All photo credits: Claire Ryser, Visionaire Studios
In early spring 2010, the most wonderful man in the history of this planet waited willingly (so far as I know) at the end of the aisle and happily said “I will.”
At that moment, I couldn’t help myself. I immediately leaned in towards this wonderful, perfect man…
…and publicly corrected him on his repetition of the pastor’s words.
And so his life with me began.
Pastor Janet: “Repeat: I will; by the grace of God.”
Husband: “I will.”
Me: (Prompting) “…by the grace of God.”
Pastor Janet: (chuckling) “Really? She’s correcting you already?”
Yup, I did that. Let this be my formal, public apology.
In all fairness, Husband had a groomsman who put some serious moves on Pastor Janet after the ceremony – after taking a quick PBR-induced catnap under the library table. I may or may not have earned that moment.
(I’m not mad. Said groomsman was an integral part of what appears in the history books under “BWE” as “Best Wedding Ever.” No love lost.)
Truly, I am blessed beyond comprehension. That moment was one of many unique, sweet, hilarious moments we’ve had together – because he’s not only my best friend, but a great sport who actually finds my ridiculous behavior and semi-frequent lapses in judgment adorable.
IΒ never believed I deserved someone so wonderful; but it turns out – I do. Realizing that?Β ThatΒ was quite the lesson.
I truly believe that, like the foods we eat and the clothes we wear, weΒ choose the qualities we invite into our lives. We choose the good that we allow ourselves, whether that’s in the company we keep or the nutrients we consume.
If something’s not lining up the way we wish it would, it’s often because our choices don’t fully reflect what it takes to get what we most desire. I say this with compassion and empathy because I speak from experience. For a long time, I saidΒ I wanted a partner of integrity; someone I could fully trust. Yet I wasn’tΒ choosingΒ those qualities. Quite frankly, I probably wasn’t expressing them, either.
In marrying my husband, I deliberately chose integrity, honesty, fun, laughter, motivation, and love; and I chose to deserve those blessings with every step we take together.
I get to make this man happy (and mildly exasperated) for the rest of our lives, and that exercise makes me a better person moment by moment.
Happy public apology/anniversary, Husband! Here’s to a lifetime of adventures.
23 Responses
Wow Lizβ¦ this was truly moving. You couldn’t have summed up what love is any better. Excited to try this cauliflower/rice-like concoction you’ve been speaking of!
love it & of course you. The picture is great. I love Cavehubs expression.
I know that Glitters box. Congratulations! Keep that passion in everything you do. That’s why CH chose you. All the best.
Happy anniversary! I agree – choosing to let myself be loved by my guy and choosing this life — best decision I ever made. I even like his* geeky military haircut.
*(uhh..my guy’s. Though you guy’s geeky military haircut is nice too /awkward)
Yay for marrying people who don’t suck!
You’d think more people would considering how awesome it is, yes? π
As you know, I’m a little loquacious and kind of outspoken. During our vows, one of the lines went like this: “I promise to always listen when you speak” and my husband added such an intonation on “When YOU speak” that the entire crowd laughed during my vows.It was perfectly awesome.
I love that! And I bet, in the constant stream of forgettable weddings we all have to attend these days, that these “break character” moments are what makes them stand out to everyone. So memorable!
Happy Annivarsary! I’m the loudmouth in my relationship, and I could TOTALLY see that happening at our wedding! π
Can’t wait for the Jambalaya recipe!
I loved this. It was fun remembering that light moment in the BWE.
Happy anniversary to the CaveCouple. May there be One Million more!
Awwww… So touching! I can’t wait to have my very own CH to love and to adore (Sept 22, 2012 – yay!)
Congratulations Ann! It will be the best day ever!
Love this. I relate to you a bit, and thats why I love your blog! My husband and I have almost been married one year, he’s a Marine too, oh and we dig fogo de chao!
I still stand by this sentiment from 2 years ago… Your relationship with CH is constantly in the back of my mind when I’m choosing the men to go on dates with, and it’s the one I use as inspiration when visualizing my ideal relationship! You two are such great role models. π <3
I’m getting married in October and reading this made me all sorts of emotional because I could relate to it sooooo much π
Congrates y’all!
i LOVE this! I was listening to your podcast on the way in to work this morning and thought, “I want to be friends with liz. i want to know her story (beyond what we get in the podcast and all your other content)” in the most uncreepy way possible…and then i see this blog post! love it!!! +1 to everything you said and so happy you chose all the good things in life you deserve π
I love love love this post! Such a beautiful, honest, and insightful post. I absolutely agree. We place ourselves either closer to or further away from our goals with every choice we make and everything we put out there into the world. I too am extremely blessed with a wonderful, supportive, loving, patient (God knows he needs patience, being married to me!) husband and I can relate to so much of what you have said here.
Happy anniversary!
You’re so pretty!!!!!
Ahhhh, so perfectly written. Love it!
Aww, I love this so much!! Happy Anniversary, you two!! Cutest ever.