18 years ago today...

I married my best friend.

Our story actually started 19 years ago with a blind date. Set up by his mother! She was one of my clients and for more than a year she kept hinting that I should meet her son. What I didn’t know was that Bud was getting the same treatment at home. Finally, he agreed to call me and ask me out on a date – just to get her off his back, you know. Unfortunately, I already had plans for that night and had to decline. I asked him to call me the next week. I was certain he thought I was blowing him off and he’d never call again. He did think that but thought he’d “call my bluff” and called again the next week as promised. We went out that night. And the next night. And the night after that.

After dating just a few weeks, I knew this was going to be something special. Bud must have thought so, too. After a fun day at the beach and a romantic dinner, he told me he loved me.

At the one-month mark, I took Bud home to Ohio to meet my parents and to attend a family wedding. Nothing says you’re serious more than taking a new boyfriend to a family wedding! After watching us at the reception, my grandmother remarked, “I think you’ll be married next!” She was right.

Less than one year later, we returned to my parents’ home to announce our engagement at a family Memorial Day picnic. We had grand plans of a Christmas wedding. You know, six months later. However, my family didn’t like the idea of traveling in winter weather from Ohio to Virginia. The following summer was suggested and promptly rejected. By me. So we set a new date - August 11th. Of that summer. Barely two months of planning time!

The day was beautiful and we were surrounded by our family and friends. I wore my mother’s wedding gown which had been beautifully preserved. The color had mellowed from a pure white to a soft ivory – the only sign that the dress wasn’t recently purchased from a wedding boutique!

So, here we are today - eighteen years, two kids, and several moves across the country later. Every once in a while I have to remind my mom-in-law that it’s all her fault. And, I’m glad!

I love you, Bud!