Course 07 – Preparing for Forever Creating the Foundation Before You Say “I Do”

About Course

Hello and welcome to Course 7 Before Forever – Pre-marriage.

For my first wedding, I attended pre-marriage counselling with the priest who was marrying us. Prior to the first session, my soon to be husband told me not to bring up a situation that had occurred in his life, which I felt would affect our marriage. Back in 1990’s red flags were not well known, if I had today’s knowledge this would have been a massive red flag.

Dutifully I stayed quiet, the priest was lovely, however nothing that was discussed helped our marriage and at that time I realised I needed to know so much more.

With my second husband, I did not marry for over a decade because I didn’t trust in the institution of marriage. I however am proud to say, we were married in a small ceremony, only our parents, children and grandchildren attended.

From my past experiences, I decided to create two separate courses. My reasoning is that preparing for marriage (wedding) and maintaining a healthy marriage are two completely different learning journeys. They attract different people, have different emotional needs and solve different problems.

The main purpose of this course is not “how to plan a wedding” — but how to prepare for a successful marriage.

My aim is to help couples answer:

“Do we truly understand each other and are we prepared to build a life together?”

Course Content

Module 1: Why Marriage? Understanding Commitment, Partnership and Shared Vision
Marriage is one of the biggest commitments two people can make. Many couples spend months or years planning their wedding day, but far less time preparing for the life they will build after the celebration is over. A successful marriage is not created by the wedding ceremony. It is created through: • Understanding each other. • Shared values. • Honest conversations. • Emotional connection. • Mutual respect. • Commitment through life's changes. This module encourages couples to look beyond the excitement of getting married and explore the deeper question: "Why are we choosing marriage, and what kind of marriage do we want to create?"

Module 1 – Learning Outcomes
Module 1: Lesson 1 – Why Do We Want Marriage?
Module 1: Lesson 2 – Love Versus Commitment
Module 1: Lesson 3 – Marriage Expectations
Module 1: Lesson 4 – What Does Forever Mean To Us?
Module 1:Lesson 5 – Creating a Shared Relationship Vision
Module 1: Homework
Module 1: Activity 1 – Why are we getting married reflection.
Module 1: Activity 2 – Love versus Commitment exercise
Module 1: Activity 3 – Marriage expectations exercise
Module 1: Activity 4 – What does Forever mean to us
Module 1: Activity 5 – Our Shared Relationship Vision
Module 1: Activity 6 – Couple Discussion Questions
Module 1: Marriage Foundation Workbook
Module 1: Key Takeaways
Module 1 – Closing Reflection

Module 2: Knowing Each Other Deeply Understanding Values, Beliefs and Differences
Hello and welcome to Module 2 Knowing each other deeply understanding values, beliefs and differences. Every person enters marriage with a story. That story includes: • Childhood experiences. • Family relationships. • Cultural influences. • Personal values. • Beliefs. • Life experiences. • Expectations about love and partnership. Two people can deeply love each other and still see the world differently. Healthy marriages are not created because couples are identical. They are created when couples understand, respect and support each other's differences. This module encourages couples to explore: "Who are we as individuals, and how do we bring our unique experiences together to create our marriage?"

Module 2: Learning Outcomes
Module 2: Lesson 1 – Personal Values
Module 2: Lesson 2 – Personality Differences
Module 2: Lesson 3 – Childhood Influences
Module 2: Lesson 4 – Family Backgrounds
Module 2: Lesson 5 – Expectations We Bring Into Marriage
Module 2: Homework
Module 2: Activity 1 – My Values Assessment
Module 2: Activity 2 – Understanding our Differences
Module 2: Activity 3 – My Relationship Story
Module 2: Activity 4 – Family Background Reflection
Module 2: Activity 5 – Marriage Expectations Conversations
Module 2: Activity 6 – Couples Discussion Questions
Module 2: Knowing Each Other Deeply Workbook
Module 2: Personal Reflection
Module 2: Key Takeaways
Module 2: Closing Reflection

Module 3: Communication Before Commitment Building the Foundation for Understanding
Communication is the bridge between two people. A strong marriage is not created because couples never disagree. It is created because couples learn how to: • Express themselves honestly. • Listen with compassion. • Understand each other's needs. • Navigate difficult conversations. • Repair connection after misunderstandings. Before marriage, couples have the opportunity to develop communication skills that will support them through every season of life. This module explores the question: "Do we know how to hear each other, understand each other and work through challenges as a team?"

