As most of you know, it started 18 years ago, in April of 2007, when Michael and I worked at Black Angus together. I was 20, and he was 26. It's not a typical love story. Our first impressions of each other were that he was pig-headed and I was controlling. Over time we softened (obviously) and I finally agreed to a date. We went to dinner at the Spectrum (Cheesecake Factory) and a movie (I don't remember what movie we saw), but I do remember being nervous. Later that evening, He walked me to my car and that's where we had our second kiss.

Our first kiss was in March at a going-away party for my best friend Kelly. I don't remember much of that night but I remember Michael's hug when he got there, and I remember the kiss later in the evening. I remember feeling safe in his arms, and I remember feeling home.

Our first month together was a dream. I would wake up to flowers and notes; Kisses and songs left on my MySpace page. Good Morning Beautiful by Steve Holy was the first song Michael sent to me. To this day it's a song I think of when I think of his love for me. We both fell fast. From then on it was us against the world.

Two years later, I had gotten into UNLV and Micahel was ready to move out of the place he was staying. We decided Las Vegas was our next chapter together. Relationships no matter who you are are not without their highs and lows. Michael and I have climbed many mountains and faced many challenges over the next 15 years. From unemployment, separations, illnesses, emotional distance, money/finances, and gaming (yes gaming) we've survived.

Marriage I've been told, like love is a choice. A choice that people make every day when they wake up to dedicate themselves to their partners through thick and thin. To wade through life challenges. To never surrender when surrendering is the easier path. That is how we have survived. Michaels's steadfast confidence that we were 'meant to be' and our love for one another has forged a bond that is unbreakable.

Now, 18 years later we are finally ready to stand before our families and friends declaring to the world what this love has done. How this love has shaped, saved, and bonded us forever. We cannot wait to share this moment with all of you. April 6, 2025, will be the start of our next chapter.