4 years ago today, I said "I do" to the man of my dreams. It was one of the most amazing days of my life, right up there with the birth of my 3 beautiful children. Brian and I have been through so much together. I want to share with you just how wonderful my husband is. February of 2007 marked the 10th year of our relationship. Brian sent an email to myself and our families. I hope he doesn't mind that I'm sharing this with all of you, but as I was thinking about our lives together, I remembered the words he wrote to all of us and it was really very special. Here it is:
Today marks ten years of Michelle and Brian.
I must admit, that when I first saw Michelle in the circles of North Campus at age 15 or 16, I never thought I was looking at the future mother of my children, the love of my life. I did, however, know that she was somebody I wanted to meet and get to know better. We didn't meet officially until the summer before my senior year, Michelle's junior year. We started dating about 8 months later, and haven't looked back since.
I'm including all of you in this e-mail because you represent our core family, and I think the success of any relationship is highly dependent upon the support structure you have. I think both Michelle and I learned what it means to be in a loving, caring, respecting relationship from our parents, and have been able to rely on the friendships of siblings to help us get through the best and most dificult of times (although we've thankfully had few!).
We have come a long way in ten years, I know I have far less acne, and unfortunately less hair. We've spent time in Northfield, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Tampa, Chicago, Columbus and even Coon Rapids (with side trips by me all over the world)... the two things that have remained steady are our love for each other and Jeff, you'll appreciate this, the number of of phone calls made to me by Michelle every day.
I hope you read this message and come to the same conclusion that I have - there are still some great, old fashioned, loving relationships in this time of hyperactivity and A.D.D. I am thankful every day for Michelle in my life, and all of you. Who knew that the girl I saw in the hall 12 years ago would bring us two beautiful girls, and be the love of my life!
Brian spoke so eloquently in this email and I am so proud to have him as my husband. He is the best friend I've ever had. Since Brian wrote this, we've added another member to our family, Bennett. Although our lives are a far cry from my junior year in high school, we are still very much in love. Here's to the past 4 years, and so many more to come! Love ya Bri!
Oh, and I just have to share how hilarious my brother in law Jeff's take on our relationship is. Here is his best man's speech. It's pretty funny!
Happy Anniversary! What a hottie you are!
Posted by: zoe | April 16, 2008 at 07:34 PM
Love the pics of the wedding. It was a truly beautiful day and you a beautiful bride. And to be totally cheesy - your marriage is like a fine wine. It continues to get better with age.
Posted by: Kristin | April 13, 2008 at 10:17 PM
Congrats!! You were a very Beautiful Bride!! Brian's not too bad either:)
Posted by: Robyn | April 13, 2008 at 09:12 PM
Happy Anniversary! That's so cute!!
Posted by: Kim | April 11, 2008 at 07:55 AM
oh geez that made me cry! that is awesome, michelle, you got yourself a keeper. congratulstions to you both on your marriage and your beautiful family!!
Posted by: jessica | April 10, 2008 at 09:52 PM
Very sweet...I'm trying to pass off "the contact issue" as I do when I tear up at work. Happy Anniversary! I love the best man speech too!! Very creative.
Posted by: Hilary | April 10, 2008 at 04:16 PM
okay, first I cried then I laughed. Brian's e-mail was so sweet. JEff's best man's speech was freaking hillarious! Thank you for sharing both. :) Have a great day. Happy Anniversary.
Posted by: Leslie Collins | April 10, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Sooo sweet!!! Happy Anniversary!!!
Posted by: Jessica | April 10, 2008 at 01:53 PM
Okay, that made me tear up as much as it did when I read it the first time he wrote it, last year! Brian is so sweet! You guys are truly lucky to have each other :)
Posted by: Kristi S | April 10, 2008 at 01:03 PM