by Jillian Kramer, BRIDES
A happy marriage is a cocktail of open communication, honesty, hard work, and a whole lotta love. But what does that look like in real life? Five wives open up about what a happy marriage means to them, because they're living it!
1. "A happy marriage is being happy with what you've got, rather than expecting your marriage to be a certain way," says one married woman. "Being content and grateful for what you have, instead of constantly trying to live up to some unrealistic standard set by movies and romance novels, is real happiness."
2. "In a happy marriage, two people share things equally," says another married woman. "It doesn't sound romantic, but I'm honestly happy because my husband does the dishes and the laundry as often as I do. We cook together, we run errands together. I don't feel burdened, and I don't feel taken for granted."
3. "We talk about everything, and I think that's what a happy marriage is," says one wife. "I've had relationships in which I felt like I had to keep secrets from my partner, but I can tell my husband anything. I like that I can be open about my feelings, and know that we'll work through whatever it is together."
4. "This is my second marriage and it's happy, unlike the first, because we are totally honest with one another," says another woman. "Whether we aren't thrilled with what's happening in the bedroom or we're concerned over money, we spit it all out and then work it out."
5. "I think a happy marriage is about forgiveness," says another married woman. "No one is perfect and if you can just let go of the little things and move on from the bigger things, like arguments, with a forgiving rather than begrudging heart, you're in really good shape."
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Sexy Wedding Dresses
Mermaid Dress(01 of204)
(credit:Pnina Tornai)
Sequin Dress(02 of204)
(credit:Truvelle)
Strapless Dress(03 of204)
(credit:Reem Acra)
Strapless Dress(04 of204)
(credit:Pnina Tornai)
Strapless Tulle Dress(05 of204)
(credit:INES DI SANTO)
Strapless Dress(06 of204)
(credit:David's Bridal)
Low-Cut Dress(07 of204)
(credit:Reem Acra)
Corset Dress(08 of204)
(credit:Pnina Tornai)
Sheer Lace Dress(09 of204)
(credit:Vera Wang)
Strapless Dress(10 of204)
(credit:Carolina Herrera)
Gold Dress(11 of204)
(credit:Kleinfeld at Hudson's Bay)
Strapless Fit And Flare Dress(12 of204)
(credit:Kleinfeld at Hudson's Bay)
Lace Dress(13 of204)
(credit:Reem Acra)
Low V-Neck Dress(14 of204)
(credit:Pnina Tornai)
Backless Dress(15 of204)
(credit:Elizabeth Fillmore)
Silk Chiffon Dress(16 of204)
(credit:Romona Keveza)
Lattice Dress(17 of204)
(credit:Angel Sanchez)
Cut-Out Lace Dress(18 of204)
(credit:Galia Lahav)
Backless Dress(19 of204)
(credit:Pnina Tornai)
Low V-Neck Dress(20 of204)
(credit:Carolina Herrera)
Vera Wang Spring 2014 Dress(21 of204)
(credit:Vera Wang)
Vera Wang Dress(22 of204)
(credit:Vera Wang)
Vera Wang Fall 2014 Dress(23 of204)
(credit:Vera Wang)
White By Vera Wang Dress(24 of204)
(credit:White By Vera Wang)
White By Vera Wang Dress(25 of204)
(credit:White By Vera Wang)
White By Vera Wang Dress(26 of204)
(credit:White By Vera Wang)
White By Vera Wang Dress(27 of204)
(credit:White By Vera Wang)
Vera Wang Fall 2014 Dress(28 of204)
(credit:Vera Wang)
Vera Wang Spring 2014 Dress(29 of204)
(credit:Vera Wang)
Vera Wang Dress(30 of204)
(credit:Vera Wang)
Vera Wang Spring 2015 Dress(31 of204)
(credit:Vera Wang)
Vera Wang Fall 2014 Dress(32 of204)
(credit:Vera Wang)
Vera Wang Spring 2015 Dress(33 of204)
(credit:Vera Wang)
Vera Wang Spring 2014 Dress(34 of204)
(credit:Vera Wang)
Vera Wang Fall 2014 Dress(35 of204)
(credit:Vera Wang)
Vera Wang Spring 2015 Dress(36 of204)
(credit:Vera Wang)
Vera Wang Spring 2015 Dress(37 of204)
(credit:Vera Wang)
Vera Wang Dress(38 of204)
(credit:Vera Wang)
Vera Wang Spring 2014 Dress(39 of204)
(credit:Vera Wang)
Vera Wang Dress(40 of204)
(credit:Vera Wang)
This Cocktail Wedding Dress(41 of204)
For the bride who wants to show it all off. (credit:Pnina Tornai)
This Extravagant Gown(42 of204)
Fit for a Victorian fairy princess who isn't afraid to show a little skin. (credit:Pnina Tornai)
This Silver Mullet Gown(43 of204)
If you were going for a sexy Tin Man vibe at your wedding, this would be the dress for you. Perfect for walking down the yellow brick road aisle. (credit:Pnina Tornai)
This Loofah-Inspired Dress(44 of204)
A masterpiece.
