One of the reasons I started Turtle Love Co. is because I was concerned (or maybe “fired up” is a better choice of words?) about the way that weddings and marriage had become commodified in our culture.

Getting married is a big deal, but you don’t get married by buying stuff, running from Zales to Macy’s to Williams-Sonoma until suddenly - poof! you’re married!

It’s great to have a couch, and kitchen appliances, and plates. So there’s nothing bad about going to stores and buying stuff. And nothing wrong with people giving you gifts when you get married.

But your life together starts at Crate & Barrel? This does not sound like a good life.

So here’s to the mountain path, the dingy diner, the park on the corner, the beach, the bus station. The regular places where we really do start our lives together.