In celebration of our first wedding anniversary Francheska, I wanted to write you a letter, the most special person in my life, reflecting on the greatest moment of our lives so far, how we have grown so much this past year, and share my vows to you again.
One year ago today, we were joined by our closest loved ones and shared a day that was the best day of my life. The love in the air that day was evident and bright. Not only between us, but with all our guests, whom we both know we are grateful for. As the ceremony began, I walked through the backyard, passing our family and friends, and joining our loved officiate. What felt like the slowest I have ever walked, I soaked in the moments leading up to marrying you.
I was steady and calm, but eagerly waited for you. As pairs, our groomsmen and bridesmaids completed the same walk and joined me on stage. Now it was your turn, and as soon as I saw you, that moment became ours. My attention, emotion, and love was focused on seeing my soon-to-be wife, looking so beautiful, walk towards me to begin the rest of our lives together. As we grabbed each other’s hands, locked eyes, and exchanged giddy smiles, I was overwhelmed by love and fortune. Here, my partner stands in front of me, ready to continue this journey we have started and spend the rest of our lives together.
As we experience life together, I know it will only continue to be filled with even more memorable moments. I am confident about this, as this year alone has simply been the best. Together and as individuals, we have experienced so much growth. Prior to the wedding, we were both introduced to significant professional challenges. It was only last summer that you started in VGH Emergency Room, a Level 1 Trauma center in North America, I shall mention.
And for me, spending almost every minute thinking about my project day and night, transitioning into my role as a Project Manager. One year later, we have each grown into our newfound roles and have established ourselves as confident and capable, while never letting it distract us from our love for each other. I am very proud of us for committing ourselves to seeking new experiences and spending quality time together before we embark on our next journey of growing our family.
There are so many moments that I can’t wait to recount with you as we celebrate this first wedding anniversary. Writing this, I can’t help but shed a tear and have a huge grin on my face thinking about everything we have done and all the fun we have had.
As I said in my vows, which I share below, “I know love is supposed to be easy because that is what it’s like to love you.”
I love you Francheska Mendoza-Smythe. Here’s to the rest of our years together, full of love, good times, and being best friends.
My Vows
There is something about you Francheska. That is what I thought when I first met you. I think everyone here felt that when they met you. You have this warmth to you that is so comforting. It’s shown by your kindness, your smile, by the type of person you are. Simply, you have a beautiful soul and I knew I needed you in my life.
You have always supported me, uplifted me, and understood me. That’s a rare thing in life. I don’t have to say a word and you know exactly what I am thinking and know exactly what to do to help me through it. You bring out the best in me and help me be who I want to be.
I can stand up here today and go on for hours about all the things I love about you, all the great memories we’ve made together, and the ones we’ll make over the rest of our lives. But ultimately, I just want you to know how much I care about you, respect you, and am proud to be able to call you my wife. You are the toughest person I know, my other half, my soulmate, the love of my life, and my best friend. I know love is supposed to be easy because that is what it’s like to love you.
I vow that we will always be partners and continue to overcome any challenges presented to us. Whatever challenge you face, will be mine. Whatever challenge I face, will be yours.
I vow that we will always grow together
I vow that no matter how busy our lives get, we will always plan for quality time and getaways together
I vow that we will always have fun together. Because that is what we do best.
While I won’t be perfect, I vow that I’ll always be the person that you need me to be, when you need it. Whether that is strong, soft, a listener, always your champion, silly, and in between.
Forever is a word to be used for the last time in one’s life, and in my life that is to say that I vow I will love you Forever Francheska.
There is one thing I know more than anything, it’s that I want to spend the rest of my life with you.
