A Million Times Yes

In most little girls’ dreams, the thought of marriage crosses their minds at some point or another. Of course, I was and am one of those little girls, dreaming of the day my very own Prince Charming would come sweeping me off of my feet.

And he came on January 19th, 2018.

Although I’m biased, Vince is truly a “one-in-a-million” kind of guys. He is selfless, thoughtful, adventurous, devoted and loyal. His unwavering love and passion for his family, friends and coworkers is admirable because you know he will always be there for you through the bad and the good, providing a shoulder to lean on or a heartfelt laugh to celebrate your success. His deep-rooted love for Christ shines through in all that he sets out to do — whether it’s making a client feel valued or devoting his time to prison ministries or simply sending you a cheerful text that I SWEAR sounds like it came out of a Jane Austen novel… (Oh, did I forget to mention he’s a fantastic writer, too)? He rarely says “no,” often says “let’s try it out”and almost always says “I’ll be right there with you” even after a 12-hour work day.

Of course, words are never enough to truly depict to others the kind of spectacular person he is. Throughout our three-ish-year relationship, Vince has not only shown me the sides I have just described, but has taught me a lot as well.

He has taught me how to live in the moment and celebrate every single day like it is my last. He has taught me how to deal with pain and stress, and has led me closer to God, creating a foundation for our future family. He has shown me what true love and commitment looks like, and has taught me how to roar with the kind of laughter that makes my whole body ache from chuckling so hard.

He has held my hand through some of the most difficult moments in my life thus far, has never left my side even when I eat the last piece of bacon and is my biggest advocate. He has cared for my parents as if they are his own for the last few years, and truly sacrifices the world while working his tail off to make all of my dreams come true. Not to mention, he exerts an immense amount of patience while I take a million pictures of our food aka starve him until I get the perfect shot 

And on Friday, January 19th, he gave me the ultimate gift — his heart, mind, body and soul for life.

Overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and sitting by the ocean, hearing the waves crash as they hit the warm-colored sand, he got down on one knee. The words of family, faith, love, support and celebration left his mouth as I bawled my eyes out to a point of my fake lashes coming off… And yes, I interrupted him to tell him that because that is just the kind of couple we are.

At the end of his beautifully said and moving speech, I exclaimed, “A MILLION TIMES YES!” with great assurance that God has truly gifted me with a man who will reinvigorate my mind and soul for the rest of my life. I cannot wait to dance through life with my best friend and very own Prince Charming until the end of time.

XO,

Future Mrs. Ciepiel