Seth's Vows

We started as friends and our friendship grew stronger over the years. 

When the time was right, we began to see the possibilities and we both decided that we wanted something more.  At that point, I already knew that you were an amazing person with a good heart overflowing with passion and inspiration.  I knew that you were the most amiable, engaging and intelligent person I had ever met.

I knew that at the very least, we were destined to be best friends. Then, suddenly it happened though not surprisingly, we took the next step.  It was the perfect time in both of our lives; we were both mature enough and ready for a serious commitment and we were able to recognize the value of our new relationship.  We made it through the rough times that came along; and in doing so strengthened our relationship and solidified our commitment.  You taught me how to be happy and to appreciate life.  In you, I found something worth fighting for.

Throughout our relationship, our love has grown every day and it will continue to grow.

Before I knew true love, there always seemed to be something missing, just out of reach. Something intangible.

But with you, I feel whole.

You complete me and I complete you. And together we can accomplish more as a union than we could have alone.  I know now, with great certainty, that this is exactly what I have been seeking.  I realize how lucky I am to have found you.  I love everything about you.  I am happy that we complement each other without losing our own identities.   I love your individuality.  I promise to encourage and support you in any endeavor on which you may embark.

Today our path has lead us to this place where we are joined by our dear friends and family to celebrate our love and to share our joy with them.

Coley, from this moment,

I promise to forever be by your side.
I promise to be your best friend for life, to be honest and faithful.
I promise to keep you warm on cold nights and to care for you when you are ill.
I promise to always try bring you laughter and happiness.
I promise to love, honor and respect you and to put energy into keeping our love alive.

When our way becomes difficult, I promise to stand by you and uplift you.
And I promise to always allow myself to be helped and uplifted by you.

I will love and cherish you as long as we both live.

Please wear this ring as a symbol of my promise to you. That, with every beat of my heart, I will love you.

Coley's Vows

Seth, I came for friendship and took away love.  Through the many years of our friendship, you remained a constant.  And then I arrived in Boston with a crazy puppy and loneliness in my heart.  And there you were, with love for my dog and me.  Before we knew, Doby knew.  He saw your gentleness, compassion, and true heart.  He saw your intuition, intelligence and sense of humor.  And slowly, it began to make sense to me as well.

We built this relationship on a foundation of friendship.  This makes me confident that we can endure and even shine in the face of adversity.  From the day we met, you've surprised me, challenged me, and engaged me in a way that no other human being ever has.  And I've never been able to completely tell you what that meant to me. But today, of all days, I have to find a way. Before I knew you, I was waiting. And hoping. Because through my life I’ve always known that you were there, waiting for me too. 

Today, I wanted to explain the enormity of our love.  But I am limited by words.  And while our love is an immense connection, it is evident in the small daily aspects of our lives.  These small gestures truly define our love.  So here are just a few things I promise to you as evidence of my commitment to you.

I promise to kiss you goodnight.
I promise to sing songs about the dogs while we make dinner.
I promise to laugh at myself.
I promise to cuddle on the couch and watch movies.
I promise to keep learning about the world, you and me.
I promise to go on long dog walks with you.
I promise to tell you about my hopes for the world.
I promise to fall asleep in your arms.
I promise to share my tears and my laughter.
I promise to let you help me grade papers.
I promise to teach you more about baseball.
I promise to instant message you from across the room.
I promise to hold your hand while we’re shopping.
I promise to smile just because I’m so in love with you.

Our life together is full of endless possibilities.  The understanding that we are in this together calms the uncertainty I feel about the future.  That I never have to go it alone, that I have a partner as the world unfolds.

So this ring that you’ve worn for over a year is moving and will be a continued symbol of our commitment to each other.  All I can feel is the beauty of what we have.  I hope everyone is as lucky as we are.