September Series: Blissful Freedom

I'm going to be a bit personal here and I think I will speak for Amanda and Danielle too when I say THANK YOU to the men and women who serve our country. Amanda's fiance is a Marine, Danielle's cousin is currently serving in Iraq, and my husband is still there. I am posting this because my deployment time is thankfully coming to an end (only a few short weeks left!) but for others it is just beginning. We've dedicated a special section of the print edition of Southern Wedding Style Magazine to military brides, but I wanted to make sure our servicemen and women knew how much we appreciate them today. Without your sacrifices- and they are some hefty sacrifices- we would not enjoy the freedoms we have to live and laugh and love. I've learned during this time away from my husband that nothing matters when you are faced with the possibility of not seeing your loved one tomorrow. Nothing matters but telling that person you love them and living each moment to the fullest. I urge you, even if you are not military or have faced separation, to take time with your fiance TODAY and live each moment to the very fullest. My husband said something to me yesterday that stuck with me- he said that one thing that has brought him through dark times during deployment is thinking of the good times we've shared together and the LAUGHTER. The more memories you have of laughter and joy, the easier it is to get through fights, loneliness, hard times, and in our case, deployment. What else have I learned? the little things count- do small things to show your love... leave little notes for your fiance to remind him of his value in your life... before Ari left, I wrote a note of encouragement somewhere in all of his uniform pieces (now, I know this is against the rules, but I told him to blame it on me!). In reflecting on the freedoms we enjoy every day, take joy in doing little things for your loved one. You have the freedom to love and laugh and be together in a country that encourages expression and happiness. The women of Bliss salute our troops and thank you for giving us the ability to say "I DO!" in peace. As a thank you to our military couples, we offer a significant discount on our services to you. Contact us for more info. Happy September!

Brides, grooms, moms, dads, and friends- what freedoms are you thankful for? Post a comment to this blog and let everyone know!