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The Three C’s of Marriage: Advice from a Michigan Wedding Venue

Jennifer Wilson

Updated: Feb 21



At Celestial Farms, we’ve had the honor of witnessing so many beautiful couples say “I do” and start their journey as a married couple. From heartfelt vows to joyous celebrations, we’ve seen love in all its forms. But as beautiful and magical as weddings are, marriage itself is a lifelong journey—one that requires effort, patience, and understanding.


Celestial Farms- A Beautiful

Michigan Wedding Venue



What makes a marriage last? While every relationship is unique, I've learned that the strongest marriages share three foundational principles:


Communication, Compromise, and Commitment.


These “Three C’s” serve as the backbone of a healthy and thriving relationship, helping couples navigate life’s ups and downs as a team.


But beyond these three core values, we also believe in the power of compassion, quality time, intimacy, and respect. These elements deepen the bond between partners and keep the spark alive for a lasting love.


Whether you’re planning your DREAM wedding at a Michigan wedding venue like Celestial Farms or you’re already navigating life as newlyweds, this guide offers essential advice to build a strong and lasting marriage with the person you love.



Communication: The Heart of a Healthy Marriage

Communication is the foundation of every successful relationship. Communication is how couples express love, resolve conflicts, and share their hopes and dreams. But unfortunately, many couples struggle with effective communication, and that can ultimately lead to misunderstandings and frustration.


  • Listen to Understand, Not Just to Respond


One of the biggest communication mistakes is listening just to reply rather than truly hearing and understanding your partner’s perspective. This is called active listening and it involves:

• Making eye contact with your partner

• Avoiding interrupting your partner

• Paraphrasing what your partner says to ensure clarity

• Asking thoughtful questions for a deeper understanding of thoughts and feelings.


For couples to approach challenges that arise as a team rather than opponents, both partners need to feel heard.



  • Express Your Needs Clearly


Your spouse in not a mind reader regardless of how close you feel to them. If something is bothering you, never expect your partner to guess what’s wrong. Learn to use “I” statements instead of blame-filled language. For example:

• Instead of: “You never help around the house.”

• Try: “I feel overwhelmed when I handle all the household chores alone. Can we please divide the responsibilities more evenly?”


This approach will encourage a positive conversation rather than defensiveness.


  • Keep the Romance Alive with Daily Check-ins


Life can get hectic, but small daily check-ins and love filled gestures can strengthen your connection. Ask each other:

• What was the best part of your day today?

• Is there anything on your mind that you’d like to discuss?

• How can I support you better?


Even five-minute conversations with your partner can make a world of difference.


Celestial Farms- A Beautiful

Michigan Wedding Venue


Compromise: Finding Middle Ground in Marriage
bride and groom holdiing hands at a michigan wedding venue-michigan wedding venue barn with bride and groom holding hands

Marriage is about two people merging their lives together, which means disagreements are inevitably going to happen. What is the key to resolving all conflicts? Compromise.


  • Understanding vs. Winning


Couples tend to enter conflicts with the goal of “winning” the argument. But in a healthy marriage, the real victory comes from finding solutions that work for both partners rather than proving who’s right and who's wrong.


A simple mindset shift can help:

• Instead of: “How can I prove my partner wrong?”

• Try: “How can my partner and I solve this problem together?”


  • The 80/20 Rule


Not every disagreement needs to be an argument. A good rule of thumb for couples to live by is the 80/20 principle:

• Fight for the 20% of issues that matter most (e.g., financial decisions, parenting choices, long-term goals).

• Let go of the 80% that aren’t worth the stress or the conflict (e.g., who forgot to take the garbage out).


When couples learn to choose their battles wisely, they create a more peaceful home.


  • Balancing Individuality and Togetherness


Compromise doesn’t mean sacrificing your individuality. It’s about a healthy balance between personal needs and the needs of the relationship. Support each other’s individual hobbies and interests while also making time for shared experiences that you both enjoy.


For example:

• If one partner loves any social setting and the other prefers quiet weekends at home, find a middle ground. Plan an occasional social gathering with friends while also enjoying cozy nights in.


Commitment: The Glue That Holds Marriage Together

Commitment is more than just about staying married—it’s about always choosing each other, even through tough times.


  • Weathering Life’s Storms Together


Marriage isn’t always rainbows and butterflies. Career changes, financial struggles, health issues—life throws unexpected challenges to everyone. The key is to face them as a team rather than letting stressful situations drive a wedge between you.


At Celestial Farms- a Michigan wedding venue, any chance we get to give our couples a bit of advice we tell them the strongest marriages are those where both partners remain committed to working through life's ups and downs together.



  • Show Up Every Day


Commitment isn’t just about big gestures like vacations, gifts and renewing vows—it’s about showing up every day in small ways:

• Check in on your partner’s emotional well-being

• Supporting your partners dreams and goals

• Always be present and engaged in the relationship


Love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a choice you make every day.


Celestial Farms- A Beautiful

Michigan Wedding Venue



Beyond the Three C’s: The Secret Ingredients to a Thriving Marriage


While Communication, Compromise, and Commitment are the key factors of a successful marriage, there are other key elements that will deepen your bond.


  • Compassion: The Power of Empathy in Marriage


Marriage isn’t about keeping score; it’s about lifting your partner up. To show compassion means you are:

• Offering support instead of criticism when your partner is struggling

• Forgiving instead of holding grudges

• Acknowledging your partner's efforts and expressing gratitude


To make your partner feel valued, a simple “thank you” goes a long way.





  • Quality Time: Prioritizing Your Relationship


Today’s world is fast-paced and it’s easy to get caught up in work, chores, and daily responsibilities. But you can't forget that quality time is essential for keeping your connection alive.


A few ideas to keep the romance alive include:

• Date nights (even if it’s just watching a movie at home together)

• Escape the daily grind-plan a weekend getaway

• Plan an evening with no phones or distractions


At Celestial Farms, we often remind couples that their wedding day is just the beginning. The real love story is in the everyday moments you'll share for a lifetime.


  • Intimacy: More Than Just Physical Connection


couples boudouir on couch at a michigan wedding venue-couch with couple kissing at michigan wedding venue near me

Intimacy isn’t just physical—it’s about emotional and mental connection too. This means:

• Being vulnerable with your partner

• Share your dreams, fears, and aspirations with each other

• Continue to flirt and laugh together, just like you did on your first date


  • Respect: The Cornerstone of Any Strong Relationship


Without mutual respect, even love isn't enough to sustain a marriage. Respect means:

• Valuing your partner's opinions and feelings

• Never speak down to or belittle each other

• Honor the commitments you’ve made to each other


At our Michigan wedding venue, we remind couples that respect is one of the strongest predictors of long-term happiness.

bride and groom with dog at michigan wedding venue-michigan wedding venue couple with dog

A Lifetime of Love Begins Now



At Celestial Farms, we don’t just celebrate weddings—we celebrate marriages. Your wedding day is a beautiful moment, but the real adventure begins in the life you build together in the years to come.


By prioritizing these factors: Communication, Compromise, and Commitment, along with Compassion, Quality Time, Intimacy, and Respect, you’ll create an everlasting marriage that thrives.


Whether you’re planning your dream wedding at a Michigan wedding venue like Celestial Farms or looking for ways to strengthen the relationship with your partner, remember: Love isn’t just finding the right person—it’s being the right partner.


Cheers to a lifetime of love, laughter, and happily ever after!


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