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V & E through the years.
Remembering When
One year ago last month I had the honor to stand alongside my best friend, Erika, as she pledged her love in a sunny vineyard wedding ceremony. The scene was a Southern California winery. Guests traveled from all over the country, including Alaska where the bride and groom reside. I, myself, came from clear across the country to spend a few days helping her and the groom. I look back on those memories now fondly. It was a time spent with wonderful people and in many different parts of Southern California. A whirlwind but a great one. It made me realize that travel is the gift that keeps on giving.
Erika & Murph, 2019.
V & E in Temecula, CA at the rehearsal dinner.
Oh the Places You’ll Go
As for my BFF and her spouse, their honeymoon was not set to take place right away. They were to travel to Africa for a safari this spring. They planned to do this with the help of friends and family through a honeymoon registry. They didn’t register for items for their home but instead for their honeymoon. They wanted a once in a lifetime trip. Now, that has now been put on hold indefinitely but it’s OK. They are patient and safe. Africa will happen just later than they planned.
In years past when a friend was getting married my go-to was always the usual registry full of glassware, linens, and well, things. Things we use and often forget where they came from or if we really wanted or needed them.
Erika & Murph, Weins Winery, 2019.
When Erika and her husband registered for their wedding last year it wasn’t for things. They wanted to experience something. This is a more common gift than you might think. I was happy to be able to contribute to a trip that would create a bonding experience between them as well as meaning and memories. I think travel does that beautifully.
The Gift that Keeps on Giving
Rustic Virginia cabin. Photo courtesy of Traveler’s Joy.
When you think about life today and what is important you think about the basics. You think about how you would love to be able to travel places and see people you cannot right now. Maybe it’s not Africa and a safari but to Virginia to visit your Nana. Right now we miss our friends and family and we miss traveling. I’ll say it again. Traveling is the gift that keeps on giving because it doesn’t just broaden your mind but it fills your heart and creates a connection between you and your travel companions just as much as with the actual place. That is worth more than a matching set of candlesticks or champagne flutes any day.
Where did you go on your honeymoon? Would you register for a trip?
What beautiful photos of you and your best friend, Vicky! I agree with you that gifting experiences instead of things is so much better! My brother in law got married 2 years ago and most of their wedding registry was honeymoon activities. I think we paid for a scuba diving experience for them in Hawaii. Thanks for sharing and linking up. I hope you are well!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thank you! It was such an amazing trip in so many ways. I’m sad that they couldn’t go on their trip this year but at least it is all ready and waiting for them to go on in the future.
We’re hanging in there! I hope you are too!
Travel and experience is truly the best gift someone could ever give! Memories that will surely last a lifetime. 🙂 These pictures are adorable! I’m a huge advocate on saving money to travel over tangible items. love this read!
Thank you for reading Grayce! I’m so glad you visited and I really do agree that the memories last a lifetime.
I agree, travel is truly the best gift! My boyfriend bought us tickets to Japan as a graduation present to me and I’m thinking about proposing to him while we’re there! Truly a gift that keeps on giving <3
I love that idea! Have a wonderful time!
I completely agree that travelling is the gift that keeps on giving! I love travelling and although we are unable to right now, it is going to make it that much better when we are able to again.
I can’t wait to travel again too. It really fills up my soul.
Travelling really is the best and it is only made better by going with your loved ones. Personally, I’d rather have a luxurious honeymoon than some cookware and linens, so I’ll be sure to suggest a travel fund instead of a traditional registry.
Me too! I remember trips and places and the memories created there over things any day. I ask for travel or money towards it for every gift.