Welcome to our Reception!

Valerie This is my story, But it’s mainly about you! The Love of my Life, And my best friend too! You never noticed me In high school study hall, I was so quiet and shy, While you were having a ball! I fell for you quite hard, Even though we never met. And always dreamed someday, A chance with you l'd get! We went our separate ways, Between us a thousand miles, But I never could forget, Your beauty and your smile! I was always eager, To hear about your life, And was so concerned, To hear about your strife! So when I got a chance, To see again your face, The memories in my head, Began again to race! Many years had gone by, And life had taken it's toll, But despite some broken pieces, Nothing ever changed your soul! So Valerie today, You made my dream come true! A second chance I get, To start a life with you! And now it's time to ask, For you to be my bride. To be with me thru Life, Together side by side! Walking hand in hand, Into a future that's unknown, I will gladly do with you, For my Love for you has grown! Love, Mike

My Dearest Michael As I stand here today, heart full of joy and certainty, I am reminded of a truth that took 46 years to find its way into my life. We wandered the same halls in high school, our paths sometimes parallel but never crossing. It wasn't until decades later, through a simple connection, that fate finally found a way to bring us together. We took our time, didn’t we? What began as a friendship gradually blossomed into a romance, one that caught me by surprise. It was not your typical whirlwind love at first sight, but rather a steady and deep-rooted affection. Every conversation, every shared moment, laid a foundation stronger than I could have ever imagined. Michael, you are a man whose kindness shines so brightly that it illuminates even the darkest days. Your handsomeness and charm are rivaled only by your unwavering loyalty and steadfast love. It didn't take long to realize that I wanted to share my life with you, that I wanted you by my side for all of life’s journeys. I knew you were the one during one of our many vacations, surrounded by laughter and adventure. In those moments of exploration, whether we were gazing at sunsets or simply walking hand in hand, I saw a future so clear and beautiful that I couldn't have imagined it without you. You've stood beside me through the most difficult times of my life, holding my hand with a strength and compassion that have been my refuge. It is this unwavering support, this capacity to love through stormy seas, that has bound my heart to yours. Today, I vow to love you unconditionally, to nurture and cherish you for as long as I live. I promise to be your best friend for life, the one you can laugh with, dream with, and sometimes even cry with. I promise to encourage your dreams, to support you in every ambition, and to celebrate your successes as if they were my own. Michael, I vow to grow old with you, to embrace every grey hair and every wrinkle as landmarks of our journey together. To wrap myself in the joy of every day we are given, each one better than the last. Your love is better than walking on hot coals, and I am in awe of the warmth and depth that you bring into our lives. I promise to keep our lives full of spontaneity, the kind that keeps us catching each other off guard and eternally fascinated. And finally, With this ring, I promise that every day, I will choose you. I will choose to share my life with you, to smile with you, to endure and to thrive alongside you. You are my love, my partner, my better half. Together, let us face whatever comes next, hand in hand, heart in heart. I love you now and always. Your forever, Valerie.

Valerie, I can hardly believe we're here today. From a distance, I've admired you for so long - all the way back to the study halls in High school where you had everyones attention while I sat unnoticed and pretending to study while listening to your every word. Life took us on different paths, and it took a while, but somehow, those paths led us right back to each other. These last few years have been an unexpected joy. I never imagined I'd be dancing, laughing, and seeing the world with you. Ireland, Hawaii, the African safaris – each adventure has been made infinitely better because you were by my side. At 67, I thought I knew what life had in store, but you've shown me that love, excitement, and new beginnings are possible at any age. So today, I promise to keep dancing with you through life, to cherish our travels, both near and far, and to keep discovering new joys with you, every single day. With this ring I give you my heart, my promise to be your partner, your confidant, and your biggest fan, for all the days we have left. “I love you.”