Wellness Before “I Do”: How Couples Can Reset with Intention

A woman in a strapless white wedding dress stands in front of a large white domed building, holding part of her dress out to the side.

Wellness Before “I Do”: How Couples Can Reset with Intention

June 9, 2025
Words by Jennifer Stein
Photos courtesy of Chris J. Evans

In a world where wedding planning can often feel like a high-stakes sprint rather than a joyful journey, Angela Proffitt is on a mission to rewrite the narrative. Known for her work as a celebrity wedding and event planner, productivity expert, educator and speaker, Proffitt has now added “wellness retreat curator” to her résumé, creating immersive, intentional getaways for wedding and travel professionals, and now, engaged couples.

We caught up with Angela to learn more about her transformative retreats, why wellness can’t wait, and how couples can integrate emotional and physical well-being into the most important moments of their lives.

A person in athletic wear stands by a small outdoor pool, overlooking a lush, green landscape with distant buildings under a cloudy sky. A modern glass-walled building is partially hidden among dense, lush greenery and tropical plants, with a stone pathway leading to the entrance. A concrete sign with the logo and text "BIO habitat hotel" is displayed near a landscaped area with greenery and a palm tree.

A Retreat Built for the Givers

“It was curated specifically for wedding and travel professionals who are constantly giving to others and rarely take time to reset themselves,” says Angela. That insight sparked the creation of her luxury wellness retreat in Quindío, Colombia, a lush, soul-nourishing escape blending movement, mindfulness, and meaningful connection.

Set against the backdrop of Colombia’s scenic coffee region, the retreat combined nature walks, yoga, spa rituals, workshops, and clean local cuisine to help attendees refuel in mind, body, and spirit.

A modern bedroom with a wooden platform bed, white bedding, black accent pillows, rolled towels, and surrounded by lush green plants and floor-to-ceiling windows. A group of people are gathered in a circle on a grassy field, working together on a planting activity. Trees line the background.

From Burnout to Breakthrough

The idea came from personal experience. After surviving a near-death experience in 2021, Angela knew something had to change, not just for her, but for an entire industry running on burnout.

“I made it my mission to help others prioritize wellness before the breakdown,” she says. “These retreats are evolving into global experiences for both professionals and couples, where wellness isn’t just an add-on—it’s the foundation.”

A small stone patio with two wooden lounge chairs, a cushioned bench, a round side table, and a plunge pool surrounded by lush green tropical plants. Tall palm trees stand in a grassy field enclosed by a white fence, with forested hills and cloudy skies in the background.

Pre-Honeymoons with Purpose

Angela’s retreats are expanding to include couples-only editions designed to support connection, communication, and shared growth. “Think of it as a pre-honeymoon,” she explains, “but one where you learn how to communicate better, build rituals together, and create a wellness foundation that lasts far beyond the wedding day.”

The goal? Help couples build a wellness foundation that supports their marriage, not just their wedding.

One of the retreat participants and luxury destination wedding photographer, Chris J. Evans, reflected on how he views wellness in regards to your wedding: “Your wedding is a reflection of your love story, and that story begins with you. Prioritizing wellness—mind, body, and soul—is the foundation for walking into your day with clarity, presence, and joy.”

A woman in a strapless white wedding dress stands on a cobblestone street near colorful buildings with balconies and ivy. A woman in a white wedding dress leans on a balcony railing beneath arched columns, surrounded by palm trees and a terracotta building.

The Wellness Pitfalls of Wedding Planning

Crash diets. Sleepless nights. Decision fatigue. Sound familiar?

According to Angela, the most common wellness traps engaged couples fall into are trying to “look perfect” and depriving their bodies as a result. “[Couples] deprive their bodies instead of supporting them. And with all the to-do lists, sleep and mental health take a serious hit,” she says. “There’s this underlying belief that your well-being can wait. It can’t.”

And Chris Evans agrees. “Wellness in the months before your wedding isn’t about perfection, it’s about peace. The more love you give yourself, the more beautifully you’ll show up for the one you love,” says Chris.

