First comes love...then comes marriage

In a week, my life will change.  I have heard of others who move from sharing a significant relationship to marriage, say nothing changes.  I don’t believe that will be the case for us. 

Marriage for myself and my soon-to-be-husband, isn’t just about a piece of paper, it’s a commitment that embodies where we have been alone, together and where we are going.  It values the work we have done to create and encourage a relationship that believes love doesn’t come easy and that marriage is about hard work.

Throughout the span of twelve years we have learned what it takes to make a commitment like marriage work.  In, the beginning we had no idea.  Now we know.  We know that it’s hard.  We know that it is worth it.  We know that a partnership like a marriage doesn’t mean everything is 50-50; Sometimes its 100-100, 90-10, 70-30.  We know that bad things happen, that there is often struggle.  But there is also great joy, love and trust that develop exponentially out of those moments and many others.  We know what it feels like to have someone to believe in your dreams and more importantly, to support you through them.

So, in a week my husband-to-be and I will celebrate the beginning of our marriage with a ceremony that reflects our lives, our belief in each other and the promise of tomorrow.  This special day will be shared with persons with whom we share our lives, the good times and the bad times.
The specialness of our marriage will not dissipate as the celebration ends.  It will continue to add sparkle to the special moments, strength in our times of need, and love always.