Happy wedding day to my middle brother, Kyle, and his sweet fiancee, Callie. I hope you both know that I wish I could be there to witness this milestone event in your lives.
Here are a few lessons I’ve learned from being married that I think might help you out. Number one thing I have learned — listen to older married couples who have relationships you admire. They often have very valuable advice. I’m not saying mine is stellar, but I’ve been married for almost 4 years and neither one of us are dead. I think that says something.
Kyle — Be sweet. Consult Callie on the big decisions (houses, tattoos, supporting Nigerian businessmen). Value her opinion, intellect, and emotions. Most of all, be kind. It goes a long way. Always keep God a part of the decision process (bigger houses, bigger tattoos, supporting Nigerian princes). I have faith that God is going to take care of you both. My prayer as you move forward as a married man is that God would give you the wisdom you will need to make decisions as the head of your household and the humility to ask for help when you need it.
Callie — Boys are gross and even though they grow up into men, part of them stays a little boy. I say that not just as a sister of the guy you are marrying, but as a married woman who knows. Just last week I said to Kevin, “Sorry you married me and still have to parent me.” His response? “It goes both ways.” Because we all have a lot of growing to do and it’s never really done. Even though they are gross, they are sweet. My prayer is that you’ll both have the patience to put up with one another in the difficult times as well as the ability to slow down and enjoy the little joys you’ll have together. I hope to get to know you better in the months and years ahead. I promise not to throw any grasshoppers on you. Though I can’t say anything for the other people in my family who now know your fears of bugs. You’ve been warned 
(Their barks are much worse than their bites.)
Oklahoma girl through-and-through. Writer, aspiring domestic goddess and totalitarian dictator. Taking on the world one carb-induced coma at a time. Co-host of Picture Shows & Petticoats. 
That is a terrific bit of advice, Elizabeth — for brothers, sister-in-laws-to-be, and everyone — even us “seasoned veterans!” (Cute pic, too!)