Module 3: Learning Outcomes
Module 3: Lesson 1 – Communication Styles
Module 3: Lesson 2 – Common Communication Patterns
Module 3: Lesson 3 – Emotional Needs
Module 3: Lesson 4 – Listening Skills
Module 3: Lesson 5 – Expressing Feelings
Module 3: Lesson 6 – Difficult Conversations
Module 3: Homework
Module 3: Activity 1 – Communication Style Assessment
Module 3: Activity 2 – My Partners Communication Style
Module 3: Activity 3 – Emotional Needs Assessment
Module 3: Activity 4 – Active Listening Exercise
Module 8: Activity 5 – Expressing Feelings Practice
Module 3: Activity 6 – Difficult Conversation Planner
Module 3: Activity 7 – Couples Communication Agreement
Module 3: Activity 8 – Couples Discussion Questions
Module 3: Downloadable Resource – Marriage Communication Blueprint Workbook
Module 3: Personal Reflection
Module 3: Key Takeaways
Module 3: Closing Reflection

Module 4: Conflict, Repair and Forgiveness Learning How to Grow Through Challenges
Every relationship experiences challenges. Two people can deeply love each other and still have: • Different opinions. • Different needs. • Different communication styles. • Different ways of handling stress. Conflict does not mean a relationship is failing. In healthy relationships, conflict becomes an opportunity to: • Understand each other more deeply. • Express needs. • Find solutions. • Repair emotional connection. • Grow stronger together. Marriage is not about avoiding disagreements. It is about learning how to handle disagreements with love, respect and emotional maturity. This module explores the question: "When we face challenges, can we remain a team?"

Module 4: Learning Outcomes
Module 4: Lesson 1 – Conflict Styles
Module 4: Lesson 2 – Emotional Triggers
Module 4: Lesson 3 – Fighting Fairly
Module 4: Lesson 4 – Unhealthy Conflict Patterns
Module 4: Lesson 5 – Apologies
Module 4: Lesson 6 – Repairing Connection
Module 4: Lesson 7 – Forgiveness
Module 4: Homework
Module 4: Activity 1 My Conflict Style Assessment
Module 4: Activity 2 Understanding My Triggers
Module 4: Activity 3 Our Conflict Patterns
Module 4: Activity 4 Fighting Fair Agreement
Module 4: Activity 5 Apology and Repair Exercise
Module 4: Activity 6 Our Repair Plan
Module 4: Activity 7 Couples Discussion Questions
Module 4: Personal Reflection
Module 4: Key Takeaways
Module 4: Closing Reflection

Module 5: Money, Finances and Lifestyle Creating Financial Partnership
Money is one of the most common sources of stress within relationships. Before marriage, couples need honest conversations about: • Financial beliefs. • Spending habits. • Saving goals. • Debt. • Lifestyle expectations. • Financial responsibilities. • Future dreams. A successful marriage does not require couples to have identical money habits. It requires couples to understand each other's beliefs, communicate openly and create a financial partnership that works for both people. This module explores the question: "Can we build a future together while respecting each other's relationship with money?"

Module 5: Learning Outcomes
Module 5: Lesson 1 – Money Beliefs
Module 5: Lesson 2 – Spending Habits
Module 5: Lesson 3 – Our Spending Habits Assessment
Module 5: Lesson 4 – Saving Together
Module 5: Lesson 5 – Our Saving Goals
Module 5: Lesson 6 – Debt Conversations
Module 5: Lesson 7 – Financial Honesty Reflection
Module 5: Lesson 8 – Financial Goals
Module 5: Lesson 9 – Our Future Vision
Module 5: Lesson 10 – Joint Versus Individual Finances
Module 5: Lesson 11 – Our Financial Partnership Discussion
Module 5: Lesson 12 – Lifestyle Compatibility Assessment
Module 5: Homework
Module 5: Activity 1 Money Personality Assessment
Module 5: Activity 2 Our Financial Compatibility Conversation
Module 5: Activity 3 Creating our Marriage Money Plan
Module 5: Activity 4 Financial Partnership Promise
Module 5: Activity 5 Couples Reflection Questions
Module 5 – Downloadable Resource Financial Partnership Before Marriage Workbook
Module 5 – Personal Reflection
Module 5: Closing Reflection

