The Belangers

Once upon a time, I (Kayla) was invited out with some friends, and we ended up at a local bar playing games. Sipping a drink, laughing, and I found myself reflecting that it was all new. Here I was at 25 and had barely seen a dating pool. We enjoyed our evening and sufficed to say made plans to go back. A few weeks later, we did. Except I got there first this time. The tallest man in the room caught my attention. His smile was kind, and he was hanging out with the group he was with. I had to look away - I would not be caught blushing like a teenager. One of my friends finally showed up, and after a little bit, he came over and offered to buy us both another drink, and we agreed. We thanked him, and I could feel my heart pounding as he walked away. Fast forward to the end of the evening, he came over to pay his tab and offered me his number. I was floored speechless, so I took it, and it sat in my purse for a while. A couple months passed - the wine and romcoms had kicked in. What did I have to lose? A couple dating app downloads later... There he was again. I figured there was no way he would recognize me, so I swiped right anyways. We matched and within seconds I was sending a rambling apology about the time that had passed, and if he wanted me to disappear I would. To my surprise, he answered right back. "I am a patient man. I am really glad and excited we matched." I don't think we've stopped talking since. Learning about each other. Seeing the world in new ways. Adventures that are big and small. Taking the bad days to rest, and the good days to be exciting. We never faltered in supporting each other. There was comfort when that was all we could do. There was connection and empathy like I've never felt before. We became each other's foundation without even realizing it. When Caleb proposed, he phrased it perfectly: "We didn't collide like stars in the sky, there were no small-town fireworks going off behind us, there was no chasing you in a taxi down the road. We simply happened. We took each other's hand and just started walking. Our lives blended before we even blinked." This marriage means blending love and families. Jack gets a big brother, and George gets a little brother. I treasure the days they play together and have already shed a tear at imagining them as huge teenagers eating everything in sight. This is our chapter. Our happily ever after. Our lives becoming one. The most unexpected timing, for the most amazing love I have ever known. We are beyond thankful to our families and friends for their love and support, and we hope to bring a strong love to the world in these new chapters together. We cannot wait to share a lifetime of memories with everyone. Kayla & Caleb

Caleb proposed on Christmas Eve... After an hour long bedtime battle with George and Jack, we finally got them both asleep. Jack was adjusting to a different room for the evening, so it took a little longer than usual. I practically flopped down on the couch and tried to focus on the Christmas Tree, the presents, and the strings of Christmas lights Caleb had strung up around the house. He gave me a reassuring kiss and commended the family effort we had started. He got me a glass of wine, and right as I was about to turn on White Christmas (a Belanger Christmas Eve tradition), he came over and gave me the journal I had bought him months ago. It was opened to a page, and he requested I read it aloud. He wrote of his fears and excitement. His commitment to provide safety and love for me and our sons. How our lives so easily blended together from day one. The joy of having a family to love and call ours. Admittedly, it took me until the end to realize exactly what was going on. "Kayla, I hope you will do me this honor, but will you marry me?" With the tears trying to escape, I promised "I will say yes every day for the rest of my life to marrying you." We spent that evening watching White Christmas and putting presents out for our boys. Watching the tree lights sparkle, and the fire crackling before us. Laughing about anything and everything and reflecting that we get to enjoy Christmas together for the rest of our lives. A couple weeks went by, and we got to remake my parent's rings into mine that you see in the pictures. Nothing means more to me than carrying family with me always. One center diamond for Caleb & I, two side stones for our boys, and one ring for the family we have made. I cherish knowing that it means I have found partnership, love, support, and that I get to marry my best friend.