“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back”

This is the beginning of a quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.  9 Years ago, David and I made a commitment. A commitment that was questioned by some and celebrated by others.  It was the best commitment I have ever made in my life and today marks the 9th anniversary of us expressing and sharing that commitment not only to each other, but to the world around us.  On the first anniversary of our 1st date, on the exact spot where David 8 months earlier proposed, we got married on July 20, 2003.

And while David’s day was filled with a swim in the ocean, a massage and some “guy time” with his side of the party, my day was spent with my friends, getting my hair done, getting pretty-fied,

desperately trying to eat, but not being able to, and wondering if everyone who had tasks that day was going to be on time, doing what they were supposed to, etc.  Yep, I’m Type A.

Two amazing photographer friends had flown in from the East Coast to donate their services for an entire weekend of celebration, so while one of them got to hang out with David on the beach, the other one got to spend the day in a house filled with women getting ready for a wedding.  Not sure who got the better deal, but we got some memorable coverage of all the prep.

Photos by: Bruce Pham

I just have to include this shot of David.  It tells the story of anticipation, a few nerves, excitement and peace.  All incorporated in one shot.

We had designed the seating arrangement in the shape of 2 spirals coming together,

symbolizing our lives: starting on opposite sides of the world,

slowly spiraling in each other’s direction,

coming together in the end.

Together with our minister, we had written and structured the ceremony ourselves.  Nothing conventional or traditional, everything personal.  From the poems read, to the vows, to the American & European wines that we shared.

Okay, so there there were 2 traditional aspects:

and

Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”

… is how Goethe closes.  We could do it, we dreamed we could do it and we began.  Immediately after the recessional, David and I did our little “happy dance” together, giggling, teary-eyed, overwhelmed by joy.  “We did it!” was the first thing we said.

There were “shoulds” and “should nots” that occupied other people’s minds, however we were bold and followed our hearts.  And it was that boldness that was followed by magic, marking the beginning of a wonderful chapter in our lives we got to start writing together.

And here we are.  9 years, a house, a cat, 2 dogs, 2 children, (only a few) grey hairs and lots of love and laughter later.  Let’s just say we won’t be around this weekend as we’re spending our anniversary together, on the beach, remembering the first few lines of this chapter we’re writing.

Until next time,

Savor food, savor family, savor life.
- Marieke, aka HRH Mommy

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