Vows

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Kristan's Vows

Answer

Rhett, it seemed like we would never decide on a day to actually get married and that the city of Philadelphia really didn’t want us to be great, BUT we are finally here. At this point, we committed to spending the rest of our lives together over two years ago. Today, though, we’re putting it on paper. We are getting married. When I think back on our love story, I chuckle—maybe even roll my eyes—thinking that I’m marrying the man who ghosted me almost 7 years ago. It’s crazy to think that the most drawn-out start to a relationship could turn into a union as beautiful as ours. I think I knew I would fall in love with you on our first date, when you brought up housing as a social determinant of health. You probably had no idea how much that made the little social justice warrior in my heart swoon. And then you knocked me off my feet with your ambition as you described your vision for a vertically integrated development, design, and construction business. Your dreams have evolved over time, but I’m still in awe of them and of your relentless pursuit of them. Rhett, I love the way you experience joy. It fills me with joy. Even though it takes you forever to get dressed, and often makes us late, I love your sense of style and the way you put together a look. I don’t really like cuddling, but somehow it now feels strange to fall asleep without your arm wrapped around me. I love our “rapp(ap)ort.” You can be a bit aloof and a little clumsy, but you always remember the important things and always hold me down. You are “(in)genius”. You are sweet, silly, and still sexy. You make me feel special, loved, and protected. I promise to join you in all of life’s adventures (and yes, we should finally renew our national parks card membership). I promise to prioritize Trinidad Carnival in all of my scheduling. I promise to stop over-rationalizing your wildest dreams and support you as you chase them. And most importantly, I promise to love you—now and always.

Question

Rhett's Vows

Answer

Kristan—when I first 'met' you, in typical fashion, I was aloof. I hadn’t yet realized that the love of my life was standing right in front of me! Then, before our first date, in typical fashion, I lost my phone. However, I thank God that I was somehow still able to show up to receive my biggest blessing, which is you. And, after that entire bottle of Rosé, I knew. Kristan, I am indecisive about many things, but one thing I’m sure about is you. I love your brilliant mind, your quick wit, and the way your face lights up when you have a slick comment. I love your outrageous laugh and the fact that I can be seriously, unserious with you. I love your ability to light up a room and the caringness you show to those in your life. (And I cannot wait for you to be a dad!) I love that you claim to be a thug, but still manage to show me your softest sides—and I love that I get to be the person you're safe enough to be soft with. I love your passion and optimism to change the world. Five & a half years later, I love that you still send me good morning texts everyday. On our nightly calls, when you ask me “what made you smile today?”—know that the answer has always and will always be you. I love that you make me smile everyday. I love your patience, how you encourage me to be better, and—I hate to admit it—how you challenge me. Kristan, I love that you are the steady rhythm to my constant chaos. I love you bad, bad. I’m excited that I get to do life with you, and to finally call you my HUSBANDDDDD!!!!! Today and always, I promise to never take your love for granted. Whatever journey life takes us on, I promise to always be your adventure buddy. I promise to build a life with you full of new experiences, good food, and great cocktails. Whether it's a new country or a new garage—yes we probably will fight—but know there is no one I’d rather have at my side. I promise to be patient, slow-er to anger, to make sure to close the loop with you, and to always express my gratitude.

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Answer

I promise to always keep smiling and laughing, especially when life gets heavy. I’ve always said, a relationship is just two people making a conscious decision and choosing to keep showing up for each other. No amount of cities or miles between us, will ever stop me from choosing you. So today, Kristan, I promise to always show up for you, and to always keep choosing you, today and every day after. I love you.