Signed in Love: Contract or Covenant?

Photo by Draw Near Films

These days, relationships can feel like business deals—full of terms, conditions, and exit clauses. But God’s love flips the script. Instead of a contract, He invites us into a covenant—which is like a deep, unbreakable promise. A contract requires two parties agreeing on terms, but a covenant requires three—you, your spouse, and God. And long before contracts even existed, covenants were the foundation of God’s relationships with His people. It’s not based on performance or convenience but on unwavering love and commitment, no matter what.

Contract vs. Covenant

A contract is a transaction: “I’ll hold up my end if you hold up yours.” If one person fails, the deal’s off. A covenant, on the other hand, is a sacred promise—rooted in commitment, not convenience.

God’s love is a covenant. “I will be faithful to you and make you mine.” – Hosea 2:19-20

Marriage: More Than a Deal

Marriage isn’t about keeping score or negotiating terms—it’s a lifelong covenant. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word.” – Ephesians 5:25-26

Jesus didn’t love based on convenience. He gave everything. That’s the kind of love marriage thrives on—selfless, forgiving, and built to last.

How to Live Out Covenant Love

• Stick it out when it’s hard – Love isn’t about convenience. When stress, disagreements, or tough seasons come, remember that your commitment isn’t based on how you feel in the moment. For example, instead of shutting down after an argument, take time to listen, pray together, and work through it.

• Give grace freely – Patience, forgiveness, and selflessness go a long way. If your spouse forgets something important or makes a mistake, choose grace over resentment. Just as God forgives us, extend that same mercy to your partner.

• Honor your promises – Reflect God’s faithfulness in how you love. Whether it’s keeping date nights sacred, following through on your commitments, or supporting each other’s dreams, be intentional about showing up for your spouse every day.

Near to Forever: Love That Lasts

God’s love never quits. Let’s build relationships that do the same—not as contracts with loopholes, but as sacred promises that stand the test of time.

As a husband-and-wife team, we believe in covenant love—not just in our marriage, but in the way we serve couples like you. We're here to do more than capture your love on your wedding day or engagement—we’re here to support you before, during, and beyond, helping you build a love that lasts a lifetime.

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” – Hebrews 10:23

5 Prayers to Pray Throughout Your Engagement Season

Photo by Draw Near Films

Your engagement season is an exciting time filled with joy, anticipation, and preparation for your future marriage. It’s also a time of spiritual growth, as you and your fiancé draw closer to God and each other. Amidst the planning and busyness, one of the most powerful things you can do is pray.

As Priscilla Shirer once said, “Marriage is not about happiness. Marriage is about holiness.” This season is not just about planning a wedding, but about preparing your hearts for a lifelong covenant. Here are five prayers to guide you through this season and lay a strong foundation for your marriage.

1. A Prayer for Unity and Growth

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3

Lord, thank You for bringing us together and for the love we share. As we prepare for marriage, help us grow in unity and understanding. Teach us to communicate with grace, listen with patience, and love each other selflessly. Let our engagement season be a time of strengthening our bond, learning from one another, and preparing our hearts for a lifetime of commitment. Keep us centered on You, knowing that our unity is strongest when built on Your love. Amen.

2. A Prayer for Wisdom in Planning

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3

Heavenly Father, as we navigate the details of wedding planning, help us to keep our focus on what truly matters—our covenant with You and each other. Grant us wisdom in our decisions and patience in the process. When stress and overwhelm creep in, remind us to rest in Your peace. Help us to honor You in every choice we make, from the small details to the big moments. May our wedding reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. Amen.

3. A Prayer for Purity and Holiness

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10

Lord, as we prepare for marriage, we ask for strength to honor You in our relationship. Help us to walk in purity, guarding our hearts and minds. Protect us from temptation and guide us in setting boundaries that reflect Your will. Let our love for each other be marked by respect, self-control, and a desire to glorify You. Shape us into a couple that honors Your design for marriage and reflects Your holiness. Amen.

4. A Prayer for Patience and Grace

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2

Father, we know that this season will bring moments of tension and challenges. Teach us to extend grace to one another, to be quick to forgive, and to show love even in difficult moments. When we face disagreements, help us to approach each other with humility and understanding. May we learn to navigate challenges together with patience and a heart that seeks unity over being right. Fill our relationship with kindness and a love that mirrors Yours. Amen.

5. A Prayer for a Christ-Centered Marriage

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” – Psalm 127:1

Lord, we surrender our future marriage into Your hands. May our relationship always be built on the foundation of Your truth and love. Help us to seek You daily, placing You at the center of our home. Give us a vision for the life we will build together and guide us to reflect Your love to the world. May our marriage be a testimony of Your grace, faithfulness, and redemption. Strengthen us to walk in Your purpose and to love each other as You have loved us. Amen.

