06/16/2026
Growing up Catholic, there’s a lot of phrases that have become second nature and I have to make a point to stop and reflect to enjoy their meaning.
Right after the couple states their vows, the priest prays for God’s blessing and says “What therefore God joins together, let no one put asunder”.
When you stop and think about the meaning and power behind that phrase, it elevates the magnitude of the sacrament. It’s not just repeating words, it’s entering into a lifelong covenant.
To the couple it’s a reminder to honor their commitment through all seasons of life, not just the easy ones.
To everyone else it’s a reminder to respect the couple’s marriage so long as they do.
That’s why to get married in the church, 6 months of marriage prep is required. On average, couples spend a year planning their wedding from an event and logistical standpoint (which is important too, don’t get me wrong) so doesn’t it make sense to have to spend at least half of that preparing for the marriage you’re entering into compared to the one day event?
Yes you’ve been “prepping” your whole relationship, but the beauty of formal prep is that instead of bringing something up randomly after work that might spark a miscommunication, you are in a setting that was created for you to talk about a wide variety of issues you may or may not have considered and see where you align on the front end.
Sure most of it you’ve probably already talked about, but even little ways you disagree could compound over time and this is a way to get it out in the open early.
You can’t “prep” for every single thing that’ll happen, but you can try and agree on how you’ll approach those hardships when they arise.
No matter your denomination or if you’re religious at all, marriage prep is a great way to enter into the covenant of marriage as armored as you can be to face the expected and mostly unexpected obstacles that life will bring!
Photo & Video: VIRGINIA & TRAVEL WEDDING PHOTO & VIDEO
Cathedral: Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
Venue: Cousiac Manor Wedding Venue
Caterer: River City Wood Fire
DJ: Bunn DJ Company - Richmond Wedding DJs
Dessert: Roma Italian Restaurant, Catering & Events
Bride’s Dress: Cherie Sustainable Bridal