Love You More, Always

Moving to a new state is never easy. You're away from your friends, family, favorite restaurants and the familiarity of home. But how lucky was I to meet Michael so soon into my move from Florida to Virginia? We met in June, right as the spring began to transition into summer. Days got warmer, longer and our connection began its bloom like hydrangeas. On our first date, Michael took me on a 12-hour tour of Virginia sights. We went hiking, grabbed coffee and dinner, and then headed to a dog park. Since then, we've been practically inseparable. Soon into our relationship, Michael showed me what unconditional love, strength and support were as I began experiencing the grief of losing my beautiful mother, Mayrobis. We were only together for two months when she passed away, but in the year since, he has reminded me to put the pieces back together, no matter how many times they come crumbling down. He reminds me that I've got to live for my Ma, and continuously finding ways to honor her. "Virginia is for lovers" became more than a license plate slogan for us; it became our reality. Virginia brought our hearts together, and we gained each other as best friends, lovers, confidantes, supporters and life partners. Remember what I said about being away from your hometown favorites? We're finding our new favorites in our home away from home in Virginia, and within ourselves. We invite you to celebrate the beginning of our forever in the place where it all started. With love, Jasmine Marquez and Michael Fredericks