Marcia and Thomas challenge the conventional wedding and event culture, emphasizing a return to simplicity and biblical principles. They discuss the significant impact of societal norms on our celebrations and explore key themes such as financial stewardship, cultural traditions, and the true intent behind events. Through engaging conversation, they provide insights on navigating cultural pressures and highlight the importance of honoring God in every aspect of wedding and event planning. 00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic 01:33 Biblical Perspective on Weddings 02:19 Western Wedding Culture and Its Influence 04:27 Questioning Wedding Traditions 14:34 Financial Implications of Weddings 28:14 Cultural Expectations and Personal Values 34:09 Parental Influence and Setting Boundaries 45:27 Validating and Acknowledging Efforts 46:17 Setting Boundaries with Family 47:05 Intent Behind Events 52:20 The Value of Presence Over Gifts 58:45 Financial Wisdom in Celebrations 01:01:07 Challenging Cultural Norms 25:19 The Unnecessary Pressure of Big Weddings 26:30 The Temptation of Long Engagements 28:14 Questioning Cultural Norms 30:18 Redefining Cultural Expectations 33:11 Setting Boundaries with Parents 47:05 Intent Behind Celebrations 57:06 Living Within Your Means 01:03:43 Final Thoughts and Advice