final notes

From The House Weddings

WRITTEN BY: JENNIFER STRIEGEL

2,000,000

The number of weddings there are every year in the United States. Weddings represent so many things - the same and different - to people not only stateside, but around the globe. A wedding - the ceremony of people getting married and the celebration of marriage between people - has varying symbolism. A Commitment. A

The first recorded wedding (a marriage ceremony) was between a man and woman in 2350 B.C. From B.C. to today, marriage has involved multiple partners, different and same genders, similar ages and generational age gaps, interracial and the same race. Marriage is sometimes a choice. Other times it is arranged. By the parents of the to be wed, driven by religious, political, and / or economic status. Considering what is in the past. Equally or alternatively what is in the present. Marriage goals have a wide range, too. Emotional. Intimate. Supportive. Protective. Connected. Work life. Home life. Family life. With or without kids. With or without pets.

The one universal truth of getting married may just be this belief: In celebrating the establishment of a union - whomever is deciding on said union - bringing these people together provides a greater potential for their future versus being apart.

By recognizing this one truth, the sanctity of marriage suddenly feels intact. The material choices, frugal or frivolous, are valid. The planning, or not, in making those choices has merit. The decision to go fast or slow… both make sense. A wedding being the catalyst to a brighter tomorrow feels good. How could it not?

May this Inaugural Weddings Magazine from The House remind you of why you’re married. If you’re not yet married, but plan to be, reflect on your attitude toward the process to get there. Are you enjoying yourself? If not, why not? Be the bride or bridegroom that represents you showing up in the way that represents your greatest potential with another human being. No more, no less. Because if you can’t show up for your own brighter tomorrow, then your life partner isn’t going to either.

Weddings No. 1 Final Notes dedication is twofold. First, to Founder and Editor in Chief of The House Mrs. Kacey Perez. Foremost to my husband, Scott Striegel (wedding and marriage circa September 4, 2004).

Now, let’s all raise our glasses to do our darndest each and every day to show up for each other.