This Busy Creation(45 of204)
Kudos to the bride who can pull off this statement-making gown. (credit:Pnina Tornai)
This Floral Masterpiece(46 of204)
An explosion of rosettes means you won't even need a bouquet. (credit:Pnina Tornai)
This Tulle Explosion(47 of204)
That's a whole lotta dress. And a tulle shawl to match! (credit:Pnina Tornai)
This Bejweled And Feathered Frock (48 of204)
There is so much going on here. SO. MUCH.
This Corset Dress(49 of204)
Victorian/Western saloon themed wedding? This dress has got you (strategically) covered.
This Bow-Tiful Gown (50 of204)
So. Many. Bows. Everywhere. (credit:Pnina Tornai)
This Lacy Feathered Number(51 of204)
For the bride who wishes she was a Victoria's Secret Angel-bird hybrid. (credit:Pnina Tornai)
This Ultra-Sheer Gown(52 of204)
This dress is basically a fancy nightgown disguised as a wedding dress. (credit:Pnina Tornai)
This Cupcake-Like Dress(53 of204)
For the bride who's always wanted to be a Barbie cake! (credit:Pnina Tornai)
This Frothy Gown (54 of204)
Sheer corset and feathers? You've got to have the confidence of Beyonce to wear this creation. (credit:Pnina Tornai)
This Not-So-Classic Gown (55 of204)
And another sheer corset. Because of course. (credit:Pnina Tornai)
Mermaid Satin Asymmetrical Ruched Dress(56 of204)
Get it at E Bridal Gowns.$319.99 (credit:E Bridal Gowns)
Lace Mermaid V-Neckline Wedding Dress(57 of204)
Get it at E Bridal Gowns.$369.00 (credit:E Bridal Gowns)
Mermaid Charmeuse Gown(58 of204)
Get it at E Bridal Gowns.$339.99 (credit:E Bridal Gowns)
Bordeau Metallic Taffeta Gown (61 of204)
Get it at E Bridal Gowns.$359.00 (credit:E Bridal Gowns)
Tulle & Valencia Organza Ball Gown(63 of204)
Get it at E Bridal Gowns.$369.00 (credit:E Bridal Gowns)
Ivory Ball Gown Ankle-Length Taffeta Strapless Dress(64 of204)
Get it at Wedding Dresses Canada.$241.34 (credit:Wedding Dresses Canada)
A-Line Floor-Length Chiffon Strapless Dress(65 of204)
Get it at Wedding Dresses Canada.$270.02 (credit:Wedding Dresses Canada)
Mermaid Taffeta Ruched Dress(68 of204)
Get it at E Bridal Gowns.$319.99 (credit:E Bridal Gowns)
A-Line Chiffon Dress(69 of204)
Get it at E Bridal Gowns.$279.99 (credit:E Bridal Gowns)
Retro Ivory Ball Gown Floor-Length Taffeta V-Neck Dress(70 of204)
Get it at Wedding Dresses Canada.$284.86 (credit:Wedding Dresses Canada)
Mermaid Organza Embroidered Gown(71 of204)
Get it at E Bridal Gowns.$299.99 (credit:E Bridal Gowns)
Symphony Ivory Mermaid Floor-Length Organza V-Neck Dress(73 of204)
Get it at Wedding Dresses Canada.$283.87 (credit:Wedding Dresses Canada)
White A-Line Chiffon Strapless Floor-Length Wedding Dress(74 of204)
Get it at Wedding Dresses Canada.$307.61 (credit:Wedding Dresses Canada)
A-line Tea-Length Satin Strapless Dress(75 of204)
Get it at Wedding Dresses Canada.$278.93 (credit:Wedding Dresses Canada)
Delicate Chiffon Embroidered Dress(76 of204)
Get it at E Bridal Gowns.$365.99 (credit:E Bridal Gowns)
Modish V-Neck Lace Satin Mermaid Chapel Train Wedding Dress(79 of204)
Get it at CA Dresses.$195.90 (credit:CA Dresses)
Strapless Sweetheart Mermaid Wedding Dress(80 of204)
Get it at CA Dresses.$385.24 (credit:CA Dresses)
Galina Signature Collection: Double Faced Satin Gown (81 of204)
Get it at David's Bridal. (credit:David's Bridal)
Oleg Cassini Collection: Cap Sleeve Wedding Dress(82 of204)
Get it at David's Bridal. (credit:David's Bridal)
Melissa Sweet Collection: Strapless A Line Gown(83 of204)
Get it at David's Bridal. (credit:David's Bridal)
Galina Signature Collection: Cap Sleeve Crepe Sheath Gown(84 of204)
Get it at David's Bridal. (credit:David's Bridal)
Temperley London(85 of204)
Get it at Temperley London. (credit:Temperley London)
Temperley London(87 of204)
Get it Temperley London. (credit:Temperley London)
Bliss Monique Lhuillier Organza Trumpet Gown(88 of204)
Get it here. (credit:Kleinfeld/Hudson's Bay)
David Dixon Strapless A Line Gown(89 of204)
Get it here. (credit:Kleinfeld/Hudson's Bay)
MZ2 by Mark Zunino Sweetheart Mermaid Gown in Lace(90 of204)
Get it here. (credit:Kleinfeld/Hudson's Bay)
Jenny Packham(91 of204)
Get it at Jenny Packham. (credit:Jenny Packham)
Paloma Blanca Italian Taffeta and Organza A Line Gown(94 of204)
Get it here. (credit:Kleinfeld/Hudson's Bay)
Augusta Jones Mermaid Gown in Lace(96 of204)
Get it here. (credit:Kleinfeld/Hudson's Bay)
Pronovias(97 of204)
Get it at Pronovias. (credit:Pronovias)
Soft by Rosa Clara Ulises Gown(99 of204)
Get it here. (credit:Kleinfeld/Hudson's Bay)
Monique Lhuillier (101 of204)
Get it at Monique Lhuillier. (credit:Monique Lhuillier )
Oscar De La Renta Brandon A-line Gown(103 of204)
Get it here. (credit:Kleinfeld/Hudson's Bay)
Paloma Blanca French Alençon Lace and Organza Ball Gown(105 of204)
Get it here. (credit:Kleinfeld/Hudson's Bay)
Carolina Herrera (108 of204)
Get it at Carolina Herrera. (credit:Carolina Herrera )
Two By Rosa Clara Malena Gown(109 of204)
Get it here. (credit:Kleinfeld/Hudson's Bay)
