This is my retreat, we're together, Part II

Our Engaged Encounter weekend was a welcome success. It started Friday night, lasting through Sunday afternoon with plenty of activities and snacks in between. We spent most of the time listening to two older couples and a priest present their personal stories and experiences, writing thoughts on various subjects, and in discussion about said subjects. It all felt a bit tedious at times, but was comforting in that it facilitated open communication among all subjects. And since communication is key to a healthy relationship, I feel all the sharing and talking we did has reminded us of what we hold dear and what to work for in the future.

The emphasis and focus of the weekend was "a wedding is a day, a marriage is a lifetime." We discussed communication with one another, fights/fighting fairly, finances, intimacy, our futures, and just life. The goal was openness, perspective, and honesty about the everything. I think we came out of the weekend with lots of love and an outlook that is more focused on the marriage, not the wedding. Through all of the planning, contracts, vendors, blogs, food, the reasons for marriage can get lost and because of the weekend we were able to get back our focus on our life and love. :)

Here are a few photos from the weekend. The retreat was held at St. Mary's Retreat Center is located in the Mission Canyon area of Santa Barbara. The drive up is windy and the view is amazing.

The room before the night started. Each seat was full of couples from the LA and SB area.


Everyone got a journal for notes and deep thoughts.


And a pen with the weekend's theme on it.


They had cute banners for some of the presentations. This one listed the rules for arguing.


Engaged Encounter sign pointing us to registration.


There were benches all around the property. They were used for reflection and to enjoy the views.


Saturday was cloudy, but a windy Sunday brought a morning rainbow as the skies begun to clear.


A statue of Mary.


Since Sunday was clear, we could see the Pacific Ocean, Mesa, Upper State area, Channel Islands...


San Roque area, the airport, and UCSB.


The certificate we received after mass on Sunday.

Did you attend an engaged encounter or similar retreat?

Blog title is from lyrics by Diana Ross