married.
A. is my wife.
best day of my life.
saturday may 10, 2025 #
4:03pm: she walked down the aisle.
barefoot on sand.
white dress, simple, perfect.
blonde hair down.
she was crying before she reached me.
i was already crying.
the ceremony #
venue: beach point, la jolla
weather: 74°, sunset starting
guests: 45 seated
her dad walked her down.
i stood there watching her come toward me.
time slowed.
everything else disappeared.
our vows #
mine:
“A., 23 months ago you were a stranger at a coffee shop. now you’re my whole life. you saw me at my worst. you stayed. you never tried to fix me, just loved me. i promise to do the same. to be your partner, your best friend, your home. to choose you every day. i love you.”
hers:
“when we met, i thought you were cute and weird and way too into computers. i was right. you’re still weird. but you’re also the kindest, most genuine person i’ve ever known. you make me feel safe. you make me feel chosen. i promise to always choose you back. i love you.”
both of us crying the whole time.
officiant had to pause twice.
the rings #
her putting mine on:
hands shaking.
took three tries.
she laughed.
i laughed.
me putting hers on:
slid on perfectly.
matched her engagement ring exactly.
she looked at it.
then looked at me.
more crying.
the kiss #
“you may kiss the bride.”
pulled her in.
kissed her like it was the first time and the last time.
everyone cheered.
J.: “get a room!”
we did. later.
reception highlights #
first dance: “the way you look tonight” - sinatra
A. rested her head on my chest.
we barely moved.
just held each other.
cake: chocolate with vanilla frosting
A. smashed a tiny bit on my face.
i got her back.
bouquet toss: her maid of honor caught it
garter toss: J. caught it
they looked at each other horrified.
everyone laughed.
speeches #
J. (again, drunk this time):
“AK once told me he’d never get married. said relationships were pointless. look at him now. crying at his own wedding. never been happier for my boy.”
A’s maid of honor:
“A. texted me after their first date. said ‘i think he might be the one.’ i said ‘you’ve known him 3 days.’ she said ‘i know.’ she was right.”
the exit #
10pm: sparkler sendoff
hotel: del mar
first time as married couple:
didn’t even make it to the bed.
against the door.
fast, intense, both needed it.
then slow round 2.
took our time.
places list: 48 (honeymoon suite door)
sunday morning (now) #
2:24am maui time (4:24am san diego).
sitting on hotel balcony.
flight was 5 hours.
A. sleeping inside.
she’s my wife.
still doesn’t feel real.
but the ring on my finger is real.
the legal certificate is real.
she’s my wife.
looking back #
june 13, 2023 → may 10, 2025
697 days from meeting to marrying.
what changed:
stranger → girlfriend → fiancée → wife
dating → exclusive → living together → married
scared → nervous → ready → married
what stayed the same:
the way she looks at me.
the way i feel when she walks in a room.
that’s why i married her.
tonight (may 11, 2:24am maui) #
we got married.
may 10, 2025, 4:03pm.
beach ceremony, 45 guests, sunset.
both cried during vows.
ring exchange took three tries (shaky hands).
first dance sinatra.
bouquet toss to maid of honor.
garter toss to J. (they were horrified).
sparkler exit 10pm.
hotel room: places list 48.
flew to maui this morning.
sitting on balcony while she sleeps.
A. is my wife.
best day of my life.
honeymoon starts tomorrow.
2:24am maui. we got married may 10, 2025. ceremony 4pm beach la jolla, 45 guests, sunset. she walked down barefoot, both crying. vows: i promised to choose her every day, she promised to choose me back. rings: her hands shook putting mine on, took 3 tries, we laughed. first dance sinatra, barely moved, just held each other. speeches: J. said i told him i’d never marry, now crying at own wedding. maid of honor said A. knew after first date. sparkler exit 10pm. hotel places list 48. flew maui this morning. sitting on balcony, she’s sleeping inside. A. is my wife. best day of my life.
-AK