“With this story of the beginning of their relationship, is it any wonder that when asked for a word that best describes their relationship, that they both came up with a similar answer… (‘Just one word?!,’ they said. So, I allowed them two!) Miquel responded with harmonious and enchanted, and Kyle’s were natural and cosmic. I’ve spent enough time in a thesaurus to know that these words were basically the same exact thing… natural, harmonious… cosmic, enchanted. This is not a surprise. Especially, when two people fall in love, often they are blessed with a relationship that feels enchanted… sometimes even cosmic! And when they are meant for each other, the pieces just seem to fit. Like it’s natural, their lives are harmonious!”

“Two years. It’s been two years since we first met. In fact, tomorrow, October 16, will be exactly two years since our first date! And two years ago, I had no idea that everything was about to change.

You see, whenever I think back to that time of my life, that time right before you, I realize just how lonely I was. My heart was broken and I didn't know how to put it back together. I didn't know if I could. I didn’t even know if I wanted to. To be honest, I just couldn’t see myself being with anyone ever again. I remember telling my friends that I felt like the part of me that had been capable of falling in love was simply broken.

And then two years ago we went on our first date! One of the things I remember most about our first date was when you said something about how dating could be monotonous and boring because everybody did the same thing— they all went to dinner and made small talk.

You said this while we were at dinner. Making small talk.

But what I actually heard you say was that you felt like people never seemed to want to make a real connection.

With that, I knew I had to ask you out on a second date and that I had better make sure it was a good one. So, we went hiking. And our date, which was only supposed to last a few hours, ended up lasting the entire day and then some… And during all of that time, we talked. We talked about everything. I remember being amazed at how easily and naturally we were able to open up to one another, at how easily we were able to make that connection. I also realized that during the entire day, I never got bored. I never really needed a break or even a few moments to myself.

What I know now that I didn’t know then was that before that day was even over, I had already become endlessly fascinated with you.

After dating for a while, I realized something else— my heart was no longer broken. And the reason it was no longer broken? You. You were the reason. I don’t know how and I don’t know when but what I do know is that you slowly poured yourself into all the cracks and crevices between the broken pieces of my heart and you brought them back together. And now my heart isn’t just mine. It’s ours.

Two years later and I find that it is simply impossible for me to envision my life without you. Because just like my heart, this is no longer my life. It’s our life and we have only just begun to create it. So, I have come here today to invite you to share this life with me. And for the rest of our lives, I promise to honor you, to cherish you, and, above all, to love you matter what lies before us.”

When I was younger, I’ve never felt like I fit in and I still haven’t quite grown out of feeling that way. I’ve never liked the same things as others and I’ve never wanted to do the things everyone else was doing. I’ve always felt like a puzzle piece out of place. But when it comes to you (Miquel), somehow even in the ways we are different, we still fit together just right.  And somewhere along the line in our relationship, it became clear that I’d found a man who was looking for nothing more than to feel valued and loved. And then there came… me! Someone with so much love to give, looking for someone to give it to.  

In the two years we’ve spent together, I swear it feels like it’s been at least six. Even in this last year, we have experienced so, so, so much together. We’ve pushed through a surgical recovery, traveled together, changed career paths, facing the loss of your Mom, a full home renovation, planning this wedding, among many more things. Some people say we’re crazy for taking it all on. But what has made all difference is that we did it all… together. Through it all, I’ve admired your unwavering dedication, your strength, and no-holds-barred-honesty. Even in the days that were toughest, you remained loving and open to me no matter how hard it might have been for you to bring those walls down, (and damn, are  those walls strong). 

Now, here we are today: you- just a man who wants to be valued and loved and  me- just another man with all the love in the world to give. Today, I know I’ve chosen the right man to give to my love to: someone who is open to receiving everything I have to offer. But more importantly, a man who knows how to share everything with me in return. 

With you, I’ve never felt judged, always only accepted, completely. With you, I’ve never felt less than, always only exceptional. With you, I’ve never felt alone, always only like there is no other place that I belong more. All the things a person could ever want, I have found in you and I could not be more lucky. Because of that, I know that you are the love of my life. I promise to give you the same and more: to never judge you, to always do my best to show you how amazing I know you are, and to always make you feel like you are never alone. I can’t wait to see what the next twenty years has to bring us but more than anything, I’m happy that we’re doing it, together. I love you!