I DO! I DID! PRESENTING MR. & MRS.....

Katharine
Nov 4, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Feb 10

Two words, a judge, two signatures, a few witnesses, and I became a wife! I am a married woman; you can now call me Señora de Rodriguez...just kidding, please don't call me that (at least not yet)! LOL

Photo: Gaby Garcia's Photography — **Photo:** **Gaby Garcia's Photography**

I wouldn't say we eloped as our families knew and were present with their support and blessings. It was all very last minute, but to put it in my dad's words "Ya era tiempo!" ("It was time!)". We had a civil wedding at the LAX Courthouse on January 4, 2023 on a rainy, gloomy, and a windy afternoon in "sunny" Los Angeles.

I don't know what I thought about the process of getting married before I did it, but without the whole hassle of a party, it is a VERY QUICK process. We planned and executed ours in one week! This definitely wasn't the "traditional" way, but it is ok, after all our entire history isn't traditional either, so I would say it's the perfect fit for us.

Of course, I wanted "The Proposal" that most people dream of, the announcement to friends & family, and the wedding (party) with friends and family. However, one thing about getting older is that you start to mature (hopefully) and begin to learn what is worth the time and money. This experience & important event in my life has proven that God gives you what you NEED, not what you WANT.

#KATandRAM2023

MY THOUGHTS

I believe that we don't realize how much culture and social media affects our thoughts and wants as an adult. I had my battle during the planning and the after of our marriage with my wants, needs, and emotions. Thankfully, I came to a peaceful feeling & acceptance through therapy, meditation, and prayer.

I've observed that many people confuse what a marriage is with what a wedding is. One is about the celebration "party" of the new adventure with people and the other is about the long-term commitment to your partner. The thing with planning and doing a wedding in the USA is that it is all about the money.

You can have both if you are financially stable, but on my end, I can say that I personally never prepared for a wedding. I knew I wanted it, but never planned financially for one. So, accepting the reality of the situation was important. We also had other unplanned events happening to us that took priority over our finances.

My financial plans are usually around travelling and Disney. For that reason, I accepted that what was, and what we could have, is what it is. At the end travelling & Disney are my "rich life" (I've been listening to a lot of Ramit Sethi Podcast, "I Will Teach You To Be Rich"). A wedding can always wait as we will have future opportunities to celebrate our marriage.

VOW RENEWALS

I would like to have a "wedding" but in the form of a Vow Renewal Ceremony/Party. Vow renewals to me are seen as a choice and an act of courage, love, & hope. When someone chooses to renew their vows, they are choosing to continue to honor the promises they did the very first time and more.

The couple is choosing to continue to love and accept their spouse and the person they have become. As you grow older, you start to learn and realize that you are not the same person you were 5 or 10 years ago, and the same goes for your spouse. You will also not be the same person in 5 or 10 years.

Relationships and marriages are not for the lazy. You have to put work in yourself and your marriage. By using the word "work" I don't say that in a negative way, work can be good if you look at it through learning eyes. I also think you need humility and wisdom to grow a marriage and to grow yourself as well. If you go in with pride and arrogance, then it's only about you and there is no way that will work.

#KatTrvlsDisney

I've been blessed with a man who treats me with respect, love, and grace. A man who cheerleads me to grow personally and professionally. A man who seeks to continue to grow & heal himself emotionally & mentally. The same goes for me, well at least I hope he sees and knows that. You will have to ask him yourself. Oh, and a man who goes along for the ride on my Disney Adventures! Love you babe!

FINAL THOUGHTS

As I began to type this post, we were just turning a year as a married couple. Unfortunately due to life I never posted it until now. I am posting this closer to our two-year anniversary, and looking forward to reaching that new milestone with Ramon.

We obviously have had some challenges, but we are blessed to have amazing friends, family, and leaders-therapists who help us with listening and advice. In my experience talking to people who are or have been through the same things you are going through is very helpful and hopeful.

The one thing that gives me peace and joy is that I know that we are willing to do the work and take on the challenge. We both pray and put our marriage in God's hands and guidance. Both of us are choosing to be the husband and wife we need to be and become for each other, ourselves, and one day our family (if that is in the cards).

With that said, I can't wait to reach year 5 with my husband and maybe celebrate it on a Disney Cruise or a small Disneyland Vow Renewal! I am manifesting that it will happen someday. Fingers crossed.