I got married in October 2019, so all of 2019, I was planning my

In this simple yet heartfelt reflection, Jessica Long speaks of a season of life devoted to one of humanity’s most ancient and sacred rites: marriage. She reveals that the entire year of 2019 was dedicated to planning her wedding, a time of preparation, anticipation, and profound emotional investment. Her words remind us that a wedding is not merely a single day of celebration, but a journey of months, even years, during which families are united, traditions are honored, and the foundation of a shared future is carefully laid. It is a labor of love, filled with both joy and sacrifice.

The origin of this sentiment lies in the deep cultural significance of weddings across civilizations. In ancient times, the preparation for a wedding was seen as a sacred duty, often lasting for many moons. Among the Romans, elaborate festivals were held before a union, with families making offerings to the gods for fertility and prosperity. In the villages of medieval Europe, entire communities would join in the preparations, knowing that the joining of two individuals was also the joining of families, clans, and sometimes kingdoms. Jessica Long’s year of planning reflects this timeless truth: a wedding is not just a private affair, but a thread woven into the larger tapestry of society.

Her devotion to planning also reflects the discipline of focus. Just as a warrior prepares for battle or an artist for a grand performance, a bride and groom must prepare their hearts and lives for the transition into shared destiny. Consider the tale of Queen Victoria, whose wedding to Prince Albert in 1840 set trends and reshaped cultural traditions across Europe. The preparation for this royal wedding was immense, involving careful consideration of symbolism, attire, and ceremony. Like Long, Victoria understood that the path leading to the altar is as important as the moment of vows themselves.

Yet there is also a lesson in patience and transformation. A year spent planning is not merely about logistics and details—it is a spiritual journey. During this time, individuals reflect on their identity, their values, and their hopes for the future. The bride who emerges at the wedding’s end is not the same woman who began the journey, for she has been forged by the trials, decisions, and emotions of the process. In this way, wedding preparation mirrors the ancient rites of passage that marked the transition from one stage of life to another.

Ultimately, Jessica Long’s words teach us that great milestones demand time, care, and intention. Just as a temple cannot be built in haste, a union meant to last must be prepared with devotion. Her year of planning symbolizes the truth that love is not merely found, but built, day by day, with thought and effort. Let this wisdom guide future generations: cherish the journey as much as the destination, for in the quiet labors of preparation, the roots of a lifelong partnership are planted and nourished.