Most people think of Providence Place as only a bridal shop. When you think of Dallas bridal stores, you think Provi. When you sell as many wedding dresses as we have, that is easy to understand. What many may not know, though, is that we started this little bridal shop because the owner used to be a pre-marital education provider. That’s right! Pre-marital counseling. That is how it all started. It was in those classes, working with couples, that we saw the need for a North Texas bridal shop that cares about the bride as more than a dress sale.
That is why we love our brides so much- because we are invested in more than just your wedding day. We want you to have a wonderful life together. We believe in happily ever after and we know how to help get you there: with dedication, loyalty, and perseverance.
Marriage is so much fun. It can be amazing. It can be everything and more than you ever dreamed of. When it is not cared for, though, it can fall apart. We don’t want that for you or anyone of our brides and grooms.
One of the easiest pre-marital tools you can learn is the Love Is… activity. You may have heard this before:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
This is something you may have read at your wedding ceremony or framed on the wall of your home. It is a sacrificial and dedicated description of true, lasting love. It is what we all want as we walk down that aisle to meet our partner in life.
Here is the ‘love skill builder’ you can use right now to increase your capacity to love well. Re-read the passage above and this time, each time you see the word “Love” or “It”, replace it with your own name. As you read each line, now with your name in place, ask yourself if that is true. You can do this alone or with your soon to be spouse.
For example, Janie is patient. Diane is kind. Mark does not envy. When you say this with your own name in place, is this true? Are you patient? Are you kind? Do you hold no record of wrongs?
Can you stand behind those statements? If you can, then you are on the path to a lasting love. If you cannot, this is an awesome way to see where you can improve.
If you are easily angered, you can learn how to process anger in a healthy manner. If you have a problem burying the hatchet when you have been wronged, you can learn how to forgive and move through conflict.
This is an amazing conversation starter for couples as well. It helps each person to look at areas they can improve and not blame are accuse their partner of wrongdoing. Remember we are supposed to build up or spouse, to help them be all they can be.
Becuase LOVE always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
If you can say that about your love, then you will truly have a happily ever after.
As always, Providence Place Bridal Shop has the resources you need. Whether it is a tuxedo, veil, gown or a refernce to a local pre-marital counselor, we can help.
Here’s to you and you making your love last a lifetime!
Love this! Great shop! Great people.