Colour(114 of204)
Get it at Monique Lhuillier. (credit:Catwalking via Getty Images)
Sheer Strapless Illusion Dress(161 of204)
Get it at Saja Wedding. (credit:Saja Wedding)
Lea-Ann Belter 'Charlotte' Dress(163 of204)
Price upon request. (credit:Lea-Ann Belter)
Morilee Dress With Crystal And Pearl Beading(164 of204)
Price upon request. (credit:Morilee By Madeline Gardner)
Morilee Dress With Beaded Trim (167 of204)
Price upon request. (credit:Morilee By Madeline Gardner)
Dennis Basso Sweetheart Mermaid Gown(168 of204)
Price upon request. (credit:Hudson's Bay)
Lea-Ann Belter 'Charlize' Dress(171 of204)
Price upon request. (credit:Lea-Ann Belter )
Amsale(182 of204)
Gown by Amsale.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Amsale gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Amsale gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Stella York(183 of204)
Gown by Stella York.
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Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Stella York gown gallery ►
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Stella York(184 of204)
Gown by Stella York.
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Stella York gown gallery ►
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Ellis Bridals(185 of204)
Gown by Ellis Bridals.
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Maggie Sottero(186 of204)
Gown by Maggie Sottero.
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Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Maggie Sottero gown gallery ►
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Oscar De La Renta(187 of204)
Gown by Oscar De La Renta.
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Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Carolina Herrera(188 of204)
Gown by Carolina Herrera.
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Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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St. Patrick(189 of204)
Gown by St. Patrick.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our St. Patrick gown gallery ►
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our St. Patrick gown gallery ►
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The Steven Birnbaum Collection(190 of204)
Gown by The Steven Birnbaum Collection.
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Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Nicole Miller(191 of204)
Gown by Nicole Miller.
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Gown By Anna Maier ~ Ulla-Maija(192 of204)
Gown by Anna Maier ~ Ulla-Maija.
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Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Moonlight Tango(193 of204)
Gown by Moonlight Tango.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Moonlight Tango gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Moonlight Tango gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Peter Langner(194 of204)
Gown by Peter Langner.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
La Sposa(195 of204)
Gown by La Sposa.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our La Sposa gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our La Sposa gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Allure Bridals(196 of204)
Gown by Allure Bridals.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►Photo courtesy of designer
La Sposa(197 of204)
Gown by La Sposa.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our La Sposa gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our La Sposa gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Allure Bridals(198 of204)
Gown by Allure Bridals.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Moonlight Tango(199 of204)
Gown by Moonlight Tango.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Moonlight Tango gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Moonlight Tango gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Vera Wang(200 of204)
Gown by Vera Wang.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Vera Wang gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Vera Wang gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Nicole Miller(201 of204)
Gown by Nicole Miller.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Robert Bullock Bride(202 of204)
Gown by Robert Bullock Bride.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Justin Alexander(203 of204)
Gown by Justin Alexander.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Justin Alexander gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Justin Alexander gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Lillian West(204 of204)
Gown by Lillian West.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Lillian West gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Lillian West gown gallery ►
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