This year I’m trying to stay calm and avoid the holiday stresses and, instead, focus on how grateful and lucky I am. The one thing I am the happiest about in my life is Matthew. I don’t know how I got so blessed with this one, but I feel eternally grateful. Matthew is my match in so many ways, and while he’s my true love, he’s also my best friend. We are so silly together and talk about everything. He’s the Marshmallow to my Lilypad, the Ross to my Rachel, just without all the drama!
I’m a huge romantic and when I was little I had all sorts of thoughts about who my husband would be. I felt like I molded this fantasy in my mind- someone who could dance and sing like Gene Kelly, captivate me like Rhett Butler, and be my best friend like Mr. Knightley. I prayed every night for my future husband, which might sound a little silly but it’s true. I remember driving to my Grandma’s house, looking at the stars and wondering where he was at that moment. Little did I know he was just a few hours south of me in sunny San Diego!
The process of falling in love is so fun and exciting and even now I wish I could go back and do it all over again with Matthew. While falling in love is a dream, continuing to love each other is a reality. There’s no question that marriage is a ton of work and compromise. It isn’t easy and it is a process. Regardless of how two people come together, though, it’s the combination of friendship and love that keeps them together. I feel like that has been the success of my relationship with Matthew. And the fact that he can sing and dance doesn’t hurt either!
I was so thrilled when Ever Us allowed me to borrow one of their gorgeous rings for the holiday season! It’s a beautiful keepsake that features two diamonds, equal size, side-by-side and touching. The ring symbolizes one diamond for your best friend, and the other for your true love. I love that it highlights these two sides that I find incredibly important in a marriage. You need both the friend and the soul mate. Those are the two most important qualities in a marriage, in my opinion. Someone who will love you, be there for you, listen to you, talk with you, cry with you and laugh with you. This ring would be a timeless gift that you can wear daily to remember just how special your love is.
I’m a sucker for love stories, so I’d love to hear yours! Share a little bit with me below if you can. I’d love to know if you started out as a friends, or become friends through your relationship. Everyone’s story is so different but equally special and wonderful!
xox
photos by Valorie Darling
