When my husband and I got together, children were brought into my life for the first time. Once married, the adjustment to living and interacting with two children was a steep learning curve for me. Navigating daily life together, communicating between households, and adapting to different routines all required constant adjustment, and still does nearly four years later. It was evident very quickly that boundaries were necessary for our blended family dynamic. Healthy boundaries shaped the development of my marriage, my interactions with the children, and our relationship with the children’s [...]

Recently, I ran into my dear friend, Merissa. She is alocal photographer in Bozeman, Montana, who photographed some family photos for my family, and my husband and I’s wedding. As we caught up on how our lives were going, Merissa shared some shifts in the wedding industry and how her business changed with this year's trends. An increasing trend she is seeing is twofold: 1) a new way to define elopements and 2) increased popularity of elopements.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Anniversaries are opportunities to reflect on where you have come from, understand where you are, and get clear on where you are going as a couple. And love and marriage deserve a special celebration! While wedding anniversaries are certainly noteworthy for celebrating, they are also a wonderful time to adjust the compass and chart a new course together or just revel in your journey so far.

Estimated reading time: 4.5 minutes

What is a blended family? A blended family is defined as a family composed of a couple and their children from previous marriages. Yet, each blended family is unique and comes with its own dynamic challenges. With divorces and re-marriages involving children, blended families vs. traditional or nuclear family structures are becoming the rule rather than the exception. Adults and children alike are facing major changes that come with adjusting to a new way of life.

Related reading time: 5 minutes