Module 6: Children, Parenting and Family Expectations – Creating a Shared Vision for Family Life
Marriage often joins two people, but it may also join two families, two histories and two different ideas about what family means. Many people carry expectations about parenting from: • Their own childhood. • Their culture. • Their beliefs. • Their family traditions. • Their personal experiences. Before marriage, couples benefit from having honest conversations about the future. This module encourages couples to explore: • What family means to them. • Whether children are part of their future. • How they want to parent. • How they will protect their relationship while raising a family. This module explores the question: "Are we aligned on the family life we want to create?"

Module 6: Learning Outcomes
Module 6: Lesson 1 – Do We Want Children?
Module 6: Lesson 2 – Our Children Conversation
Module 6: Lesson 3 – Parenting Beliefs
Module 6: Lesson 4 – My Childhood Parenting Reflection
Module 6: Lesson 5 – Parenting Values Assessment
Module 6: Lesson 6 – Discipline Conversations
Module 6: Lesson 7 – Fertility Conversations
Module 6: Lesson 8 – Extended Family Boundaries
Module 6: Lesson 9 – Family Expectations Reflection
Module 6: Lesson 10 – Blended Families
Module 6: Homework
Module 6: Activity 1 – Our Family Vision
Module 6: Activity 2 – Parenting Compatibility Assessment
Module 6: Activity 3 – Family Boundaries Planner
Module 6: Activity 4 – Future Family Conversation
Module 6: Activity 5 – Our Family Commitment Statement
Module 6: Activity 6 – Personal Reflection
Module 6: Downloadable Resource – Creating Our Family Vision Workbook
Module 6: Closing Reflection

Module 7: Religion, Culture and Traditions Honouring Our Differences While Creating Our Shared Future
Every person enters marriage with a unique story. Our beliefs, traditions and values may be influenced by: • Religion or spirituality. • Culture. • Family upbringing. • Community. • Personal experiences. • Family traditions. When two people marry, they are not only joining two individuals. They may also be joining: • Two families. • Two cultures. • Two histories. • Two sets of traditions. Differences do not have to divide a couple. When approached with curiosity, respect and compassion, differences can create a richer and more meaningful relationship. This module explores the question: "How can we honour where we come from while creating the future we want together?"

Module 7: Learning Outcomes
Module 7: Lesson 1 – Faith and Spiritual Beliefs
Module 7: Lesson 2 – Our Belief Conversation
Module 7: Lesson 3 – Cultural Expectations
Module 7: Lesson 4 – Understanding Our Differences
Module 7: Lesson 5 – Wedding Traditions
Module 7: Lesson 6 – Our Wedding Vision
Module 7: Lesson 7 – Family Expectations Around Marriage
Module 7: Lesson 8 – Raising Children With Different Beliefs
Module 7: Lesson 9 – Respecting Differences
Module 7 – Homework
Module 7: Activity 1 – Our Shared Values Map
Module 7: Activity 2 – Tradition Reflection
Module 7: Activity 3 – Difference Appreciation Exercise
Module 7: Activity 4 – Creating Our Marriage Identity
Module 7: Activity 5 – Couples Discussion Questions
Module 7: Activity 6 – Our Marriage Value Statement
Module 7: Personal Reflection
Module 7: Downloadable Resource – Our Shared Values, Faith & Traditions Workbook
Module 7: Closing Reflection

Module 8: Intimacy and Emotional Connection Creating a Marriage Where Love Continues to Grow
Intimacy is about more than physical connection. True intimacy includes: • Feeling emotionally safe. • Being known and accepted. • Expressing needs and feelings. • Showing affection. • Sharing vulnerability. • Maintaining connection. Many couples begin marriage believing love alone will sustain their relationship. Love is the foundation, but healthy marriages are strengthened through intentional connection. This module explores: "How do we continue to feel loved, valued and connected throughout our marriage?"

