Two years ago, for reasons that are beyond me, under circumstances I never would have imagined, I was given the greatest gift of my life. I found an equal, a partner, a muse, a role model, a best friend, a love beyond my wildest dreams. Today I publicly give my heart to you for the rest of my life.
I believe certain events in your life unlock certain new discoveries. And the engagement process, especially the past few months, have made me realize there are two kinds of love in the world – one is the euphoric feeling that you’ve given me every single day since I’ve met you. I have no doubt that our lives will continue to be full of that first kind of love – if the past two years are any indication, our marriage will marked by a consistent joy, passion and excitement for each other.
But that love isn’t what today is about – it’s about a second kind of love. A love marked not by feelings, but by actions. Today is about making very real promises to you, in front of God and everyone here today. Promises that last our entire lives. That love is what I pledge to you.
I promise to thank God daily for your presence in my life. I promise to never let a day pass without you knowing in no uncertain terms how much you mean to me.
I promise to never tell you that you have too many shoes.
I promise to spend my days serving you, leading you where I can, building you up when I’m able, celebrating your many victories and encouraging you in setbacks.
I promise to always respect you – to friends, coworkers, family, strangers. I promise to remain devoted to you, to not wonder what else is out there, because I know without a shred of doubt that there is nothing else, no one else out there that could possibly hold a candle to you. I promise to do whatever I can so you never question my loyalty, love and devotion to you.
I promise that our house will have a consistent reserve of chocolate and flowers available.
I promise to give you my energy every day of my life, to make sure you never feel lonely or heart-broken. I promise to continually put you on the pedestal you deserve, to make sure you understand that you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.
I promise to fight for our relationship, no matter how life decides to test us. I promise to love you tirelessly, regardless of our circumstances, in prosperity or destitution, in good times and bad, in sickness and health.
I promise to make sure you have plenty of dresses to wear – which is more of a promise to myself, because you look really pretty in dresses.
I promise to treasure your life above my own, to put your interests in front of mine. I promise to protect you from harm, to protect your heart from being broken, to protect your spirit from being shattered, as best I’m able.
I promise to laugh with you, cry with you, pray with you, eat a variety of cheeses from all over the world with you.
I promise to love you, in both ways, as long as we both shall live.
