J & I are well known amongst our friends for our date nights.  They know that we allot *some* portion of special time on the weekends for just us.  Whether that’s dinner before hanging out with friends, maybe it’s a night in, maybe it’s a pool day with just us two, or maybe even a set gym date.

So, today’s post is all about…

His // Shorts: J.Crew 9″ Stretch Short | Shirt: J.Crew Factory Slim Flex Shirt (or here) | Shoes: 1901 Bermuda Penny Loafer

Hers // Skirt: Privacy Please Renee Midi Skirt | Top: Privacy Please Mariposa Top | Shoes: Sam Edelman Odila Sandal | Clutch: Tory Burch Miller Clutch | Necklace: BaubleBar Layered Necklace | Earrings: Gorjana Taner Hoop Earrings | Lips: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Lipstick in ‘Pillow Talk’

Life is hectic. 

One of the many reasons I fell in love with J was because of his work ethic. He strives to be the best at his job and he gives 110% to all of his clients.  If you’re married to a lawyer, or know a lawyer, then you’re no stranger to this.  However, J is, specifically, a litigator.  That means his work never stops.  9-5 is something from his intern days. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and find him checking his emails at 3 AM.

Additionally, I work a lot.  I’m a full-time influencer. Ha ha yeah, all I do is frolic around taking selfies and posting to the gram.

But, that’s part of my job, to make you think that my life is as glamorous as it looks.  When in reality, I still struggle with the challenges of self-employment.  I don’t have set hours and I have a never-ending pressure to constantly work.  I don’t know how much my income is going to be this month or in three months. Yes, I will admit, the fun stuff is actually indeed *really* fun, but think about the administrative tasks alone of running your own business — it gets overwhelming and the work is never done.

Many couples face these same issues, just like us.  You’re busy, and life.is.hectic.  It doesn’t get any easier.  As you grow your family, you grow your responsibilities and become even MORE busy.  So, this is plain and simple:

You have to make time for each other. 

Make it a priority.  Don’t overlook it.  We always incorporate at least one date night into our plans. That means 2-3 hours of just us.  We chat about our week, our goals, funny things, sad things.  Alone time with just us two.

Communication is key.

We chat daily and try to touch base throughout the work day, but there are always distractions during the bulk of the day.  On our date nights, we try to remove ourselves from those distractions and focus solely on one another.

Always make a point to be romantic.

It’s a way that we keep the spark alive and we feel close to one another.  J promised me in his vows to “never stop dating me” and that line always stuck with me. You always want to try to imitate the first date rush as much as you can, and somehow, he still manages to give me butterflies. He makes reservations. He drives us. He opens my door. He treats me like he’s still trying to snag me, while also showing me that deep respect of a spouse.  It’s something that I honestly cherish.

Photography by Erin Trimble

Date nights do not have to mean white tablecloths at nice restaurants. 

It means setting aside quality time for one another, which usually involves food and wine for us, whether that’s heading to our fave restaurant or grilling out on our patio!

Date night relieves stress. 

We put our phones away, set them to do not disturb, and it’s amazing being so immersed in one another.  What’s the best way to relieve stress? No technology and laughter.  Let me tell ya, it heals the soul.

As a gal, it can also be really refreshing to get all dressed up for a date night!  I love throwing on a cute outfit and hitting the town with J.  Something I love about him is that he always makes me feel beautiful.  I get all dolled up for our date, which seems silly because I do this every day for my job, but he watches me get ready (literally sits on the bed, plays some tunes, and watches me).  He compliments me the whole time, even though he sees me ALL the time with my hair and makeup done.  It’s the sentiment…he makes me feel beautiful everyday, whether I’m bare faced in a sweatshirt or ready for a photoshoot.

But don’t get me wrong, some of the best nights happen in pajamas with a messy bun.

Making time for one another is a sign of commitment.

I know life gets busy, especially when you throw kiddos in the equation (we only have Jeter ha), but setting aside special time for one another on a date night is a sign of commitment. It creates a sense of security by strengthening your connection with one another.  It’s a way to openly communicate and start the following week on the same page.

Simply put, date night ensures playfulness and laughter and what better way to spend an evening with your loved one?