Breaking news: I enjoy spending time with Vagner. STOP THE PRESSES. 

Ok, you probably already knew that based on the fact that I married him and don’t shut up about how great he is. But here’s something you may not have known: I am supremely lazy when it comes to finding unique date ideas. If Vagner leaves date night up to me, we’ll end up at Chili’s. As much as I love greasy chain restaurants, that isn’t exactly romantic, and we’ve had to get creative in the last seven years.

I’ve always been a perfectionist to a ridiculous extent. Think of the kid who gets the highest grade in the class or is friends with literally everyone — that’s me. I’m constantly being humbled and reminded of my imperfections, especially within my relationship with Vagner. Our first date started off on a sweet note, but it ended in disaster! We’re able to laugh about it today, but we actually learned a lot from that hot mess of a date. 

When I heard our pastor say, “It is my joy to present to you, for the very first time, Mr. & Mrs. Vagner Lage,” I almost cried for the millionth time that day. I will always remember the elation I felt when I realized we’d actually pulled it off and were finally married. All of my fears faded away as I partied the night away with my brand spankin’ new husband — it was seriously the best day of my life.

This dude was a real piece of work. I remember angrily texting my best friend to tell her the news: He just turned down my prom invite, and I’m going to have to go alone. 

The year before, he’d told me that I was beautiful, one-of-a-kind, the kind of woman he saw himself settling down with. I stayed up all night talking to him. I’d find myself hanging out with him after youth group services, hoping he’d finally ask me out.

As I’m writing this I’m picturing your vows starting with something about how years ago you could never picture marrying me. When we started this thing, I was this goofy kid who wasn’t really going anywhere in life. By some miracle and after all I’d put you through, I got you to go out with me. 

We could still see the venue in our rearview mirror when I started crying.

It was the happiest day of my life. The weather was beautiful and our vendors were amazing. The Holy Spirit showed up during our ceremony, and our loved ones partied hard during the reception. But before the last of the sparklers even died out, I was an emotional mess.