I remember the beginning like it was yesterday. This is my version…

I truly thought I was making a business connection when we exchanged cards. It wasn't until you came back in a few days later with the same date that I learned you had other motives. You both came in and I served your drinks. A few minutes later, I turned to look, and she wasn't there. You told me she left and whether we got into details at the time or not, she was gone.

You stayed with me the whole night while I worked and we chatted like teenagers. I guess as we became more comfortable with each other that is when you asked me out. I remember thinking how different you seemed to me. I felt like you were different from anyone I had ever met. You were right, I tried to use every excuse in the book to not go out with you. I think I thought you were so different from me and there was no way it would work. (Boy was I wrong. Yes, babe I am admitting I am wrong). Once you realized I was a tough cookie you had to get crafty. That's when you mentioned Ruth Chris and I thought to myself "Well he isn’t going to give up so I might as well have a Ruth Chris dinner”. You were SO persistent and honestly, I am so glad you were. I took a chance at love which I could tell you I never saw coming.

So, we go on our date. It was such a nice dinner and I felt like we connected as much as two people can on a first date. I excused myself to go to the ladies’ room and when walked out you planted a kiss on me! I remember thinking "OMG did he just do that? He has some balls!” You dropped me off home in your bubble vest and stick shift sport corolla. (ha-ha). I can laugh now looking back, but you were so cute and thought you were so cool. You tried to kiss me again and I said, "I don't really know you".

I remember going to bed thinking about how taken back I was by you. How much of a god damn gentleman you were and how I was almost afraid of your energy? Afraid in a good way. We kept on dating and things moved pretty fast. We learned that we weren't so different after all. We both had a love for a good bottle of wine or a nice diner. We work hours only a few would understand. We had a lot more in common that I knew at first glance.

I began to learn what it was like to truly be treated like I deserved. You showed me what a gentleman was. I fell for you and I fell hard. At the same time, I was afraid of this love that I couldn't fully understand or explain. This was new for me. It wasn't just a typical new infatuation with someone. This was different. I felt so mindfully connected to you and to this day I am not quite sure I can explain it.

Looking back, I wish I could re-live these moments. Who knew the bartender and the customer would be walking down the aisle one day? I wish I could go back and relive the day I met my soul mate. The man who knows how to love me. The man who puts me first and makes me feel blessed. You love me at times more than I love myself. You have shown me that no one should ever accept less than to be treated like you’re the most important thing in the world. My best friend and confident. Your love for me is without judgement even on the hardest of days. Who would have thought the man that walked into the bar would change my life? The man who will become my husband. We have had our ups and downs for sure and our love is far from perfect, but it is ours. I love you so dearly and am blessed to call you mine.

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Holiday Inn Hazlet