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7 Things I’m Glad I Did Before Walking Down The Aisle

Here are 7 things I’m glad I did before walking down the aisle
I'm Stephanie May Wilson!

I'm an author and podcaster and my specialty is helping women navigate big decisions, life transitions — creating lives they love.

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I’m married. Can you believe it? I’m still not sure I can. I check my ring finger every once in awhile, partially out of worry that Carl’s beautiful investment might have fallen off in a freak accident, and partially to make sure this wasn’t all a dream.


In the last month I’ve been reflecting on lots of things. One thing I’ve been thinking about a lot is what I did before we got married, and how it prepared me for where I am today. This is by no means a formula, a recipe or a comprehensive list — but rather some thoughts of mine to get your thoughts moving. What things do you want to do in the stage of life you’re in now, and how can you prepare yourself for what might be coming next?

walking down the aisle


Here are 7 things I’m glad I did before walking down the aisle:

I dated other people

I think many of us feel like good Christians should only ever be in a relationship with their spouse. Like somehow, if you’re holy enough, you don’t end up wasting any relational energy or love on someone you don’t end up marrying. But this wasn’t the case for me, and I’m really thankful for it. I was in several relationships before I met Carl, some great, some terrible, but most of them somewhere in between. And while none of these nice gentleman ended up being my husband, the time I spent with them was beneficial. When I look back at the road that felt so crooked as I walked it, I can see how each one of these relationships prepared me in a specific and necessary way for our marriage.

I traveled

There’s something that changes in us when we travel. Maybe it’s getting out of our comfort zone, maybe it’s the change of scenery, maybe it’s the experiences we have when we’re in a new place, but there’s something so formative about travel. I am a better person because I traveled. I am kinder, wiser, braver, and more loving because of the people I met, and the experiences I had overseas. You can absolutely travel once you’re married. I’m counting on it. But there’s a deep independence and sense of self that is formed when you hit the road alone (or with some really good girlfriends).

I made really great friends

I swear my girlfriends have taught me everything I know. There has been no one else more formative, more impactful, or more involved in my life than my girlfriends. At our rehearsal dinner, we all cried as Carl stood up in front of everyone and thanked my girlfriends for what they’ve done in my life, for what they’ve done in me. I am who I am because of the people I’ve been surrounded by, and Carl now gets to benefit from their investment.

walking down the aisle


I lived with roommates

I’ve lived in huge houses and tiny houses and tents while traveling. I’ve lived with best friends, and okay friends, and even people who weren’t really my friends. And while not all of the situations are ones I’d want to be in forever, I wouldn’t take a single one back. The first reason is because it’s important to learn to live with people. There’s a selfishness that’s broken away when you share a space with someone – when you need to move your stuff over in the refrigerator so they can have some room too. Close quarters are a breeding ground for conflict, and it’s conflict that teaches you how to be a better roommate, a better friend, and a better person. The second reason is because it’s fun. It’s fun getting to walk into your roommate’s closet and borrow a shirt for the evening. It’s fun to flop up onto the couch with a pizza, a bottle of wine, and Frozen from Redbox. Roommates are the best, and even when they’re not, they’re a learning experience everyone should have at least once.

I figured out what I want my life to be about


While I don’t have a 5 or 10 year plan, and I don’t have every detail mapped out, I do know what I care about, what I like to do, and what I want to be known for. Marriage is the process of combining visions – of taking two people’s ideas and coming up with one destination. That’s something to think about when deciding who you want to marry – deciding if where they’re going is where you want to go and vice versa. But if you don’t know where you want to go, that’s a tough question to answer. Before we get married, it’s important to take some time to soul-search, to figure out what we want out of life, and where we want to go. If we don’t, we’re rolling the dice and hoping we married a good driver with a good sense of direction.

I fell in love with myself


The thing I’ve learned about relationships – through lots of trial and lots of error is that no amount of love can overpower your insecurities. When I’m feeling insecure, there’s nothing Carl can say to talk me out of it. No matter how beautiful, or wonderful, or great he tells me I am, when I’m feeling particularly insecure, it’s almost as if I can’t hear him. We have to learn to love ourselves before anyone else will ever be able to. I’ve grown so much in this area, and I’m so grateful because now when Carl tells me he loves me, I actually believe him, because I love me too.

walking down the aisle


I dealt with my baggage


Every single one of us has some things inside of us that we need to work out. We each have our own particular brand of insecurity, fear, and wounds, and we carry those until we decide it’s time to put them down. Getting married does not solve any of these problems. It doesn't wipe away wounds or insecurity or fear. In fact, it often exacerbates them.


