From This Day Foward

It was not easy writing my own vows. It took weeks.  Tears welled up  in my eyes so much every time I tried to finish.

(Photo by Allen Taylor Photography & Chyna Photography)

I barely could start and choked up so many times during the ceremony. It was one of the most emotional days of my life. For those who didn’t make it, here it is:

“Allen, when I first met you 5102 days ago on August 10, 1998, I couldn’t have ever imagined that I would be meeting my future husband.  I am so glad I didn’t cancel on you when you told me you had long but thinning hair.  It wasn’t your hair but the smile that made an impression on our first date.  And that smile has continued to brighten my world in the last 14 years. 

We are an unlikely pair.  You are a free-spirited artist and I, a boring IT techie.  We are so different in so many ways but we find ourselves finishing each other’s sentences all the time.  Our relationship has been tested many times through the years.  As painful and challenging as it’s been, we’ve grown stronger and closer through it all.   

 I met you when I was at the darkest place of my life.  You accepted me for who I am and what I am without every judging me.  When I am upset, you let me vent my frustrations for hours without ever telling me to shut up.  You understand me like no one else does.  You fill my empty heart with tolerance, patience, and most of all, love, every single day.  I made you promise me that you would not die before me as I cannot imagine life without you.  If there is truly a next life, I would marry you all over again.  But please find me earlier and not wait until I am old and wrinkled, OK?

Allen –

You are my sun that always shines

You are my moon in the darkest nights

You are my star with a guiding light

You are my love that never dies

Home is where the heart is and with you, I am home!  

On this day and everyday forward, I promise to continue to be your partner in life.  To share with you all that I am and all that I have until the end of my days.  I will love you always.”