Marriage, Laughter, and a Magical Getaway at the Mayflower Inn

They organized our rooms with such care and thoughtfulness, attending to even the smallest details that made a real difference. From leaving cookies to preparing the room for bedtime, every touch made us feel truly welcomed and cherished.

You know, sometimes I think we have this idea of what marriage is… but then we actually step into it, and wow, life, ourselves, and even God surprises us in ways we never imagined.

Honestly, marriage used to feel like this huge, scary word for me. I thought it would instantly change everything about me. And truthfully? I wasn’t sure I was ready. I loved my independence. Before meeting my husband, it was just me and my son. Our little world was simple: I cooked for two, cared for one, and if the house was messy, it could wait because my son never complained. I loved that rhythm. It was quiet. It was just “us.”

I could come home after a long day and just breathe. I made all the decisions. I created my own routines. And honestly, I thought I needed that to be happy. I wasn’t ready to imagine sharing that space, that freedom, that part of my life with someone else.

But here I am, two years into marriage, and let me tell you… it’s beautiful, sacred, and yes, life-changing. And no, it’s not perfect, but God uses it to teach patience, love, and grace in ways I could never have imagined.

I’ve always been a hopeless romantic. Growing up, I watched movies like The Princess Diaries, all the Disney classics, and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. I prayed every single day for an epic love one that would sweep me off my feet, like in the movies. And God, in His perfect timing, delivered.

Here’s the wild part: my husband and I were friends for eight years before we realized our hearts had shifted. Suddenly, I just wanted to be near him all the time, to laugh and be held. And the craziest part? We’d known each other for years without feeling anything. But God’s timing is perfect. Every moment with him now brings peace, joy, and laughter. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” (1 Corinthians 13:4) That’s exactly what I feel when I think of us.

Now, two years later, we have the most beautiful little girl who fills our home with laughter every single day. Her giggles are contagious; she reminds us that life is meant to be enjoyed, every single moment.

Marriage has taught me that love isn’t just about the big romantic gestures, it's about showing up every day. It’s about compromise, patience, and choosing grace even when it’s hard. It’s about learning to laugh together when things go wrong, and celebrate together when they go right. And let me tell you, there are plenty of both!

For our two-year anniversary, we wanted to celebrate our journey and all the ways God has blessed us. We chose a quiet, intimate getaway at the Mayflower Inn, a place I had fallen in love with during the Fenimore Lane Design Summit. And honestly… It did not disappoint.

Honestly, it was the best spa I’ve ever been to. The view alone was breathtaking, and the experience was next-level, they had delicious snacks, a relaxing pool, a sauna, and the massage… oh my goodness, it was heavenly! Every detail made it feel like pure indulgence and total relaxation

From the moment you book, a concierge helps you plan your stay and personalize it in every way. They make you feel like your experience truly matters like every detail is designed for you to feel cherished. When we arrived, our room had strawberries dipped in chocolate and a warm, handwritten welcome letter. Immediately, I felt that cozy, cherished feeling. The inn itself is breathtaking. Every corner is thoughtful, elegant, and inviting. The grounds are lush and immaculately kept, encouraging you to slow down, breathe, and just soak in the beauty.

We laughed so much during our stay. Every moment from exploring the gardens and winding pathways to curling up in our room with a cup of tea was filled with joy. Our absolute favorite part? The spa. Oh my goodness… It was breathtaking. The atmosphere, the treatments, the way it made us feel pampered and calm was like stepping into a little piece of heaven. “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.”(Psalm 23:2-3) That’s exactly what we felt there refreshed, renewed, and cared for.

We spent the rest of our time simply soaking in the atmosphere. We wandered the cozy corners of the inn, watched the sun set over the perfectly manicured grounds, and savored quiet breakfasts in the dining room. Every detail of the soft linens, the welcoming fireplaces, the attention to design made it feel like a sanctuary. It reminded me how important it is to pause, reflect, and celebrate love in its purest form.

And that’s what marriage has been teaching me too. It’s full of small treasures, laughter, and moments of awe. It’s about partnership, understanding, and unconditional love. It’s about trusting God’s timing and finding joy in both the big milestones and quiet everyday moments. “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (Mark 10:9)

Something I’ve learned is this: yes, when you get married, a part of you changes but for the better. It’s no longer just “you”; it’s “us.” And that’s okay. Sometimes you have to let go of the old you to fully embrace the person you are becoming together. No marriage is perfect, please remember that. It’s an everyday choice to pour love, patience, and commitment into each other.

If you’re newly married, here’s something I want you to remember: you are never supposed to get lost in your relationship. Marriage is a partnership, a covenant. You are both unique individuals, but your love has Jesus at the center. God is always at the heart of it, working in the places that need attention, shaping your hearts to love deeper and grow stronger together.

And for those still waiting for that special someone don’t rush. Enjoy this season. Trust God’s timing. Love truly shows up when you least expect it, and it’s worth the wait.

Marriage, love, laughter, and faith they’re all a journey. So laugh, pray, grow, and cherish every moment. When we do that, we see God’s grace, and life becomes truly beautiful.

It was honestly exactly what I needed. I left feeling completely refreshed, and I’m so grateful I went. I would absolutely come back in a heartbeat!