Happy FriYAY, friends, and Happy Anniversary Week to 2 of my favorite people in the whole world! This week marks the anniversary of 2 really special marriages, my parent’s wedding and my brother/sister in law’s wedding! Today, we are celebrating them ❤

This week, my parents are celebrating 30 years of marriage, and my brother and sister-in-law are celebrating their very 1st marriage anniversary. I interviewed my mom (Beth) and sister in law (Hannah) to get their perspective on marriage.  They talked about what works, what’s important, how to communicate, etc. They answered 5 pretty common questions, but before I share their answers with you, I have to brag on them a bit. They have both built their marriage on a foundation strengthen by God, and I feel like by the end of this post, you’ll agree that they are marriage goals.

First of all, Momma Beth is a rock star.  Feel free to fact check me on that. She is an incredible multi-tasker, a strong leader, and always gets the job done. She always insisted on raising her family in a Christian home, which she and my dad did beautifully. She has a heart and passion for service, and she has spent over 10 years pouring herself into an organization that focuses on empowering women and creating opportunities for education.  Even with her busy schedule, she always makes time for her family and brings us together despite the hundreds of miles between us!

Next there’s Hannah, whom I adore with pretty much every inch of my heart! She is the perfect match for my younger brother, and I totally knew she was the one, the first day I met her. Hannah just has this gentle and confident spirit about her. She knows who she is and what she wants out of life, and without hesitation, she would give the shoes off her feet to someone who needed them more. She and my brother are pretty much #marriagegoals not because they are perfect (which I totally think they are), but because they are so incredibly real!

Becoming Marriage Goals

1. What is the key to your marriage’s success?

Beth – Cliché but true: communication. As I look back over 30 years, the times we struggled were always the times we were not communicating well.

Hannah – The key to our marriages success is that we are open, respectful, and honest with one another! Me and Taylor have great respect for each other and can talk through any problem life throws at us. We also have remained ground throughout this year and kept God in the center of all!

2. What is one of the most memorable moments with your spouse?

Beth – A discussion we had prior to us getting married. As both of us are children of divorced parents, we went into our marriage knowing that we both were dedicated to staying together no matter what. We had a very candid conversation about what we needed and expected from each other as husband and wife and it has been the cornerstone of our relationship.

Hannah – The most memorable moment with Taylor was the day he proposed to me. I was completely unaware that he was going to propose that day, but I just remember thinking why is he acting so nervous and jittery lol. When he finally got down on one knee I felt pure joy and I will never forget the look on his face because I knew with that one look that he loved me unconditionally.

3. How do you keep the communication open in your marriage?

Beth – By purposefully staying in touch all throughout the day and supporting each other in what we are doing. A simple text acknowledging that I know he is working hard to provide for us means so much to him. Everyone needs to feel appreciated and I try to let him know as much as I can that I do not take him for granted.

Hannah – We keep the communication open in our relationship by always being honest and expressing how we feel, we hold nothing back.

4. What is 1 piece of advice you would give a newly engaged/married couple?

Beth – Google calendar. This will eliminate so many arguments as your family grows and your schedules become hectic!
Also, don’t forget to date

Hannah – My one piece of advice is to keep Christ as the foundation of your marriage!

5. If you could tell your husband one thing, what would it be?

Beth – That he is still the one.

Hannah – If I could tell my husband one thing it would be how extremely proud I am of him! You have been an amazing husband and father. We have had a lot of obstacles to overcome this year and you have been my rock through them all, I am beyond blessed to have you, I love you!

Together, they have been married a combine number of 31 years, naturally making me think Proverbs 31 which talks about a wife of noble character. These two women exemplify the wife described in this chapter of Proverbs as they are both Godly wives whose values are worth far more than riches. Something they have taught me over the years is that a strong marriage doesn’t look perfect. It doesn’t feel perfect, and it isn’t perfect. A good marriage is real, honest, and pure… gracious, forgiving, and above all else, built on a sturdy foundation of good morals and biblical principles.

– the Wife

Proverbs 31

10 A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
    and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
    and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.