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Happily Ever After—One Journey at a Time
6-19-25 Journey 9- Wedding & Anniversary Special


Table of Contents
FEEL GOOD
June Weddings- A Sensory-Friendly "Happily Ever After"
June is wedding season everywhere—this is our take, focused on love and sensory inclusion.
Weddings are a celebration of love—but for individuals with sensory sensitivities, they can also be overwhelming. Bright lights, strong scents, loud music, and unpredictable crowds can turn a joyful day into a stressful experience. That’s why planning a sensory-friendly wedding is such a beautiful act of care and inclusion.
What does it take to plan one? Thoughtful details, lots of love, and a dedicated team.
Recently, I had the joy of helping with a wedding designed specifically with sensory needs in mind. From the beginning, every detail was approached with intention.
Having extra room helps prevent the space from feeling crowded, while soft lighting and low background music creates a calm, welcoming environment. Guests can be asked kindly to refrain from wearing scented products. A team of volunteers can gently help identify and manage any potential sensory triggers throughout the day.
A dinner menu that accommodates dietary needs—from gluten-free and dairy-free to vegetarian and fully vegan—helps every guest feel seen and supported.
Other thoughtful touches could include: no flash photography or flashing lights, a plan to keep medications and basic needs within reach, and a quiet room nearby to relax and reset if needed. Even the guest list and minimum age should be considered—while children bring joy, unsupervised little ones running around can quickly overwhelm someone with sensory sensitivities.
Additional questions to consider:
Will there be a receiving line?
Are hugs okay?
Will there be dancing—or a quiet alternative?
How will guests celebrate? Clapping and cheering, or a silent wave?
For the send-off: are sparklers ok or scent-free bubbles instead?
Keep in mind that balloons popping may cause distress, and artificial glowing candles may not always be sensory-friendly.
A beautiful atmosphere can be created with the small, meaningful details that matter most to those you love. When planned with heart, a sensory-friendly wedding doesn’t just feel inclusive—it becomes a day everyone can truly enjoy.
Make it a beautiful day for them. It will be worth every loving gesture.

In honor of June, my weddings anniversary month, I’m sharing my great grandparent’s picture! ***Picture may not be used without written permission from The Autism Passport***
TRAVEL WELL
Travel Well: Romantic & Family-Friendly Destinations
In the spirit of weddings and anniversaries, I wanted to highlight a few destinations that are both wonderfully romantic and family-friendly. These places hold special meaning in my heart, and I hope they inspire your next getaway—whether you're planning a honeymoon, an anniversary trip, or a memorable family vacation.
🌲 Lake Tahoe
This was one of the stops on my own honeymoon, and it remains a top recommendation! Lake Tahoe is a dreamy summer retreat surrounded by majestic mountains and crystal-clear lake views. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, or just soaking in the scenery, there’s something here for everyone. The beaches are perfect for families, the sunsets are incredibly romantic, and the photo ops are endless.
👉 Explore Lake Tahoe https://visitlaketahoe.com/things-to-do-in-lake-tahoe/
🌊 Niagara Falls
Ever since Superman II, I dreamed of seeing Niagara Falls—and when we finally made the trip as a family, it exceeded all expectations. We turned it into a fun East Coast road trip with stops in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York, ending at the magnificent Falls. They are truly awe-inspiring—powerful, majestic, and even more stunning at night when illuminated by colorful lights.
We took the iconic Maid of the Mist boat tour (warning: prepare to get very wet!). While exciting, it’s not ideal for sensory-sensitive travelers—but there are plenty of quieter viewpoints along the U.S. side that are just as breathtaking. If you have a passport, the Canadian side offers the best panoramic view of the Horseshoe Falls. Either way, it’s an unforgettable experience!
👉 Plan your trip to Niagara Falls https://www.niagarafallsusa.com/things-to-do/
Whether you're celebrating love, creating new memories, or just enjoying a family adventure, these destinations offer the perfect mix of beauty, bonding, and breathtaking views.

I took this picture during our family trip to Niagara Falls. It truly is breath taking.
THRIVE TOGETHER
Happy marriage, happy life. Here's to thriving together.
How do you put into words the incredible journey of 30 years next to your best friend?
Marriage brings its ups and downs—family dynamics, kids, work, business, and everything in between. Through it all, I’m deeply grateful to walk this road with someone who’s been by my side through every season.
We’ve learned what it means to truly thrive together—especially with all the challenges that sometimes come daily, monthly, yearly, which provide a lifetime of learning and growth.
I can’t pretend to know what every couple faces, but I do know this: raising kids—especially with unique needs—is a team effort. It means sharing sleepless nights or taking turns. It means crying together, praying together, dreaming together, and facing hard truths together. It means loving our children with everything we’ve got, even when the future feels uncertain and full of "what ifs." It means enjoying this beautiful world together.
I feel so blessed to have a steady partner—a good man, a great dad, a loving husband I get to cherish forever. Happy Anniversary to the love of my life… and a huge cheers to all the couples out there who choose each other every single day. Who hold hands in the chaos. Who make time for love in the middle of the mess.

I don’t drink, but I took this picture at the FAM Flower Farm in the Netherlands.
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