Pre wedding advice

In trying to think of advice for newlywed couples, I'm reminded of some advice that I should give before the wedding actually takes place.
The day we got married was the last day of classes before Spring Break of 2003, so Mira had a few classes in the morning of our wedding day and left his last class early to get to the temple on time. When I got there, he was nowhere to be found. Needless to say, I was getting impatient. Where was my future husband?! He showed up a few minutes later and told me that he forgot the marriage license, so he sent two of his SIL's back to the house to get it. About 15 minutes before they got back, he realized he also forgot my wedding band and his white shoes so we could take pictures outside afterwards. We borrowed another SIL's ring to stand in place of my band so we could exchange rings after the ceremony, and a nephew of his ran over to the mini-Beehive clothing store to get him a pair of shoes.
The next day was our reception, and we woke up late. By the time we got to church to get my hair done, some pictures taken, and all that jazz, we were about half an hour late in starting. Oh boy, what an interesting 48 hours! So, to recap: make sure you have everything you need before you get there and don't wake up late the day of the reception when there's a ton of work to be done. I learned the hard way.
Oh, another thought. One of Lar's SIL's is getting married this summer, and she plans on getting her rings soldered a few weeks before the wedding so she doesn't have to have it done later. I wish I would have thought of that! If you can stand not having your ring on your finger for a while, then that's a good idea. If you can't, it's still a good idea. Just get a ring to wear while your other one is in the shop. I don't wear my ring in the shower or in bed [snags the sheets and is dangerous in the dark (Ow! You poked me!)], so we went and bought a silver $10 band from Walmart. It does nicely and if you lose it down the drain, you're only out $10.
Still need to think of more advice for post wedding bliss, though. Be patient, it will come!

My advice

I was at a wedding reception the other night (29 December 2004) for a guy I went to church with (my dad played photographer at the ring ceremony and reception and took a picture of a bunch of us that were youth together in the stake) and ran into Harold and Sara (see the "It's about time! post). I talked to Sara for a few minutes before Harold came by to talk; I congratulated her on their engagement and mentioned that I was coming up on my 2nd anniversary with Mira and she asked if I had any advice. I blanked! I said, "Um, have fun?" It wasn't until later that I thought of some advice I could have given her. (I'll mete that out later.) Then Harold came over and gave me a hug! I have never hugged that guy when we were teens, and here I was, reaching up to put my arm around his shoulder. I congratulated him and small talked with them about Mira not being there because his back was hurting again and other trivial matters. It was nice to see them again, and I wish them (and RT and his new wife "Janey") the best of luck in their lives together.
Now, onto the list. I started this list at my mom's, but left the list there, so I'll have to remember as much as I can, and add on a few more. Remember, this is just my advice and you can take it or leave it.

1. This is familiar advice that has probably been passed down from parents to newlyweds since the church began, but here it is anyway: read the scriptures and pray together every day.

2. Attend the temple together whenever possible. You never know when either of you will be unable.

3. Take time (especially on busy days) to just be with each other. For example: cuddle on the couch, in bed, etc. for ten minutes each day.

4. You don’t have to spend every waking minute with your spouse. Take some time to be alone, or you’ll never have anything to talk about and you’ll get on each other’s nerves. (Personal experience!)

5. When I was dating Mira, he was the most attractive man I had ever known. To this day, he is still the most attractive man I’ve ever known. And to this day, he says I am the most attractive woman he has ever known. Always remind your spouse how attractive s/he is to you.

6. Three words: breakfast in bed.

I've been picking my brain for more, but I'm fresh out of ideas. I'll post more later.