A variety of tropical fruits, including limes, guavas, and pitangas, are arranged on a banana leaf with a basket spilling red fruit and sliced pink guava on a tray. A blue and white floral-patterned sofa sits on a patio in front of tall plants, with a large vase, stone fountain, and green doors visible in the background. A person holding an open physalis fruit in their hands, with grass and people blurred in the background.

Food Is Medicine, and Movement Is Non-Negotiable

When it comes to feeling your best before the big day, Angela insists nutrition and physical health aren’t just extras, they’re essentials.

“What you eat affects your mood, your sleep, your focus, and how you show up—not just how you look in photos,” she says. “I always say, food is medicine. If you’re fueling with intention—hydrating, moving daily, and sleeping well—you’ll not only feel your best, you’ll be emotionally more grounded for one of the biggest days of your life rather than feeling frazzled.”

A woman stands on large stone stepping stones surrounded by water and lush greenery next to a tall, dark tiled wall under a cloudy sky.

Rituals for Real Connection

For couples navigating the chaos of wedding planning, Angela recommends simple, grounding practices:

Verbalize gratitude: Share one thing you’re grateful for every morning or every night.
Breath work or grounding walks: Even five minutes in nature makes a difference.
Evening check-ins: Ask each other, “What’s one thing that felt good today?” and “What’s one thing I need support with?”

“These small rituals build emotional intimacy and help you stay in sync,” she adds. “Just choose one and be consistent together.”

A smiling woman in a strapless white wedding dress sits on the back of a classic convertible car during an evening street celebration.

Wellness Red Flags (and What to Do About Them)

If minor issues start spiraling into big arguments, it may be time to check in on yourself.

“When small things become big arguments, or when one partner feels constantly overwhelmed or resentful—it’s often a sign they’re not getting what they personally need,” says Angela. “Course-correcting starts with permission—to take solo time, to say no, to rest.”

In other words, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s foundational.

Chris puts it this way, “In the whirlwind of planning, it’s easy to forget that your energy sets the tone. Wellness isn’t a luxury, it’s the anchor that keeps you grounded, glowing, and fully aligned with the moment.”

Four people practice yoga on mats in a covered outdoor space with greenery and a pool visible in the background. Rows of young crops growing in dark soil on a sloped farm with green hills and cloudy sky in the background. Outdoor pool and hot tub with blue tile, surrounded by trees and greenery; a lounge with blue cushions and a table with chairs and a red umbrella are nearby.

Wellness Touches for the Wedding Weekend

For couples who want to weave wellness into their big day, Angela suggests:

Morning yoga or stretch classes
Hydration stations with fruit-infused water and electrolytes
Intention-setting circles or sound baths pre-ceremony
Late-night wellness treats like herbal teas or mocktails

A man in a hat sits on a bench along a quiet, colorful street lined with shops and colonial-style buildings on a cloudy day. A small red jeep toy is parked in front of a church with a tall clock tower and cross designs, with several cars and colonial-style buildings in the background.

Busy? These Self-Care Tips Fit Your Schedule

Wellness doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Angela’s top tips for busy couples:

Walk 10K steps a day—even if it’s around the block or on a treadmill desk.
Block 10 minutes for daily breath work or movement. And if you make it after dinner, it will help your sleep better and regulate your glucose.
Hold a “Sunday Sync” to align schedules and expectations.
Unplug an hour before bed for better rest and real connection.
Delegate what you can. You don’t have to do it all.

A woman in a strapless white bridal gown stands by a potted plant near an old stone wall with a window opening, sunlight streaming from the upper right corner. A woman in a strapless lace dress stands partially behind a stone wall outdoors, with greenery blurred in the foreground.

Post-Wedding Wellness: Keep the Momentum Going

“Long-lasting relationships thrive when both people feel safe, seen, and supported—and wellness plays a huge role in that.”

She suggests:

Wellness dates like hiking, farmers markets, or cooking classes
Revisiting rituals like gratitude journaling or checking in emotionally
Creating a reset plan by asking questions like, “What grounds us when life gets chaotic?”

The most beautiful celebrations begin with how we care for ourselves and each other. Wellness isn’t an afterthought. It’s the first step in saying “I do.”

For details on upcoming couples retreats, please contact connect@angelaproffitt.com

A woman in a white wedding dress stands on a rooftop walkway in front of a large white domed building with arched windows.