While we’ll never ever be perfect, something I’m so glad I started to do before we got married was to deal with my baggage. I began sorting through my memories, and my heart, and my mind, looking for things that were broken, or maybe just needed a tune up. I wanted to bring the healthiest version of myself possible into our marriage, and so I worked hard to do just that.

walking down the aisle


That list isn’t comprehensive, and it’s not a foolproof recipe for success. But it is a reminder for me and hopefully for you to think about how you live your life today — not just for today’s sake, but for tomorrow as well. The decisions we make and the ways we prepare ourselves matter. If we make the most of the time before marriage, we’ll be grateful for the experiences we’ve had and the hard work we’ve done, and so will our spouses.


P.S. Not long ago, a girlfriend asked me a question that I just can’t stop thinking about. She asked, “Having been married for two years, if you could go back and tell your single self a few things, what would you tell her?” I didn’t even have to think about it. I instantly knew the advice I’d give her — the advice that would have made that season so much easier and happier for me. And I would love to share that advice with you too!


Click right here,  pop in your info, and I’ll send you the letters I wrote for myself when I was: In the worst breakup of my life, feeling totally unseen and unlovable, totally confused about a guy I liked, and wanting my single life to end so my real life could start.



I can’t wait to share these with you sweet friend. I hope they’re as encouraging, and as good for your heart as I know they would have been for mine!


P.S. Have a girlfriend you think would be encouraged by these too? Send her this link! The more the merrier! 


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In this post I'm sharing 7 things I’m glad I did before walking down the aisle. If you're single or dating, this post is for you!

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  1. Helena says:

    Stunning pictures and writing, Steph! You’re amazing, Mrs. Wilson. 🙂

  2. Jerry Powell says:

    Congratulations!!! You are a beautiful bride -inside and out! What great insight you give to those who desire to be the perfect bride.
    May God bless you and Carl as you grow together in your marriage and life.
    Many blessings.

  3. Hope M. says:

    love this! great list :))

  4. Kacie Lynn says:

    🙂 I love this a lot, and I love that my list would be similar and different and have some identical experiences on it, and I love that you’re Mrs. Wilson, and I love that I TOTALLY understand and love the emotion in that first photo!

  5. Kelly says:

    Thank you for this! Last Friday my very good friend asked me to be his girlfriend, and I said yes. It’s my first relationship, and I’m dealing with a lot of simultaneous excitement and fear. This list touches on things I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. Thank you for continuing to share your wisdom!

  6. Nancy says:

    What wonderful wisdom you have shared! It’s definitely clear that you spent a long time working on yourself before getting married. You waited a long time and now you’re able to relax and enjoy the precious time you have with the wonderful man you married. Congratulations, Steph. Love, Mom

  7. Marianne McGriff says:

    Such wisdom…thank you for sharing! Love you, Marianne

  8. Katie says:

    Stephanie, I love this post! So many of these steps ring true for me – especially travel, loving myself, clarity in my life, and working through my baggage. How you put these so simply and succinctly together is so beautiful and needed. You’re awesome. I’m grateful for your wisdom. And I’m crushing on your long gorgeous locks. xo

  9. katie r says:

    great thoughts steph – love it! gorgeous pics, i can’t wait to see the rest since i couldn’t come on the big day!

  10. We may not possibly be able. fesible to do those 7 things…It is different for each individual…but for sure before tying the knot, make sure he is your best friend, completly open and honest about past relationships, any children from previous marriage, a man of faith, walking w The Lord in church and accountability factors in place. Not lazy, works a steady job. Get to know and build solid relationship with in laws. The scriptures gives insight on godly man and woman…it is a process. I have been married 38 years, more blood, sweat and tears than a bowl full of cherries…have three adult children and grandkids… anyone can be a wife, mother.
    Be sure you are clear on your responsibilities, role, commitments. above all, don’t live with the person before marriage. Than could be your downfall…being out of the will of God from the beginning and most likely relationship will crumble…

  11. […] do I love this post? Let me count the ways. Oh, and this one […]

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