Muna Coterie Member Rev. Orsella R. Hughes, the Founder and Owner of Serenity Ceremonies by Rev. Orsella shares her advice on Remembering the Marriage After the Wedding.
*This article was written by Rev. Orsella R. Hughes and was first featured in MunaLuchi Bride Magazine, Issue 31.
From the moment you saw your very first wedding, you created images of you and your beloved dancing and swirling around in each other’s arms while swarms of family and friends gathered around you watching with love and joy flowing from their hearts. You’ve already imagined the kiss, the rings, the first dance, the cake, the bouquet toss and knew one day, your wedding day dreams would come true.
Alas, this magazine is in your hands because you can’t help but see other people living out their wedding day dreams; but let me share some insight with you about why you have gathered everyone for your big day.
While the dress, the tuxedo, the cake, the music, and the colors are beautiful, remembering “why you’re getting married” should always be at the heart of your planning.
If you thought wedding planning was a lot of work, hold on to your seats because the ceremony was light work compared to the work you will put into your marriage. If you noticed, I didn’t say hard work; I simply said work. Marriage requires daily attention and intentional quality time for it to be thriving all the time.
There will be good days and great days, just like there will be hard days, but I’d like to share three pieces of advice to help you remember how to keep your love on top after your wedding day. I call them the TLC of marriage, “Time, Love, and Compassion.”
Time
During wedding planning, you are consumed with ceremony details. Now that you’re married, you need to fill that space with time for your marriage. This can be spent on dating, dinner at home, or deciding to unplug from your devices and the world around you and only concentrate on yourselves on the couch at home. The shared activity doesn’t have to be deep, it just needs to be intentional.
Love
Love is kept alive when you are constantly fueling your marriage with words of affirmation and inspiration. You not only marry your best friend, but you love how they make you feel. Keep your love alive by expressing it daily through small gestures and meaningful words. Show your appreciation, say “I love you” often, and make time for romantic moments.
Compassion
Marriage is not always easy, and there will be times when you or your partner may need extra compassion. It’s important to remember that even in the toughest of times, you are a team and should support each other with understanding and empathy. Practice active listening, communicate openly and honestly, and show kindness towards one another.
Remember that marriage is an ongoing journey and requires effort from both partners to keep the flame burning.
There are more buzzwords to keep your marriage a priority after the wedding, but I can assure you, the “TLC of Marriage” will always keep your love on top even after the wedding day.
Get to Know: Rev. Orsella R. Hughes
Rev. Orsella R. Hughes, the Founder and Owner of Serenity Ceremonies by Rev. Orsella, is an ordained minister who has been officiating weddings since 2005.
In 2016, she officially launched her wedding officiating business, leveraging her 17 years of experience. Reverend Orsella has developed a unique storytelling approach for crafting fully customized wedding ceremonies that beautifully reflect each couple’s love story. Her exceptional work has been featured in renowned publications such as Munaluchi Bridal Magazine, The B Collective Magazine, Brides Magazine, Black Bride, The Knot, and Bridal Guide.
As an esteemed member of prestigious organizations like the International Association of Black Wedding Officiants (IAPWO), Munaluchi Coterie, and the National Society of Black Wedding and Events Professionals (NSBWEP), she wholeheartedly embodies professionalism and integrity in her role as a wedding officiant.
Outside of weddings, Rev. Orsella is the Pastor at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Hartford, CT. She is married to Howard Hughes who together share a love of taking walks on the beach, dancing, and making each other laugh.
Pre-order a print copy of MunaLuchi Bride Magazine, Issue 31, here.
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