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Continue reading →: Our Perfect, Magical Wedding Day
I’ll admit it—I was a little resistant at first. Part of me thought, “Shouldn’t we be investing our time and money elsewhere?” But as the day approached, I realized just how blessed I truly am. I have the most incredible husband—one who not only wanted to marry me, but was…
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Continue reading →: Exciting September: A Month of New BeginningsSeptember 1st, 2025, falls on a Monday, marking a significant personal milestone as it’s also the author’s birth month. They express excitement about their upcoming remarriage in France, highlighting the joy of reuniting friends and family. The event promises cultural adventures and enchanting experiences amid the planning chaos.
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Continue reading →: What I Learned in My First Year of MarriageIn her first year of marriage, the author reflects on three key lessons: the importance of solitude for personal fulfillment, how her life experience enhances her partnership, and the responsibility that comes with blessings. She emphasizes that love in midlife is about personal growth while fostering a shared life, which…
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Continue reading →: Heat, Heritage & HeartPlanning Our Beach Ceremony: The countdown is on for our August beach ceremony, and as the Côte d’Azur sun prepares to bring its full heatwave glory, I’m deep into the final touches of planning. The vineyard is in its summer prime—Syrah grapes heavy and sweet, olive trees shimmering in the…
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Continue reading →: 🥂 What Marriage Taught Me About DiscoveryOn August 3rd, I embraced my identity as Madame Susini, marking a year of marriage defined by growth, curiosity, and joy. Celebrating in Arles, I discovered my evolving self alongside my husband. This journey has taught me that survival is sacred, softness equates to strength, and discovery sustains love.
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Continue reading →: What’s in a Name ? Pt 2The article by Thembi Costa Susini explores the evolving dynamics of women’s surname choices in marriage, revealing a generational shift. While 79% of U.S. women still adopt their husband’s surname, younger women increasingly prefer to retain their birth names. Personal and cultural influences shape these decisions, particularly at midlife.
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Continue reading →: What’s in a Name? On Weddings, Distance, & Reinventing Myself (Again)Thembi Costa Susini reflects on the challenges of planning a second wedding ceremony amidst dwindling American guests due to personal struggles. She grapples with feelings of loneliness, the meaning of her name, and her evolving identity. As she navigates change, she emphasizes the importance of letting go and embracing reinvention.
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Continue reading →: Dreaming in Reverse:Life often deviates from our ideal plans, as illustrated by a journey from solo living abroad to unexpected love. The author shares that dreams can unfold in unexpected ways, highlighting the importance of adaptability and openness. Embracing change can lead to fulfilling outcomes that might surprise us.
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Continue reading →: Emotional Journeys: Managing Expectations for Your WeddingThembi recalls her romantic wedding in a picturesque French village and the anticipation for Wedding No. 2 at the beach. With family struggles around attendance, she focuses on reality and self-acceptance. A friend’s gift of a custom dress inspires her, emphasizing that love and joy can flourish at any age,…
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Continue reading →: Names for Substack
Down to the final 3 Hello all I am so excited that our name search for my substack content has come down to the final three, please cast your vote and join our growing community on substack @nycgurlxpat “Rooted & Rising” “Unscripted Woman” “Notes from a New life” I’m looking…


