We were little kids then. I was a receptionist barely making minimum wage and Kyle was in landscaping aka a glorified grass cutter with his income dependent on the weather. We both lived with our moms in the same bedrooms we had in high school. I remember telling a co-worked that I thought Kyle & I would be married by summertime a few weeks before he proposed. She giggled at my naivety. I laugh too now thinking back on it.

How crazy was it for 2 teenagers, living with their mommies, to get think about getting married…let alone actually go through with it? We had no money and no plans on how to make it all work. We were headstrong and determined to make it work, without an ounce of doubt. We were young and in love. We were dreamers.

This time 10 years ago, I was A.J. Lowry. I was having my hair styled with my bridesmaids and mom on a freezing cold April morning. The forecast called for ice and snow. We were just praying it would be safe to drive to the church. I put on my gown and rode to the church to become a Mrs, just a young girl without any idea of what was to come.

I tell all my brides to get ready for the adventure that is marriage, because it’s the best ride you’ll ever ride. There are ups and downs, flips and sudden stops. Every day is different, and every day is better than the one before. There are times when you feel like you can’t take any more, but then you see that smile on your husband’s face and you know it’s all going to be ok.

That young girl 10 years ago was excited and nervous for that adventure. Shaking, I got out of the car, and walked up the church steps into the sanctuary. Everyone stood as I began to walk down the aisle blocking my view of my soon-to-be husband. As I rounded the corner, and saw his face, I knew it would all be ok. All my fears, all my nerves, stopped right then and there. There was my love, smiling with joy and holding back a tear. I knew this was right.

10 years later and it’s still right. He is my best friend, my biggest encourager. He’s the hardest working and most caring person I know. This 10th year of marriage has by far been the best one yet. Bring a child into this world with Kyle…I can’t even put it into words. It’s made me fall in love with him all over again, in a deeper more meaningful way. Just seeing the way Ada lights up when she sees him is all I need to know this is right. Those 19 & 21 year old dreamers are living their dream life today, together, and more in love than we were 10 years ago.

To my husband of 10 years, I love you. With all my heart. With all my soul. You are my perfect match. I love doing life with you every single day. When we’re apart all I do is count the hours until we can be together again. I look at our daughter, and smile because I see you. You make my heart happy. You make me want to be a better person. Most of all, you make me feel loved. Happy 10 years darling. Thank you for making my dreams come true every single day.

The picture above means so much to me. San Francisco was our dream honeymoon. We talked about it, but at 19 and 21, it was just a tad bit over our budget. It’s remained on the top of our must-see list since. Finally visiting it a few weeks before our 10th anniversary, and being able to experience it with our daughter is one of my most cherished memories. Kyle worked hard to make our dream honeymoon finally happen and to experience all the city has to offer. Maybe I should tell him I want to go to Bora Bora for our 20th…