Happy Monday! This past weekend I went to Rehoboth Beach with a few friends to relax and recharge. We had a blast! Speaking of going away, this weeks' marriage post is about dating after the wedding day. It is so important to take time to go away every so often with your spouse. There is a reason that the honeymoon exists, but it should only be the beginning of many adventures together!
The honeymoon is the first of many memories you make as a married couple and its a great time to connect. The definition of the word "honeymoon" is 1; a vacation or trip taken by a newly married couple and 2; any period of blissful harmony. I love the second definition because being in a honeymoon stage can be something that is experienced throughout your marriage for the rest of your life. Part of getting to that place of bliss an harmony can often times mean getting out of your everyday routine of life and going away together.
I have found that some of my favorite moments with Kevin are when we travel and go on fun dates. Of course there is beauty and closeness in everyday life with your spouse, but there is a rich closeness that happens when you spend intentional time together doing things you love. Getting out of your comfort zone, trying new things together, and traveling to different parts of the world will bring you closer as a couple. These things can also happen in your own area on fun dates, but it has to be intentional.
Kevin and I traveled to St. John last summer for Taylor & Bryan's engagement session and we made a mini vacation out of it. We went to the beaches, snorkeled, and explored with the turtles. It was a blast going somewhere we had never been and doing all of it together. On the other hand, when we are at home and its nice out, we love to take Sadie on long walks to the park to get out of the house and enjoy deep conversation with each other.
Now a few words of advice from other married couples on how they keep their love strong with date nights and time away together!
PATRICK & MALLORY
How long have you been married?
We just celebrated our 1st Anniversary!
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
We went to Aruba and New Orleans.
Have gone away together since your honeymoon?
Yes, we went to Lake Anna, VA for I 6-month anniversary.
How often do you go out for date night? What do you guys do together for date night?
Date night, right now, is every evening we are together! ha! But really, we probably go out once a week for dinner together. We also tend to take a yoga class and then go out to dinner.
What is one of your favorite things about your spouse?
Mallory: My spouse's ability to always make me feel safe and at home wherever we are.
Patrick: When my spouse cooks for me!
What is one piece of advice about having date nights and going away together that you would give to a couple who just got married?
Make sure your vehicle works, you have your license/passport, and you live in the moment (nix the phones).
BRYAN & TAYLOR
How long have you been married?
6 months
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
We started in Rome for a few days, then took a 9 day cruise along Italy and the South of France, and after the cruise we flew to Amsterdam for four days!
Have gone away together since your honeymoon?
Disney World
How often do you go out for date night? What do you guys do together for date night?
At least once a week. We normally do dinner and a movie.
What is one of your favorite things about your spouse?
"One of my favorite things about Bryan is how good he is at making breakfast (my favorite meal)." - Taylor
"One of my favorite things about Taylor is how she makes everything pretty...and that butt." - Bryan
What is one piece of advice about having date nights and going away together that you would give to a couple who just got married?
Go even if you feel like being lazy instead.
cory & jess
How long have you been married?
Three and a half years
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Coco Plum in Belize.
Have gone away together since your honeymoon?
Yes, we have traveled many places together.
How often do you go out for date night? What do you guys do together for date night?
We spend most of our nights together. We tend to go out on Fridays and Saturdays and we usually spend time in our favorite bars.
What is one of your favorite things about your spouse?
I love his patience!
What is one piece of advice about having date nights and going away together that you would give to a couple who just got married?
You should always make time for just the two of you. Couples need time to check in with each other and re-ignite passion. Traveling together and spending time together for date nights are each extremely important aspects of maintaining a long-lasting relationship.
ZACH & LAUREN
Photo by Katelyn James
How long have you been married?
2 years
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
A cruise to the Bahamas and then Disney World!
Have gone away together since your honeymoon?
Yes! We went on a cruise to the Bahamas in April
How often do you go out for date night? What do you guys do together for date night?
At least once a week! We usually go out to dinner, then cuddle and watch one of our favorite TV shows. It's the most relaxing night of my week!
What is one of your favorite things about your spouse?
He loves others well. I love that he cares for others selflessly.
What is one piece of advice about having date nights and going away together that you would give to a couple who just got married?
Don't forget to keep dating. Ladies, continue to respect and love your man. Tell him your proud of him and that he's wonderful. Men, keep pursuing! Make your lady feel special! Your wife will never get sick of hearing how much you love her.
The Squires family
How long have you been married?
12 years this month!
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Oahu for three days and Maui for 11 days. A-mazing!
Have gone away together since your honeymoon?
Yes, we get away together almost every other year for a trip that requires some distance. We get away overnight a few times a year, sometimes just going downtown.
How often do you go out for date night? What do you guys do together for date night?
We don't have a set schedule for date nights, but we go out alone at least monthly. We like to grab dinner or go out to a movie. A lot of times if the kids are at my parents, Jeff will pick up dinner (Sushi is our favorite) and will have a date in and pick up a Redbox movie.
What is one of your favorite things about your spouse?
Jeff is super thoughtful and really helps me feel less stressed. He's solid and reliable and keeps our family functioning!
What is one piece of advice about having date nights and going away together that you would give to a couple who just got married?
Be spontaneous if you can, but also don't be afraid to plan ahead. It's not less romantic! Being together is romantic! Also, if your spouse isn't planning the date nights you desire, help in the process! Nobody is a mind reader. You have to give ideas and accept ideas.
Go plan a fun trip or date night with your spouse! You won't regret the time and money you invest in this area of your marriage. Have a great week!