On Friday, December 20, 2024, I officiated Jessica and Stephen’s wedding ceremony at the 4 Eleven in Fort Worth, Texas. Here are the remarks I shared with them and their guests:
Jessica and Stephen teach us two important lessons, the power of good fortune, the good fortune they found in meeting each other, and the importance of a concrete foundation of friendship in the life of every romantic couple, a foundation they carefully cultivated at the beginning of their relationship.
Stephen describes the genesis of their relationship: “In August of 2022, Jessica came in to interview for a bartender position at the bar I was managing. We quickly became friends, though initially, I wasn’t ready for a romantic relationship… Fortunately, Jessica was patient, and we built a solid foundation of friendship over the next several months.”
Jessica describes how they built that solid foundation: “We went on platonic dates, to the State Fair of Texas (where he assumed I knew my way around—I didn’t, and he would unintentionally lose me around corners), to concerts, where I assumed the role of passenger princess and requested unnecessary stops at In ‘N Out, to taking me out to lunch at Enchiladas Ole, when my cat (PB) was sick, and he knew I was at home worrying my head off, to then helping me chase said sick cat around my apartment because of a mandatory IV drip that had to be given because even the vet could not wrangle her. We bonded over shared experiences and small moments, and he made me laugh with his sense of humor. He also became a formidable foe in Wordle and remains one today.”
Jessica also describes what changed their relationship: “On Christmas Eve, 2022, my flight to visit my best friend was canceled due to an airline debacle, and Stephen invited me to spend the holiday with his family. Their warmth and hospitality were unforgettable, and that night marked a turning point in our relationship.”
Stephen confirms this, when he says, “We eventually started dating in February 2023. We moved in together shortly after.” And he adds, “It didn’t take long to know that I wanted to marry Jessica. By the time I was 35, I had a clear understanding of what I wanted in life, and she checked all the boxes… I knew that she was the one for me. In the spring of 2024, I proposed to her… I’m still not sure what I did to deserve so much love from such an amazing person, but I’m not going to question it.”
Jessica reflects this sentiment right back to Stephen: “Life hasn’t always been easy, but the challenges I’ve faced have shaped me into the person I am today… Meeting Stephen feels like a culmination of everything I’ve learned about love, resilience, and self-discovery. He came into my life at precisely the right time, and together, we’re building a future that feels hopeful and full of possibility… I am endlessly grateful…”.
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