Module 8: Learning Outcomes
Module 8: Lesson 1 – Emotional Intimacy – Being Known, Heard and Accepted
Module 8: Lesson 2 – Building Emotional Safety
Module 8: Lesson 3 – Physical Intimacy
Module 8: Lesson 4 – Affection Reflection
Module 8: Lesson 5 – Love and Affection Conversation
Module 8: Lesson 6 – Sexual Expectations and Communication
Module 8: Lesson 7 – Healthy Intimacy Conversation Prompts
Module 8: Lesson 8 – Vulnerability
Module 8: Lesson 9 – Maintaining Connection
Module 8: Lesson 10 – Our Relationship Check-In Planner
Module 8: Homework
Module 8: Activity 1 – Our Emotional Needs Assessment
Module 8: Activity 2 – Our Intimacy Vision
Module 8: Activity 3 – Connection Planner
Module 8: Activity 4 – Marriage Connection Promise
Module 8: Activity 5 – Couples Discussion
Module 8: Personal Reflection
Module 8: Creating Emotional Connection & Intimacy Workbook
Module 8: Closing Reflection

Module 9: Roles, Boundaries and Partnership Creating a Marriage Where Both People Feel Valued
Marriage is a partnership. A healthy partnership is built on: • Respect. • Teamwork. • Communication. • Shared responsibility. • Understanding. • Support. Many relationship challenges do not come from a lack of love. They come from unspoken expectations. Couples often assume: • Who will manage the household. • Who will make decisions. • How finances will work. • How much independence each person needs. • How family involvement will look. • Whose dreams take priority. These conversations are not about keeping score. They are about creating clarity, fairness and connection. This module explores: "How do we create a partnership where both people can thrive?"

Module 9: Learning Outcomes
Module 9: Lesson 1 – Household Responsibilities Creating Fairness in Everyday Life
Module 9: Lesson 2 – Our Household Partnership Planner
Module 9: Lesson 3 – Career Decisions
Module 9: Lesson 4 – Our Career Partnership Conversation
Module 9: Lesson 5 – Independence Within Marriage
Module 9: Lesson 6 – My Individual Identity Reflection
Module 9: Lesson 7 – Our Independence Agreement
Module 9: Lesson 8 – Shared Responsibilities
Module 9: Lesson 9 – Family Boundaries
Module 9: Lesson 10 – Supporting Each Other’s Dreams
Module 9: Homework
Module 9: Activity 1 – Partnership Assessment
Module 9: Activity 2 – Our Marriage Roles Conversation
Module 9: Activity 3 – The Team Agreement
Module 9: Activity 4 – Decision-Making Planner
Module 9: Activity 5 – Supporting Each Other’s Dreams
Module 9: Activity 6 – Couples Discussions
Module 9: Activity 7 – Our Commitment Statement
Module 9: Personal Reflection
Module 9:Creating a Strong Marriage Partnership Workbook
Module 9: Closing Reflection

Module 10: Creating Your Forever Blueprint Building Your Marriage Intentionally
A wedding is a moment. A marriage is a lifetime. Many couples spend months planning their wedding but spend little time planning how they want their marriage to feel, function and grow. A strong marriage is created intentionally through: • Shared goals. • Honest communication. • Mutual respect. • Emotional connection. • Teamwork. • Adaptability. • Continued commitment. This final module helps couples create their personal Forever Blueprint — a guide for the marriage they want to build together. This module explores: "What kind of marriage are we choosing to create, and how will we continue building it together?"

Module 10: Learning Outcomes
Module 10: Lesson 1 – Marriage Goals – Creating a Shared Direction
Module 10: Lesson 2 – Our Marriage Goals Planner
Module 10: Lesson 3 – Shared Dreams
Module 10: Lesson 4 – Relationship Promises
Module 10: Lesson 5 – Our Marriage Values Agreement
Module 10: Lesson 6 – Future Planning – Preparing for Life’s Seasons
Module 10: Lesson 7 – Building Your Marriage Intentionally
Module 10: Lesson 8 – Our Marriage Habits Planner
Module 10: Homework
Module 10: Activity 1 – Our Forever Vision Board
Module10: Activity 2 – Our Marriage Mission Statement
Module 10: Activity 3 – Our First-Year Marriage Plan
Module 10: Activity 4 – Our Forever Commitment
Module 10: Activity 5 – Couples Discussion Questions
Module 10: Activity 6 – Our Forever Blueprint Statement
Module 10: Personal Reflection
Module 10: Creating Your Forever Blueprint Workbook
Module 10: Final Reflection

About Course

What Will You Learn?

