October 1st, 2016
On October 1st, 2016, Chris and I vowed, in front of God and our families and friends, to love each other unconditionally until death do us part. What a crazy two years it has been. Chris and I have been through so much in the past two years. Chris started his agency. I finished my Masters and began my teaching career. We moved cities. We bought a house. We got pregnant. We found out about Christian’s cleft. We welcomed her into the world. And, now, we’ve begun the incredible journey that is parenthood.
These past two years have been filled with joy, excitement, sadness, hard time, harsh words, and supporting one another. But most importantly, these past two years have been filled with love. Loving each other through the good times. Loving each other through the hard times. Loving each other when we wanted to hate each other. We’ve constantly had to remind ourselves about the vows we made two years ago. We’ve had to work at our marriage. We’ve grown. We’ve leaned on one another. We’ve strengthened our relationship with each other. And we’ve strengthened our relationship with God.
The Ceremony
For those who don’t know, my godmother officiated our wedding, and she did an incredible job. It was so special having her officiate because she’s always been like a second mother to me. She’s loved me all her life. Her son, John Christian Mills, was my closest friend. We were born only 5 months apart, and we grew up as next door neighbors. John passed away on June 2nd, 2013. He was 19 years old. So it was even more special having Robbin officiate because it was so hard not having John there in person — but he was certainly there in spirit.
One of my favorite parts of the ceremony was when Robbin said: “Remember that in every marriage, there are good times and bad, times of joy and times of sorrow. Celebrate those good times together, and hold onto each other in the difficult times. Marriage is not a destination, reached today–it’s a journey that you will travel together for the rest of your lives. So, always care for one another tenderly. Give each other your best. May the promises you make to one another today, be lived out every day of your union. Today, right now, is where it all begins.”
Those words have rung true, specifically in the past year. Chris and I have done plenty of celebrating during the good times. And we’ve done plenty of holding each other during the difficult times. When you think you’ve found the man you want to spend the rest of your life with, you most likely imagine all of the positive things you’ll experience together: traveling the world, buying houses, starting careers, having kids. But most people probably don’t imagine the hard times they’ll experience with the one they love, but this is probably the most important thing to think about.
Christopher Michael
Find a man who you can see yourself going through the hard times — the unimaginable times — with. Make sure it is someone who will physically and metaphorically hold you up when you want to fall. Who will wipe your tears. Who will hold you while you grieve. Who will see the ugliest side of you and still want to stay.
Marriage really is a journey. And these two short years have been one hell of a ride. No matter what the coming years hold, it feels great knowing that Chris and I will always fight to uphold our vows. That we won’t give up, and that we’ll be there for each other when we need it most.
So cheers to two years, baby!
Watch our wedding highlight video below!
