Leah and I eloped in beautiful Hood River, Oregon over Memorial Day Weekend. It was just the two of us, a county clerk, and two strangers who agreed to witness it all. Leah’s family joined via a Zoom call, so we weren’t entirely alone. In late July, we celebrated with my family, relatives, and a few of Leah’s college friends in my parent’s backyard in the Bronx, NY. Our final stop on the tour was Leah’s hometown of Gloucester, MA where both of our families would come together to celebrate our love.

I wrote up my vows the night before and shared them on September 15th to an audience of twenty. Here it is below, and I’d recommend reading these words on kindness written by my father-in-law.

Nearly six years ago I met a girl who would go on to change my life. Of course, at the time the only thought in my head was “oh gosh, how do I impress Leah enough to continue talking to me?”

Someone recently asked when I felt the spark between us. For both of us, the connection was immediate. The more I talked to Leah, the more I knew she was special. She was unlike anyone I’d ever met, and I wanted to know more. 

Even though we were separated by cities hours apart, we would find ways to come together. Sometimes it would be on a boat drifting aimlessly in the ocean, other times high on a volcano gasping for air, and sometimes shivering in a tent staring at a nylon ceiling while a storm raged on. Every time we found ourselves off the beaten path, we shared in the joys and wonders of this beautiful planet, but also shared the challenges and struggles that come with adventure. 

The more I explored with you by my side, the more I knew that there was no one else in this world I would rather be tied to. I can’t imagine a more perfect partner to be by my side in the exciting and sometimes scary journey of life. 

Whenever I’m on my own, pedaling through trails, kick-stepping into a glacier, or daydreaming on the long drive home, everything reminds me of you. Even from afar, you’ve got this way of wrapping your little heart around mine. In the years I’ve known you, I’ve never felt alone knowing we’ve traded pieces of our hearts.

Over the years you’ve showered me with the kind of unconditional love I’ve only received from my parents. You’ve been my best friend, my mentor, my muse, and lover. I promise you my love for you will only continue to grow from here. I will be grateful for every day I can call you my wife. 

I promise to learn from you, and accept I may not always be right. I vow to see disagreements from your perspective, and I accept the work needed to maintain a strong marriage. I will never let a day go by where I am not reminded how lucky I am that we have each other.

I will be your anchor when you need strength, and I will have open arms when you need to be vulnerable and melt into my arms. I will forever be a cheerleader on your team, and find ways to surprise, inspire, and challenge you through life. 

As your partner, I promise you a life that is extraordinary, a life overflowing with laughter, friendship, and adventure. Life won’t always be easy, but through the moments of pain I’ll be by your side to share the load. I know that together, we can get through anything.

My Leah, I vow to love and support the woman you are today, the wife you’ll be tomorrow, and the person you hope to become. I love every part of you, and I vow to always do the same.

I vow to love you fiercely and passionately with everything I have to offer, for now and forever. I vow to never forget that this is a once in a lifetime love and I will choose you everyday for all the days of my life. I love you so very much.