After the Altar with Feyisara & Hans, Married 2 Years

We've made it to the third week of "After the Altar," my summer blog series dedicated to celebrating the union of marriage and the beauty of love. Every Friday during June and July, I will highlight a married couple who will bravely share their challenges, triumphs, and secrets to wedded bliss.

We often focus on the work that goes into the wedding day -- the invitations, the cake, the dress, the guests. Let's give equal attention to the 'work' that takes place after the altar.

Boston.com, meet Feyisara and Hans.

Feyisara described the day Hans proposed as magical. In June 2010 the couple took a trip to an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic with some of their closest friends. Hans planned a romantic five-course dinner for two on the beach at sunset (fellas, are you taking notes?). After Feyisara was serenaded by the waiter, Hans professed his undying love for her, got on his knee in the Dominican sand, and asked for her hand in marriage! Feyisara recalls being completely shocked, but enthusiastically shouted "YES! YES!" It was perfection.

Expertly Engaged: How do you make it work 'after the altar'?

Feyisara & Hans: Marriage is definitely work. The type of work you make it depends on you. It can be fun work and hard work. The key to our success so far has been communication, being prayerful, and selflessness. We believe in God and we believe that he brought us together. We go to church together, pray together, and seek spiritual counsel when necessary. Neither one of us is a mind reader, so being willing to openly communicate your feelings is key to making our marriage work.

Expertly Engaged: Do you believe in date nights? Do you have other rituals or special activities that you reserve for one another?

Feyisara & Hans: Yes. We absolutely believe in date nights! We even developed an 'envelope system' to keep money allocated each month for us to spend on enjoying ourselves as a couple. In 2006, we started a ritual that we will always spend Christmas Eve night with each other as well as New Year's Eve together.

Expertly Engaged: Any advice for other newlyweds out there?

Feyisara & Hans: Even though it sounds cliche, communication is very important. Be patient with each other. It takes time and work to learn and understand your partner's communication style!

Do you know a married couple whose relationship is all that and a bag of chips? Is your marriage blog-worthy and feature ready for After the Altar? Email me. I'd love to hear your story.