Your engagement season is a beautiful time to grow spiritually as a couple. Through prayer, you invite God to lead and shape your relationship, setting the stage for a marriage rooted in His love. Take time to pray these prayers together, trusting that He is preparing you both for a lifetime of love and faithfulness.

What prayers have been meaningful to you during your engagement? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Communication Tips for Engaged Couples: How to Start Your Marriage with Healthy Communication Habits

Photo by Draw Near Films

"Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger."
— James 1:19 (ESV)

At Draw Near Films, we’re not just wedding filmmakers—we’re a husband-and-wife team who knows firsthand how essential good communication is in a marriage. Over the years, we’ve learned that strong relationships aren’t just built on love; they’re built on trust, understanding, and open conversations.

As you step into this exciting new season, preparing for your wedding and the journey ahead, you might be wondering what it takes to build a solid foundation for a lasting marriage. While planning the perfect wedding day is exciting, preparing for a lifetime together is even more important. Healthy communication is the key to navigating life’s joys and challenges as a team, and building strong habits now will set you up for a marriage filled with love, respect, and connection.

Communication isn’t just about talking; it’s about truly hearing each other. Here are some tips to help you start your marriage with healthy communication habits.

1. Make Time for Regular Conversations

Life can get busy—especially with all the wedding prep! But one of the best things you can do for your relationship is to make time to just talk with each other, no matter how simple the conversation might seem. Whether it’s over dinner, during a walk, or before bed, it’s important to check in with one another.

These moments don’t need to be all deep and serious. In fact, it’s often the little, everyday chats that build the strongest connections. Ask about each other’s day, share your thoughts, and really listen. Regularly making space for these conversations helps both of you feel valued and understood.

2. Listen with Empathy

We all know how easy it is to interrupt when we're excited to share our side, but real communication is about listening just as much as it is about talking. When your partner shares something with you, try to really listen and understand where they’re coming from.

Instead of thinking about your next response or solution, focus on how they’re feeling. When you listen with empathy, you create a space where both of you can speak openly, knowing the other person is truly trying to understand.

3. Use "I" Statements, Not "You" Statements

It’s so easy to fall into the trap of blaming or pointing fingers when we’re frustrated, but that only leads to defensiveness. Instead of saying, “You never take out the trash,” try saying something like, “I feel frustrated when the trash isn’t taken out because it makes the house feel messy.”

By using "I" statements, you’re focusing on your feelings, which keeps things less confrontational. It makes it easier for your partner to listen and respond without feeling attacked, which makes for much healthier conversations.

4. Practice Patience and Take Breaks if Needed

Not every conversation needs to happen right this second—especially if things are getting heated. It’s okay to step away for a moment and come back to the conversation when you’re both feeling calmer.

Take a deep breath, go for a quick walk, or even just sit in silence for a bit to collect your thoughts. Giving each other space when emotions run high will help prevent things from escalating and allow you both to come back with a clearer mindset.

5. Celebrate the Wins, Big and Small

Healthy communication isn’t just about working through problems—it’s also about celebrating the good moments. Make it a habit to express your gratitude, joy, and appreciation for each other, whether it's a big milestone or something small, like making a delicious dinner together.

Simple “thank yous” or compliments can make a world of difference in making your partner feel loved. Celebrate the everyday wins, too—like getting through a busy week together or finding a solution to a challenge. These little moments of appreciation create a deeper connection and remind you both how much you mean to each other.

6. Address Issues Before They Grow

It’s easy to let little frustrations build up over time, but addressing them early on can save you from bigger issues down the road. If something’s bothering you, bring it up gently instead of letting it sit and fester.

By talking about things in the moment—when they’re still small—you can avoid letting them turn into larger conflicts. It also creates an atmosphere where you can both feel comfortable being honest with each other without fear of judgment.

7. Be Open to Growth and Change

You’re both going to change and grow throughout your marriage—and that’s a good thing! Communication isn’t a one-time fix, but rather an ongoing process. As you both evolve, it’s important to check in with one another, support each other’s growth, and adjust how you communicate as needed.

Stay open to learning new things about each other, even after years together. Growth in communication comes from being flexible, patient, and willing to adapt as your relationship deepens and changes over time.

In Conclusion

Your wedding day is just the beginning of a lifelong adventure with your partner. The key to a strong, lasting marriage is in building good communication habits from the start. When you listen with empathy, celebrate the small moments, and tackle issues together as a team, you’re laying a foundation of love, trust, and mutual respect.

"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
— Colossians 4:6 (ESV)

The words you use and how you make each other feel matter. With intention, grace, and a whole lot of love, you’ll set the tone for a marriage that truly lasts forever.

If you're looking to capture your wedding day with the same care and attention that you’re putting into building your marriage, we’d love to chat. At Draw Near Films, we specialize in creating beautiful, cinematic wedding films that tell the unique story of your love. Reach out today to learn more about how we can bring your wedding day to life with a personalized touch.