Over Labor Day weekend, David and I got married.
We’ve spent the last 7 years navigating life alongside each other, but it genuinely feels different now. The rings on our fingers are symbols of our storied past and our mutual commitment to the future. I didn’t expect the gravity of those symbols to be so forceful.
Our wedding weekend was true bliss. The ceremony and reception took place at a local park, one we frequently hike through together. David and I were surrounded by amazing friends and family, and we all tore up the dance floor (my dress will never recover).
In honor of this ooey-gooey time, I wanted to outline 10 of the many things I love about David.
My regular travel-inspired content will presume in the next post but, for now, let me revel in this bubble of newlywed bliss.
His big, beautiful brain
David has an insatiable mind. The man reads textbooks for fun. That tells you everything you need to know.
His willingness to try
David is a Try Guy.
He sometimes needs a beat or two before diving in (he’s only human after all) but he has ventured into so many spaces beyond his comfort zone. Over the course of our relationship, he has grown beyond measure while still staying true to himself. He has learned new skills, explored countless new hobbies, visited new countries, and taken new chances to build the life he wants.
Being with him is vibrant.
His ability to slow down
At the same time, David is the king of relaxation.
He curates incredible playlists for lounging around on Sunday mornings. He always stops to watch a thunderstorm. He loves a long, slow walk to nowhere. He has no guilt about resting on the couch all afternoon.
This has been a life-changing lesson for me.
His giggle
There are layers to a David laugh.
Most of the time, his laugh is light and effortless. Sometimes it is a deep belly laugh that shakes his whole body.
The rarest and most adorable David laugh is his high-pitched giggle. I only hear it when he watches cute cat videos or when he is 5 beers in to a night with his elementary school friends. But man, that giggle is contagious and well-loved by all who hear it.
His compliments
David pays attention. I know this because of how he compliments me.
He always comments when I wear my favorite dress because he says I shine in it. He will notice the effort I put into our garden and celebrate individual aspects of my work, from my meticulous weeding around the perimeter to how I blend colorful flowers into one cohesive unit.
His taste in music
If David is home, there is likely music playing.
He has curated playlists for working out, working on creative projects, and working in the yard. Sometimes, he puts on hours-long live DJ sets that permeate jazz, house, and funk music throughout our home.
His favorite genres are bluegrass and folk so I’ve gotten to know John Prine very well. David also loves exploring new artists and is always sharing his discoveries with me.
The man knows how to set the musical mood for literally any situation.
His steadiness
David is steady. He is like tempered glass. On the rare instances he erupts, he never causes damage to others.
He stays calm during our difficult talks and controls his emotions in the face of frustrations. He always reminds me that we are a team. His constant reminder is “It’s you and me versus the problem,” and he’s never given me reason to doubt that.
His budding interest in interior design
We now own a home, and that has unlocked something in David.
Shortly after we closed on the house, I walked in on him watching an interior design Youtuber. A week later he asked me to help him find the perfect rug for his new office to “instill a sense of coziness”. Of course, I said yes.
His humility
David is the opposite of self-centered.
He owns up to his mistakes and knows how to apologize. He is open to new ideas and accepts feedback with grace. He is talented but not cocky. He is smart but never condescending. He is hilarious but shares the spotlight with others.
He is the least arrogant person I know. If anything, I hope he grows more proud of himself and his accomplishments.
His gratitude
David is a grateful guy.
Out of the blue, he will say things like “I love our life” or “I love our silly little cat”. After our wedding, he reached out to multiple people and individually thanked them for their participation.
He expresses his gratitude without hesitation. He makes people feel that gratitude through his thoughtful words, heartfelt gifts, and quality time.
Conclusion
So yeah, I found myself an incredible partner. I’m so lucky I get to build my life alongside someone as thoughtful, kind, creative, and curious as David.
Thanks for letting me gush. Until next time <3.
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