To the Love of My Life, On Your Birthday

Dear Ryan,

As I’m sitting here at the counter thinking about your birthday tomorrow, writing to you, a few things come to mind.

I think of how much I’ve come to depend on you. You’re my rock. When I’m insecure, or discouraged, or I’m unable to figure out what the next best move should be, I know that you’ll always be there to build me up, give sound advice, to lead me when I don’t know what to do. When the craziness of our lives starts to creep up and threatens to overwhelm me, you’re there to talk me off the ledge, take me out for coffee, or let me decorate a room. Or take me shopping. You’ll stop anything and everything to make sure I know I’m not alone. That I don’t have to do this by myself. That all I need to do is take your hand and go with you.

I also think about how much you do to protect me. You jokingly say to our friends in the industry that it’s your job to shield me from the craziness of the wedding day, from the well meaning Uncle Bobs and church ladies, so I can focus on loving and serving our couples with you by my side, and pay attention to all of those little details you know I love so much. But it’s so much more than that. You’re the protector of my heart, my emotions. You’re strong enough to take on my tears and gentle enough to wrap your arms around me, as if that very motion could build a wall around me. You protect my eyes and ears from the criticisms that may come our way and instead, whisper words of encouragement and love that cause everything else to fade far, far away.

And I can’t forget to mention how much I think about your ability to lead our little family. Your ability to make my dreams yours, and in turn, make those dreams a reality. I know we often think about how different life would be if we chose a different path, a different calling in life, but I can’t imagine doing this life without you. Together, we’re unstoppable. Together, we know no limits. And if the whole world were against us, I’d still choose you, because together, we can conquer it all. Because God knew you were exactly what I needed.

Ryan, on your 26th birthday, I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate you, how thankful I am for your leading and influence in my life, and how much I love you. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. And even though I don’t always get your jokes, and you eat through all the ice cream and cereal in the house, I’d still chose you, every single time. I’m thankful for your drive, your passion, and your vision, and how much of that you invest in our business and in our clients. Thank you for teaching me how to love without restraint, and for helping me break down those barriers when I slip them back into place. Thank you for loving me through every mistake, every heartache, every struggle, and helping me to build a better version of me, as God intended.

I love you Ryan. I couldn’t be more grateful to God for putting us together, for writing our story, for giving me you. Happy 26th birthday, my love. And at tomorrow’s wedding, meet me by the cake table at 8pm and we’ll share a slice of wedding cake to celebrate another wonderful year with you.

All my heart, Alyssa