<p>In this episode of The Open Bedroom Podcast, I share the story of how Scott and I decided to get married after four years together. I reflect on our initial hesitations, the practical reasons behind our choice—including financial planning and a prenup—and our intimate, DIY park ceremony officiated by a close friend. I discuss the meaning behind our vows, our open relationship, and the importance of creating a wedding that felt authentic to us. I also offer insights into our life together, our recent home remodel, and encourage you to embrace relationships on your own terms.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Introduction &amp; Wrestling with Marriage (00:00:03)</strong> Jen introduces the podcast and discusses her and Scott’s initial hesitations and conversations about marriage.</p><p><strong>Financial Commitments &amp; Decision to Marry (00:01:09)</strong> They consider buying a home and business together, leading to discussions about legal and financial security.</p><p><strong>Prenup &amp; Ceremony Planning (00:03:37)</strong> Jen and Scott agree on a prenup and begin planning a small, private ceremony focused on themselves.</p><p><strong>Choosing the Location &amp; Officiant (00:05:47)</strong> They select a park for the ceremony and ask their friend Steph, a minister, to officiate.</p><p><strong>Photographer &amp; Ceremony Details (00:06:50)</strong> Jen arranges for Ashton, their photographer, to capture the ceremony and describes the intimate guest list.</p><p><strong>Wedding Attire &amp; Weather (00:07:49)</strong> Jen shares her process of finding a dress, dealing with unexpected cold weather, and last-minute outfit changes.</p><p><strong>Comparing Past Weddings (00:10:39)</strong> Jen reflects on her previous two weddings, their costs, and how this third wedding is different.</p><p><strong>Ring Story &amp; Design (00:12:29)</strong> She tells the story of her engagement ring, its history, and how she redesigned it for each marriage.</p><p><strong>Vows &amp; Writing Process (00:17:11)</strong> Jen discusses writing personalized vows, the importance of privacy, and how their open relationship influenced their promises.</p><p><strong>Deciding Not to Invite Kids (00:20:23)</strong> She explains why they chose not to include their children in the ceremony for privacy and honesty in their vows.</p><p><strong>Handmade Bouquet &amp; Wedding Accoutrements (00:22:35)</strong> Jen describes making her own bouquet and boutonniere, and the importance of small details for photos.</p><p><strong>DIY Wedding &amp; Costs (00:26:18)</strong> She encourages listeners to have simple, affordable weddings and details their total expenses.</p><p><strong>Scott’s Wedding Outfit (00:27:14)</strong> Jen talks about shopping for Scott’s non-traditional wedding attire and how it fit their style.</p><p><strong>Building a Life Together &amp; New Home (00:28:05)</strong> Jen shares about buying a house, remodeling, and the practical aspects of merging lives and finances.</p><p><strong>Open Relationship &amp; Home Design (00:30:05)</strong> They design their home, including a shower for three, to fit their open relationship lifestyle.</p><p><strong>Reflections on Relationship Changes (00:32:15)</strong> Jen recaps the year’s changes in their relationship dynamics, including breakups and new dating approaches.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Follow The Open Bedroom:</strong></p><p>https://www.instagram.com/theopenbedroompodcast/</p>