner by Design

by admin June 11, 2014

Imagine preparing food service for 1000+ guests in one day. Think about spring salads presented with jicama wrapped in a thinly sliced cucumber drizzled with raspberry vinaigrette. Think about grilling 500 beef tenderloins to perfection to be stacked over rich, cheesy dauphinaise potatoes. Seems like quite an undertaking right? Well, Philip Ferry, the Executive Chef with Ovations Food Services at the Ortiz Center does this on a regular basis.

In the past year and a half, Chef and the team at the Ortiz Center have been creating new and innovative plate presentations. Chef Ferry shared with me that during his career he has seen the food trends change regularly. Trends also vary from state to state. Most recently, unique vegetables have increased in popularity along with local and homegrown menu items. Chef has used these pieces to design decorative plate displays.

Did you know that a salad could be wrapped in sliced cucumber? Or that asparagus can be wrapped in tiny strips of carrots? These are all beautiful, fun ideas that Chef has been working with in the past years. I encourage brides to spend some time thinking about the menu and how you can showcase something delicious and memorable to your friends and family.

You don’t want dinner to just be dinner, you want it to be a reflection of you and the things that you, as a couple, love and enjoy. One of the most unique wedding menus I’ve done was with a couple that loved to travel. Through meetings with Chef and the bride and groom, the couple created a completely customized menu to showcase their most beloved destinations. The couple loved Brazil so they requested grilled beef and pork shish-kabobs. New Orleans also had a place in their hearts so they served fluffy beignets with chocolate sauce. These unique menu items along with beautiful Brazilian vinaigrette shrimp cocktails, a roasted potato medley and specially requested fine wine were all served family style in bowls on each table.

This type of food service gives your guests a chance to mingle with everyone at their table. It lends itself to a very casual and fun atmosphere. Family style, along with seated, buffet, and food stations, all lend themselves to a different look and feel for your event…

By Aubrey Winston

Be sure to read the FULL article online here or pick up our June Issue at one of our distribution locations

-The One Bride Guide Team

June 11, 2014

Features Magazine Wedding Inspiration

Marital Advice

by admin June 9, 2014

Image via 100 Layer Cake

When most couples get engaged and are about to take the next step, they feel like they know each other pretty well. After all, aren’t you supposed to marry someone who knows everything about you? Someone who is your best friend? Some would even say their soul mate. You spend countless hours discussing your hopes and dreams for a life together. You know each other’s favorite hobbies, foods, music and so forth. However, there are some discussions that are often forgotten about. But these are big ones. Ones that can make or break a marriage. So why are these discussions that are so critical not happening?

One reason is that they are about issues that seem far off into the future and irrelevant to the romantic love of the here and now. These are the issues that we assume that our fiancé feels the same way we do. And sometimes they are just downright boring or intimidating so we avoid them.

So what are these issues and why do they need to be discussed?

One is money and finances. Most people may not realize that money issues are a major player in divorce. Discussions that include disclosing past and current debt are important, as well as learning about your future spouse’s financial habits. Some people are born spenders, while others are born savers. It is not that a born spender and born saver can’t find happiness together, they just need to discuss expectations and how they envision their financial future together.

Another important yet overlooked issue is family. So many things encompass family. From how many kids you want, to how you see gender roles. You may be someone who has always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom with a house full of kids that grow up in the same neighborhood you did, whereas your future spouse may have dreams of moving across the country to live by the coast.

Again, having differences and different desires are not deal breakers in and of themselves but it is important to have those discussions earlier rather than later, otherwise you can feel stuck with no room to compromise. Also, keep in mind that our hopes and dreams at age 24 can be very different than at age 34 and that they do change as we grow older.

In successful marriages, we grow and change on a path alongside our spouse rather than a path that is going in another direction from them. And discussing these issues, is the best start on that path together however unromantic it may seem.

By Bina Bird

Be sure to check out our June Issue online here or pick up a copy at these locations

-The One Bride Guide Team

June 9, 2014