We all know that preparing for a wedding does not equal being prepared for marriage. A couple may have sent out calligraphy invitations to 100 of their closest friends. They may have beautiful wedding rings and wonderful music selected for their ceremony. They may even be holding two airline tickets to a romantic honeymoon destination. They may have their wedding planned down to the finest detail, but the truth remains: Being prepared for a wedding does not equal being prepared for a marriage.
It’s understandable that some couples spend more time preparing for their wedding than they do for their marriage. Wedding plans seem far more tangible. Once the caterer is scheduled it can be checked off the to-do list.
Relational readiness is not so tidy. 
Every year, however, experts are making great strides in identifying how to significantly improve the odds a couple has for a fulfilling lifelong marriage. A number of studies show that certain pre-marriage variables can differentiate couples who will do well and those who will not do well with up to a 94% accuracy rate.
What about after the wedding. Does the marriage get put on the back burner after 1, 3 or maybe 10 years?
Whether Pre-Marital or Marriage enrichment, couples need to invest time and effort in the future success of their relationship over the long haul. That’s where Liela and I, along with a strategic partnership with SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before it Starts) & SYMBIS+ can help.
The SYMBIS Assessment is built on a growing mountain of research that reveals what is most effective when it comes to pre-marriage education as well as marriage enrichment for SYMBIS+. It explores a full range of issues – from relatively simple and static dimensions such as longevity of the relationship, critical skill-sets such as communication, and all of the complexities of joining two sets of personality dynamics.
All in all, the SYMBIS Assessment covers more than two-dozen particular dimensions based upon research studies with relevance.
These include:
• Marriage Mindset
• Self-concept
• Maturity
• Independence
• Longevity
• Stability
• Similarity
• Stress
• Psychological Caution
Flags
• Cohabitation
• Unrealistic Expectations
• Baggage
• Social Support
• In-law Relationships
• Cultural Context
• Spiritual Beliefs
• Finances
• Role Expectations
• Personality
• Love
• Sex
• Attitudes and Happiness
• Communication
• Bridging the Gender Gap
• Conflict Management
• Spiritual Intimacy
• Re-marriage (if relevant)
• Blending a Family (if
relevant)
Once a couple completes the assessment we schedule 5 couple sessions and take a deep dive into the results, while 
opening the Scripture together to shine the light of God’s Word into each area of the assessment and give you a biblical foundation to work towards either preparing for marriage or enriching your marriage for years to come. These sessions last typically between one hour to an hour and a half.
If your preparing for marriage or ready to take your marriage to the next level simply complete the contact us form and mention Marriage or Pre-Marital counseling in the message and we will contact you with details.