{Take Someone's Breath Away}

Dear Bride-to-Be:
Taking a deep, slow breath gives you pause; and in the space of that pause, you're more relaxed, more present, more likely to "respond" instead of "react." When you put attention on your breath, you're able to see both the "big picture" as well as the "details" in clearer focus; decision making becomes easier.

Are you noticing your breath as you are reading this? Put attention on your breath – take longer, deeper breaths and get more nourishing oxygen into your brain and body. Your breath brings ease into your tense muscles: your shoulders drop, your chest expands, your neck and jaw relax. You look softer.

And you just might take someone's breath away!

Love. Listen. Let go.
...with love from Cornelia

[Photograph: Marla Aufmuth]

{A Grateful Heart}

Dear Bride-to-Be:
Do you think that abundance is limited? That good fortune skips a day in your life? Wise spiritual guides tell us that what we might consider as lack of abundance or a misfortune is actually an opportunity to open our hearts even wider ... a reminder to be thankful for what we do have. Blessings come a’calling to a grateful heart!

Over two thousand years ago, the Roman philosopher Cicero said “a grateful heart is the greatest virtue.” We receive presents each day that we may not recognize as presents, but it seems that anytime we express appreciation for the experience we’ve been given—no matter what it is—then our hearts open that much more.

Keep your heart available for love in abundant proportions . . . and abundance is yours. Remember that it’s a generous dose of gratitude that returns you to the “fortunes” of love.

Love. Listen. Let go.
...with love from Cornelia


[Photograph: Sarah Merians Photography]

{Borrowing From the Past}

Dear Bride-to-Be:
Wedding ceremonies “borrow” from the past—words, music, gestures—and when you participate in wedding rituals, you are “borrowing” wisdom from another time. As you tap into those ancient wisdoms, you are tapping into your own inner wisdom. That’s why when you’re going through these intimate rituals, it can all feel strangely natural and familiar . . . “Have I been here before?” It’s not the ritual itself; rituals are just a vehicle to take you into your heart center. What is familiar is you! The real you gets to emerge. (Ahhhh. The magic process of the rite-of-passage.)

The most memorable of wedding ceremonies draws the best from the past yet makes it beautifully present. Therefore, whatever you “borrow” to create your wedding, stir it up with your own inspired magic so it comes from your heart! Bringing it from the past, giving it your presence.

Love. Listen. Let go.
...with love from Cornelia

[Photograph: Jason Hudson Photography]

{Feminine Through & Through}

Dear Bride-to-Be:
You don't have to wait for your wedding day to indulge in pampering yourself with a host of fem-fem treats—like a relaxing massage or lavender bubble bath or gathering with girlfriends. You can feel feminine through and through by breathing in some of that lavender-scented, womanly magic right now!

Do this little exercise: Close your eyes; take a couple of deep, slow, soothing breaths (inhaling and exhaling through your nose, if possible, for even more relaxation.) Now, visualize a time you felt feminine through and through—take your time until you feel that lushness in every cell of your body—then breathe in that strength, beauty, and confidence. Deeply, truly, lovingly. It's always there, always available for you to claim.

Relax and breathe it in.

Love. Listen. Let go.
....with love from Cornelia

[Photograph: Jason Hudson]

{This Is Your Moment}

Dear Bride-to-Be:
As many years as the “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence for your shoe” bridal rhyme has been touching women’s lives, there are that many interpretations of its meaning, each offering suggestions for a fulfilling and happy life.

For my book, The Bride's Ritual Guide: Look Inside to Find Yourself -- and as a gift to the modern bride -- I’ve interwoven intuitive twists and insights for a more personal interpretation of this charming “something old” rhyme. (Do you have your copy of The Bride's Ritual Guide book yet?) Taking the rhyme’s simplicity, I wrapped it with the intimacy of a woman’s language as a way to move you deep into the heart of your bridal rite-of-passage.

Yes, this is your bridal rite-of-passage...not just a time in your life to plan your wedding! It is your moment to look inside to find yourself...and meet the real you...be surprised and delighted...make a few adjustments, tenderly...and love what you find. Yes, other moments of self-discovery are always available to you...but here's an opportunity like no other. Don't miss this moment...the magic of this rite-of-passage...the magic of you.

Love. Listen. Let go.
....with love from Cornelia

[Photograph: Julie Mikos]

{Take A Deep Breath First!}

Dear Bride-to-Be:
Weddings are like a microcosmic slice of real life magnified ... and when planning a wedding, things seem to speed up in the busyness of coordinating and organizing. So do you want a quick way to relax and refresh? You want "time" itself to slow down? Then take a deep breath first!

Try it. Right before you make a decision, or begin a meeting, or when you're feeling overwhelmed, or an upset is bubbling up, or you feel just a little weary: Take a slow, deep breath (an easy, soft inhale and a long, slow exhale) and see the difference it makes in the outcome. It's simple but very effective. Take a deep breath first...then followed by another and another. (Slow your breaths and time slows down. Deepen your breaths and reach a deeper part of you.)

Take care of you first, then there is more of you available to love on others! A beautiful bride takes a deep breath first so her I love yous come from deep inside.

Love. Listen. Let go.
....with love from Cornelia

[Photograph: Missy McLamb Photographers]