Course Content

Module 1 – Learning Outcomes

Module 1: Lesson 1 – Why Do We Want Marriage?

Module 1: Lesson 2 – Love Versus Commitment

Module 1: Lesson 3 – Marriage Expectations

Module 1: Lesson 4 – What Does Forever Mean To Us?

Module 1:Lesson 5 – Creating a Shared Relationship Vision

Module 1: Homework

Module 1: Activity 1 – Why are we getting married reflection.

Module 1: Activity 2 – Love versus Commitment exercise

Module 1: Activity 3 – Marriage expectations exercise

Module 1: Activity 4 – What does Forever mean to us

Module 1: Activity 5 – Our Shared Relationship Vision

Module 1: Activity 6 – Couple Discussion Questions

Module 1: Marriage Foundation Workbook

Module 1: Key Takeaways

Module 1 – Closing Reflection

Module 2: Learning Outcomes

Module 2: Lesson 1 – Personal Values

Module 2: Lesson 2 – Personality Differences

Module 2: Lesson 3 – Childhood Influences

Module 2: Lesson 4 – Family Backgrounds

Module 2: Lesson 5 – Expectations We Bring Into Marriage

Module 2: Homework

Module 2: Activity 1 – My Values Assessment

Module 2: Activity 2 – Understanding our Differences

Module 2: Activity 3 – My Relationship Story

Module 2: Activity 4 – Family Background Reflection

Module 2: Activity 5 – Marriage Expectations Conversations

Module 2: Activity 6 – Couples Discussion Questions

Module 2: Knowing Each Other Deeply Workbook

Module 2: Personal Reflection

Module 2: Key Takeaways

Module 2: Closing Reflection

Module 3: Learning Outcomes

Module 3: Lesson 1 – Communication Styles

Module 3: Lesson 2 – Common Communication Patterns

Module 3: Lesson 3 – Emotional Needs

Module 3: Lesson 4 – Listening Skills

Module 3: Lesson 5 – Expressing Feelings

Module 3: Lesson 6 – Difficult Conversations

Module 3: Homework

Module 3: Activity 1 – Communication Style Assessment

Module 3: Activity 2 – My Partners Communication Style

Module 3: Activity 3 – Emotional Needs Assessment

Module 3: Activity 4 – Active Listening Exercise

Module 8: Activity 5 – Expressing Feelings Practice

Module 3: Activity 6 – Difficult Conversation Planner

Module 3: Activity 7 – Couples Communication Agreement

Module 3: Activity 8 – Couples Discussion Questions

Module 3: Downloadable Resource – Marriage Communication Blueprint Workbook

Module 3: Personal Reflection

Module 3: Key Takeaways

Module 3: Closing Reflection

Module 4: Learning Outcomes

Module 4: Lesson 1 – Conflict Styles

Module 4: Lesson 2 – Emotional Triggers

Module 4: Lesson 3 – Fighting Fairly

Module 4: Lesson 4 – Unhealthy Conflict Patterns

Module 4: Lesson 5 – Apologies

Module 4: Lesson 6 – Repairing Connection

Module 4: Lesson 7 – Forgiveness

Module 4: Homework

Module 4: Activity 1 My Conflict Style Assessment

Module 4: Activity 2 Understanding My Triggers

Module 4: Activity 3 Our Conflict Patterns

Module 4: Activity 4 Fighting Fair Agreement

Module 4: Activity 5 Apology and Repair Exercise

Module 4: Activity 6 Our Repair Plan

Module 4: Activity 7 Couples Discussion Questions

Module 4: Personal Reflection

Module 4: Key Takeaways

Module 4: Closing Reflection

Module 5: Learning Outcomes

Module 5: Lesson 1 – Money Beliefs

Module 5: Lesson 2 – Spending Habits

Module 5: Lesson 3 – Our Spending Habits Assessment

Module 5: Lesson 4 – Saving Together