It was about a year ago when I met Bob for the first time, hours before he was going to propose to Mario on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.. That day, on our way to lunch, one of the first things Bob shared with me was the story of when he saw Mario for the first time. "He was the most beautiful man that I have ever seen". When I heard him share those words with me - so openly and intensely - my heart sank. This was going to be an extraordinary story and wedding to be a part of.
Less than a month ago, surrounded by 100 of their closest friends and family members in their backyard, Bob and Mario exchanged vows. Having written their own vows to one another, Bob recited his in Spanish (something deeply meaningful to Mario and his family) and Mario included a wonderfully romantic, powerful and unforgettable statement, "you are not my first love, but you will be my last". There was not a dry eye to be had, including my own.
What I experienced that day can be rightfully summarized by the below quote. A statement that hits my soul hard and - in my eyes - embodies the fundamental reason for marriage.
"No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were. [M]arriage embodies a love that may endure even past death."
- Justice Kennedy
I believe this is something society can be reminded of for all unions, be it between a man and woman or woman and woman or man and man.
FIND THE ONE WHO ALLOWS YOU TO BECOME GREATER THAN YOU ONCE WERE.
