Marcela and Michael’s New adventure

When I met this beautiful couple for their engagement session in Winter Park and saw the old photographs they had brought along to use in their session, I knew there was something unique about their relationship. I knew this couple had the longer view of their upcoming marriage. They recognized their new adventure as a married couple will not end on their wedding day, but rather will continue on through the years, just like it did for their parents.

As we chatted, I asked questions about their parents. They revealed how their parents had become wonderful role models for them. They both agreed that divorce would never be an option, and they desired to build a life together through both the good and rough times, just like their parents. Unfortunately, even though Michael’s Dad has passed away, he feels he will be there in spirit on their wedding day and beyond.

I was so touched by the reverence they feel towards their parents, that I can only hope that one day my children will feel the same way before their wedding day. It got me also thinking about some great ways couples can involve their parents in their wedding plans without losing total control.  I’ve done a little research and here are just a few simple ways:

• Ask parents who they would like to include in the family photographs.
• Include the bride’s Dad when choosing the music for their walk-in together.
• Get their advice on which items to use for “something borrowed, something blue.”
• For long distance parents, use cloud-based tools to help coordinate seating charts and other decisions.
• Ask mother and mother-in-law to sort through old photographs and videos for the welcome table slideshow.
• Get their help with addressing invitations, save the dates, and organizing RSVP’s.
• For parents who are creative, ask them if they would like to read something or perform at the ceremony or dinner.
• Honor them by displaying their wedding photographs at the ceremony or reception.