Many times when I look back at our Wedding photos, and it feels like another lifetime! Those memories, although happy and wonderful, seem so far away as if from another lifetime. It’s safe to say that I am not that girl in the white dress anymore. I guess I am, but not really. That girl was about to embark on a great life changing adventure, that would have her move 5,000 miles all in the name of love. That girl doesn’t have her ‘expat’ badges making it through bought a of homesickness or missing holidays at home. That girl has no idea the journey she is about to undertake. And in those photos, I know that behind the bridal smile was a ‘Holy shit, I am about to move to Wales,” fear running through her head.

In honor and celebration of our 4 year wedding anniversary tomorrow, I wanted to celebrate by writing a letter to my bridal self….

To the Girl in the Ivory Dress:

Tomorrow is the ‘big’ day. Your wedding day. And I wanted to take a moment and give you a few thoughts on the adventure you are about to embark on….

Your life is about to change in more ways that you can except or plan or anticpate. Your life is about to become more full, more adventurous and (dare I say it?) more challenging that you could ever dream.

You will find your first year of Marriage as being a weird and wonderful thing. Within minutes of saying ‘I do’ you will find yourself connected to another person, for the good and the bad and the everyday in between.

You will have learning curves figuring out how to translate a long-distance relationship to the simple moments of the everday. There will be moments of frustration or confusion and even a bit of irritation. It will be a challenge, but one that will be worth it.

Because after today, you will not face these challenges alone. After today, after the dancing is over and the champagne is done fizzing, you will have your teammate by your side to face obstacles together.

In your first year of marriage, you will learn so much about yourself and Neal. From little things, like how Neal sorts the laundry (clue: he doesn’t) to big things, like learning how to fight fair… it will be an eye opening and an interesting first year of marriage to say the least.

And within your journey of your first year of marriage, you will be closely connected to your expat journey as your big UK move happens 10 days after the big ol’ wedding day. You will have moments will you will lose your sense of identity and purpose, you will find yourself feeling lost and unbalanced. The change will feel overwhelming but I am here to tell you: It will all be fine.

Your new expat-married life will be built, from the ground up together. There will be a huge amount of change and transition, of finding your feet and building a new life in Wales.

You will find strength in yourself and in your relationship with Neal.  You will find what you are made of, and that you are stronger than you know.

So dance and toast. Savour in the love.  Capture the memories. Step back and soak it all in. Love every wonderful freaking moment of your wedding day.