Today is our 14 year anniversary, and I am more in love with Brian than ever!
When we first got engaged, a woman at our church asked me if I knew what the meaning of marriage was. I was bright eyed and clueless to the passionate answer she gave. She said “Marriage is about fighting for eachother’s freedom–fighting for the person you know they have potential to become–seeing that person living a life where they believe they are worthy of love and all the dreams they carry inside. If no one else will fight, including the person we marry, you commit to fighting for their freedom–even when the fighting is tough love.” She encouraged Brian and I to consider this with every choice we made about our future jobs, family culture, lifestyle, etc. Did our choices help the other person get one step closer to living their fullest potential?
After fourteen years, I can say Brian and I have built our marriage on the words of that wise woman. And it has made all the difference in the world. Today, we not only celebrate fourteen passionate years of marriage, but how much closer we’ve both come to seeing the other person set free to pursue their impossible dreams. Justin Hackworth caught this photo of Brian as I was presenting the closing keynote at EVO this week. It makes me want to cry because Brian’s face expresses all the celebration of how hard he’s fought for me to come this far in my own freedom. So much to celebrate.
I love you babe…with all that I am.
Any creative ideas on how to celebrate a wedding anniversary? (I love asking you questions like this because you ALWAYS give the most interesting suggestions!)
xoxo,
m
happy anniversary!!! wishing you many more years of happiness together!
Wow, I’m going to adopt those words of wisdom too……that’s beautiful!
Congrats on a happy 14 years of marriage! You both are so blessed to have each other. Just seeing pics of you two makes me smile.
Hot Air Balloon Ride!!! (I’ve always wanted to do one.)
Happy Anniversary! 🙂 That is such wonderful advise that she gave you…thank you for sharing it with us! May your journey together continue to be blessed with happiness and joy!
What an amazing post!! Happy Anniversary! Those are some brilliant words of wisdom to build a marriage on. I completely agree, each person has to have room to breath and pursue their own passions while building a life together. I am also very fortunate to have a very supportive husband. We support each other 100%. Congratulations on your milestone:)
Congratulations Mera. Happy Anniversary. 🙂
Congratulations and happy anniversary!
Wow, CONGRATULATIONS you two! I know I’m one of hundreds, if not thousands, of people to have met you guys and seen the magic in person. 😉 Super great photos, both the one of the two of you and the shot of Brian as he watches you, what an amazing capture. =) No ideas unfortunately, as we just celebrated our 11th…by staying home. HA! It was kind of the perfect expression of us though, because our favorite place is the home and family we’ve built together. <3
happy anniversary, you crazy kids! oh, the stories you’ll have to tell those grandbabies one day! so much love to you both. xo
Happy Anniversary MeRa and Brian! Love you guys!
So beautiful ~ and that picture makes me cry too. Brian is sooooo much George Burns to the Grace Allen in you. Your love and passion to help women is incredible and clear. Beautiful and full of ‘Grace’!! Love that double entendre!
Love you both so much! How about a west coast swing dance class followed by a moonlit stroll into a field, a mini picnic with cheese, (gluten-free) bread, champagne and caviar. Even an ipod with mini-speakers in your basket. Happy Anniversary! You certainly brighten my life and so many others too.
Love you both and appreciate how you let us live your lives with you!! You learn and we learn. You love and we love! You hurt and we hurt. You celebrate and we celebrate!
The best celebration…being in a quiet place together (wherever a great place for you is) and writing love letters to each other on special paper and in your own handwriting. Then reading them and taking in all the love that you read and letting it penetrate deep in your soul to nourish your heart for the new year ahead. Keep them close by all year long to reread when you need refreshment!!
Happy Celebrating!
Happy Anniversary!
Love you both soooo much! Happy Anniversary!
As for celebrating, I am all for a couples massage.
If you guys are in Tacoma, dinner at Pacific Grill, nightcap at 1022 South.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to both you and Brian! What wonderful advice that woman gave you 14 years ago.
I looked over at Brian a few times during your keynote at EVO and saw that exact expression on his face several times. Your love for each other if inspiring.
Dara
Happy Anniversary! I know it is a little late for today, but I always like to do a day trip somewhere so I can remember that event with a place. I love Port Townsend and Leavenworth, but you travel so much maybe just dinner and a walk on the water would be nice. Enjoy your evening!
Happy Anniversary MeRa and Brian… may the love and blessings continue.
Thank you both for everything you do for all of us, and for the love that you share, not just for each other and your precious family, but to all of us woman, who are finding their dreams because of both of you…
LOVE … the advice from the woman at your church. I’m writing that down! SO, so good! Not too many people can say of their marriages they are more in love after a few years … congratulations. You have a lot to celebrate. I say, just the 2 of you go away, even if it’s for 1 night and act like kids & enjoy each other! <3
I remember sitting at your wedding and listening to the song I will sing of your love forever{I think of the two of you when I hear that song} and how those lyrics were so deeply meaningful and heartwrenching because of what you had been through and how hard you fought to get there…”and I will open up my heart and let the healer set me free.” One of life’s unforgettable moments.
Many congrats lovebirds,keep it up!
Merri Van Houte
Congrats on your 14th year…..for our 30th I surprised my hubby with tickets to see Andrea Bocelli….it was a wonderful night in NYC. What a fabulous voice for love!
Fantastic ideas ladies!!
Wow Merri, that song was so key to our marriage–and now our kids sing it!
much love to you all!
xo,
m
How sweet you two are! Fourteen years ago, the stars collided and cosmic changes occurred in the universe when you two came together! ( honestly, I believe in Divine Appointments) but the opener sounded good didn’t it? Congratulations and Happy Anniversary to two of the most Amazing & AUTHENTIC people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. God has & is truly blessing you both!
Happy anniversary!
I love what that wise woman said to you. And I love that this has innately been a guiding principle in my own marriage as well.
I was going to suggest bungee jumping or parachuting but since y’all have kids perhaps you should stick to something a little less dangerous (I’m saving all those for when I’m a grandma or great grandma, ha!) but just as fun… pillow fight, make fresh lemonade, bake, have a picnic, go skinny dipping, read some poems to each other, go for a walk hand in hand, cuddle on the couch and watch a movie.
happy happy. love you two.
Happy Anniversary! I hope you both had a fantastic day! oxoxxoxo
Me Ra and Brian – Hope you both enjoyed your special day together! Congratulations on the journey together and here’s wishing a lifetime of even greater love, togetherness and adventure for you both.
I hope you guys had a fabulous anniversary. Congratulations on your wonderful life together thus far – its only going to get better. Love to you both!
So beautiful and inspiring! Congrats! xoxo