Date Day Guide

Cute's good. But cute only lasts for so long, and then it's, 'Who are you as a person?' Don't look at the bankbook or the title. Look at the heart. Look at the soul. When you're dating a man, you should always feel good. ... You shouldn't be in a relationship with somebody who doesn't make you completely happy and make you feel whole. - Michelle Obama

When G and I first started dating, we really loved day dates. We met in a city that was in between where we both lived at the time. During this time we really had to maximize the time we spent together. Day dates quickly became our "thing" and it was so much fun. We love spending time together, and to grow and learn about each other. It was casual and so relaxed - which was absolutely perfect.

Today I am sharing my favorite day dates with you all!

  1. Museums - We are all about going to a good art museum or exhibit. G will research and look into museums before we visit. He will make sure we hit all the best exhibits. 
  2. Wineries/Vineyards - Of course, it wouldn't be a great day date without hitting a good winery or two. If the winery or vineyard has a restaurant, we are definitely hanging around  for lunch. But, if there isn't one, we pack a little basket and a blanket - and do a picnic. Also, sometimes wineries will have food trucks - jackpot!
  3. Tours - One of our favorite things to do are tours. All the way from a Segway to Model Home (hey, we get a lot of decorating ideas from touring newly constructed house) tour. We make it fun! 
  4. Gardens and Parks - I'm a sucker for flowers, so going to a Botanical Garden or a Historical Park is always fun for me. We even take our bikes and go for a ride - just getting out and enjoying the fresh air is so nice.
  5. Brunch or Lunch - Who doesn't like a good mimosa or four during the day? I'm never turning a mimosa down. We are always on the hunt for a new brunch spot. 
  6. Movies - We are huge fans of the Marvel Universe and make it our mission to see each movie that comes out. Sometimes we will go during the day - hello matinee prices! 
  7. Collectible Hunting - So, we are super into comic books. G and I even collect statues. We have a few favorite comic book stores in the Hampton Roads area that we love going to. I enjoy seeing what they have in stock, and thumbing through some comic books. This activity is one of my favorite things to do with G, and we have a blast.
  8. Art Studio - We enjoy going to our local art studio and painting some wonderful pieces. It is a way for us to use our creative outlet and have fun.

Tip: Sometimes we will "un-plug" on our dates. No social media or phones, just the two of us enjoying one another. 

What are some of your favorite day dates?

XO, Analise

 

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography

Miss to Mrs.

Finding Mr. Right ...

In April of 2014, my mother texted me during the middle of my work meeting, and insisted that I go on a date with a young man ... 

My mother and I have a fantastic relationship, and even though I was not here for this blind date idea, she told me a little about him, and shortly there after I broke down, and gave into her "plan". I complied to her idea of this date, and with my permission she gave him my phone number.

During this time I was in my mid-20s, living in Richmond, VA, and dating someone new was the furthest thing from my mind.

A few days later, one evening I get a call, and I knew who it was ... "blind date guy". I picked up reluctantly, just knowing the conversation would last approximately 2 minutes, and 35 seconds ... instead it lasted for nearly an hour. He was smart, kind, funny, and wanted to know my favorite type of food, so that he could make reservations at a restaurant for our date. I was sort of smitten, but my wall was up and didn't know how this would pan out, but I knew I'd be getting calamari (FYI, I love calamari) out of the deal ... so what's the worst that could happen?

The day of our date, I was super nervous, and decided to wear a cobalt blue (which ended up being our wedding color) dress to the seafood restaurant where we would be meeting. My mother was thrilled, and super giddy ... it was a bit ridiculous if you ask me. 

I arrive to the restaurant, and here I see a man approach me (yes, my mother sent him my photo, and gave me his as well) with a single red rose ... seriously, I was blown away. We both got to the restaurant early, and decided to walk around the shopping center, G and I immediately connected. We loved the same things, art, comic books, family ... it was kind of creepy how well we got along.

After that date, on a Saturday evening, we made plans to keep in touch ... what I didn't expect was for him to meet my entire family on Mother's Day the next morning. He arrived at my parent's home before I traveled back to Richmond, VA, and met my whole family. I knew in that moment, he was indeed serious about keeping in touch ... and this would not be the last I saw of him. 

From that first date Mother's Day weekend, we never spent a weekend a part, for 5 months we travelled between Virginia Beach and Richmond, until I made the decision to return home and take a new job near my family. Four months after my move to Virginia Beach, G proposed, and hands down it was one of the easiest decisions I ever made in my life. 

Yet, little did we know, we both had to make several adjustments before either of us said "I do". G and I immediately started attending marriage ministry classes, it literally changed our relationship and lives. We put the work in very early to ensure our marriage was successful. G is a supportive partner and incredibly kind, but during this major, and exciting change in our life, I went through a lot to figure out my identity. 

Becoming someone's wife is amazing, but it can also be super overwhelming. Between the wedding planning process, and finding a house you'll make a home, you quickly get caught up in it all. I will never forget the day I finally changed my last name ... it was pretty scary, but kind of exciting. It was like this shift occurred, and it hit me ... oh gosh, I am someone's wife, and I'm so thrilled, but yet in a moment of shock. Being a wife is a major responsibility that I do not take lightly at all.

The biggest piece of advice I was given when we got married was, "Do not lose your identity, and make sure you stay the woman your husband fell in love with." This quote helped me remember who Analise truly was, even though I was taking on the last name of Gregory.

So, while I am now a Mrs., I'll always hold onto my core identity that I encompassed as a Miss. 

XO, Analise

 

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography