I had meticulously planned for this memorable day for months. From selecting the flowers to choosing my dress, attendants, and the venue, everything was falling into place. We stood, hand in hand, gazing into each other’s eyes, ready to tie the knot—by none other than Elvis Presley.
Well, technically, we were renewing our vows. But it was Elvis himself, decked out in a dazzling black polyester jumpsuit adorned with countless rhinestones and silver studs, his chest proudly displayed beneath a unzipped midriff. With his iconic mutton-chop sideburns and aviator sunglasses, he was a sight to behold. Crooning into the microphone, he serenaded us with “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and I found myself in tears.
As we approached our 20th anniversary, we thought there would be no better way to celebrate than in Las Vegas, surrounded by our three kids and a few long-suffering family members. To be honest, my husband wasn’t initially on board with the idea. However, when I presented him with the option of Elvis or an extravagant piece of anniversary jewelry, he quickly came around. And boy, was it worth it! There were heartfelt laughs, tears, delightful crooning, and of course, Hawaiian shirts. It’s a memory my kids will cherish forever.
Reflecting on that day made me realize that while this will undoubtedly be a fantastic story for our family, it also serves as a valuable lesson on marriage. After two decades of marriage, I feel ready to share some insights on nurturing a healthy relationship.
1. Know Your Strengths
This isn’t about the cliché roles of “the woman at home” and “the man as the breadwinner.” It’s about understanding and embracing what each partner brings to the table. In our marriage, I’m the creative one, always saying, “What if…?”—which led us to move across the country to escape the harsh New England winters, attend Comic-Con, and yes, even meet Elvis. My husband, Jake, excels at keeping us grounded, ensuring our finances are in check. Acknowledging our strengths makes it easier to appreciate our differences, though I still maintain I’m the fun one.
2. Keep It Light
Life has its serious moments that certainly deserve gravity—health issues, job struggles, and parenting challenges. However, when you can choose, opt for fun! Sure, getting married by Elvis in a less-than-glamorous Vegas venue might not be the height of romance, but it was a blast. Who cares about impressing others? We’d rather choose entertaining memories any day.
3. Make Time to Celebrate
I wish I could say we always gaze at each other with stars in our eyes. But let’s be honest, too often I’m busy making a mental list of home improvement projects. That’s why it’s crucial to take time to celebrate one another. Don’t hesitate to create that cheesy Valentine’s Day card or gift him a “Grill Master” apron for Father’s Day. Show your kids that celebrating your partner is important.
4. Include Your Kids
Experts agree that the best gift parents can provide their children is a loving partnership. When planning our 20th-anniversary getaway, we couldn’t imagine going without our kids. With our oldest entering his final year of high school soon, we recognize that family vacations are becoming scarce. We wanted our kids to witness our commitment to each other, hoping it brings them comfort and security. And if it doesn’t? Well, it gives them something to discuss with their future therapists!
In summary, do your best to come together as a family to celebrate life’s milestones. You don’t need to jet off to Vegas every time, but a special occasion every couple of decades might just be what the King would order. For more insights on family planning, check out this informative post on intracervical insemination or explore this authority on fertility journeys. Additionally, for those considering pregnancy options, Healthline provides great resources on IVF.