Introducing "After the Altar," my new summer blog series dedicated to celebrating the union of marriage and the beauty of love. Every Friday during June and July, I will highlight a married couple who will bravely share their challenges, triumphs, and secrets to wedded bliss.
We often focus on the work that goes into the wedding day -- the invitations, the cake, the dress, the guests. Let's give equal attention to the 'work' that takes place after the altar.
Boston.com, meet Alicia and Kasim.
Dorchester couple Alicia and Kasim met in 2009 during a New Year's Eve church service. They exchanged vows in 2011. During my interview with the couple, Kasim vividly shared how special it was when Alicia surprised him with a sweet serenade and a live band on their wedding day. Alicia's unforgettable moments on that day include walking down the aisle and lovingly looking into her husband's eyes while singing along with him during their first dance. How romantic!
Expertly Engaged: What are some of the biggest challenges/adjustments that you are facing after the altar?
Alica & Kasim: Co-parenting and adapting to two lives becoming one.Your life is not your own anymore so understanding that now it's about building your lives together and not just thinking "ME, ME, ME!" Your mentality has to change. Communication, of course, is a work in progress.
Expertly Engaged: What qualities are key to having a happy and healthy marriage?
Alicia & Kasim: Prayer, communication, friendship, commitment to each other, learning how to forgive, learning to not hold onto things that will bother you, and having fun with each other. If you can't laugh through it then it's going to be really hard. Understand that you both compliment each other and that no one is perfect. Treat each other with love even during the hard times.
Expertly Engaged: Any advice for other newlyweds out there?
Alicia & Kasim: Be life partners, work at it together, be willing to fight for your marriage because tests will come. Accept each other for who you really are and not for what you want that person to be; commitment and love is a decision, decide to win. Sprinkle love and kindness even in the midst of anger; agree to always make up; it's not always about being right it's about hearing each other out and acknowledging each others different perspectives.
Alicia: Ladies, men need romance, too!
Kasim: Men, show your wife the reason why she married you. Don't get too comfortable with each other!
Alicia & Kasim: Above all, pray for each other daily and keep God first and you will not go wrong.
Do you know a married couple whose relationship is all that and a bag of chips? Is your marriage blog-worthy and feature ready for After the Altar ? Email me . I'd love to hear your story.
