Not sure who will read this, but have I ever told you why I'm not personally a big fan of Valentine's Day? For those of you who are fans, please don't take offense; if you’re coming to this site it’s probably because we think you are a quality human being so this is probably not directed to you. That being said, feel free to reflect.

I've always felt that there's this pressure to make sure that your partner is not Valentine's Day “shamed.” You not having something to show on this day means you don't have a socially acceptable relationship where the world checks in on you once a year to see if everything is romantically intact. The dozen red roses and over-priced restaurant meal is your annual stamp of approval, and the social media gods relax their gaze for another year.

If you expect to read a story that abides by this kind of thinking, you might as well just move on to the other links. This is a story of a brilliant and beautiful woman saying yes to a workaholic with a massive and complex "modern" family, including 3 teenaged boys and a princess to share him with. Enduring a long distance relationship 5 states apart, followed by a COVID lockdown where she couldn't escape a single quirk or bad habit. Now spending her previously free and relaxed weekends feeding a small army and having to get kiddos to practices, rehearsals, and play dates. I’m not sure what else I could have thrown at her, but with it all she still wants to hold my hand and I don't plan on letting go.

Said simply an acquaintance turned into mutual respect, which opened the door to a friendship, and with a little help from a friend, a spark turned into love. A love we want to commit to for the rest of our lives...

We celebrate and support each other every day and we always look forward to the next kiss whether we're on a date or just cooking in the kitchen.

So I can't wait for Valentine's Day!!! No need for any mainstream or traditional stamp of approval. All we want is to celebrate this crazy story with all of you - so let's eat good food, have good drinks, and be free to laugh and love. #ValentinesDayEveryday

Anibal & Lauren

L&A

Lauren & Anibal Wedding