http://www.flickr.com/photos/sis/98171915/

Once upon a time, I was one of those anti-Valentines Day people. You know, the people who argue that Valentines Day is just a cliche, dreamed up by greeting card companies and floral distributors.

But circumstances have taught me otherwise.

The truth is, love is celebrated far too infrequently these days. In this day of scrolling to-do lists, when multitasking has made it impossible for any one thing to truly hold our undivided attention, we need reminders that there are simple, amazing things around us every day that aren't to be taken for granted. We need birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries and valentines day, because these days force us to stop and acknowledge our loves.

As you plan your wedding, take time to also plan your marriage. What will you agree to do to keep each other a priority and make sure time is set aside to celebrate your relationship? When you get settled into a routine, your careers get busier, and then you have kids who tend to dominate your attention, what will you do to keep the spark in your marriage?

My husband and I are in our 9th year of marriage, and I remember a time when we had weekly date nights. Try as we may, we just haven't been able to get those back while balancing our work schedules with the demands of raising a 4-year-old and 1-year-old. So we've had to get creative with ways to keep each other a priority. And for us, that includes maturing from our anti-Vday days and embracing that cubby cherub archer. :)

What are some ways you'll keep the romance in your marriage?

xoxo,
jessica