I got married. To Vegas.
Not to be confused with getting married IN Vegas.
I’m the poster child for never say never. I swore I’d never get married. I didn’t even want to date. I was perfectly happy working, working out, and signing up for whatever adventure I could find.
Well. Vegas and I got married in Lake Tahoe on the second day of the New Year. It was meant to be an elopement, but I was too excited and ended up telling most of my close friends and family. We booked our travel, decided to have an après ski theme (translation: I wanted to wear leggings and boots with the fur), and brought our best friends.
There’s another reason I thought I’ve never get married. In 2004 Georgia (my home state) passed Amendment 1, a constitutional amendment that excludes same-sex couples from marriage and prohibits same-sex couples from attaining any other form of legal family status. I remember sitting in class the day after it passed and tearing up watching my law professor cry as she talked about the implications of the amendment. What it meant was that we were not allowed to have the same rights and privileges most of society takes for granted. If my partner got sick, I couldn’t visit her in the hospital. We couldn’t share health benefits. There are a myriad of things that come with marriage that most people don’t think twice about.
Sitting in that classroom in Athens, GA I thought that was it. Any relationship I had would always be considered “less than” in the eyes of society and the law. But now, in 2015, I am legally married. We got fingerprinted and everything. It blows my mind… and I am elated.
Even more amazing than my “nevers” becoming reality is the support and love we’ve received from those around us. I’ve always had pretty supportive friends, but eloping generally draws some controversy. Two of our best friends even dropped everything to come stand next to us when we said our vows.
The social media world, where anonymity often removes people’s 5-second asshole delay, was all positive. The picture I posted on Instagram got almost 400 likes!
http://instagram.com/p/xZZNoamjZf/
Better still was my family. Family members who I never thought would be all-in over their gay daughter/sister/niece have been amazing. It takes awhile sometimes for people to come around to differences. In the end, those that love you most will have your back. I think they struggle more with differences or things they don’t understand because they love you so much. They only want you to be happy, so it’s can take a minute for them to come around when your life is something different than what they imagined for you.
And since it’s WIAW, here’s our first breakfast as a married couple. This was take after a trip to the minor emergency for a strep test… it wouldn’t be us any other way. Can you guess which is mine?
***
Oh. My. Gawd. I’m married!
For those who are married, what one piece of advice would you give newlyweds?
What do you find yourself doing that you said you’d never do?
AS says
Many Many congratulations Laura!! Thanks for sharing the joy with all of us here. So happy for you!
My guess – the one with the big omelet
Piece of advice – you start doing things more for your other half than you ever thought of.
Laura says
Thank you so much! And the are right on with the omelet. 🙂
Mari says
Congratulations!
Courtney Violet Bentley says
Congratulations Laura what a beautiful start to 2015! It makes me so sad that we are in 2015 and this manner is still a topic because I believe that love is love and we all should be able to marry who we love for those rights! Word of advice hire a maid at least once a week I cannot tell you how much my husband and I fought over cleaning chores which were easily solved by splitting a housekeeper once a week! That 100$ was the best 100$ a week we could have spent less fights and a clean home what more could you ask for 🙂 lots of love! c
Laura says
Thank you Courtney! I’m all over the maid – I have had one for a couple of years and it’s worth every cent!
Miss Polkadot says
Laura, this is wonderful and I’m SO happy for you. Congratulations to you and Vegas! I wish you all the best and I’m glad you changed your ‘never’. As old as it is yes, we should never say never.
No personally tried and tested tips for newlyweds from me but looking at the married couples around me I’d say it’s best to always make sure you have a few separate friends and hobbies, too. So keep sprinting 2 the gym on your own every once in a while and you’ll be golden 😉 .
Sue says
Congratulations, Laura and Vegas!
My husband and I also had kind of a surprise wedding. Only our parents knew, and we told our friends merely 3 weeks before the event. They were quite shocked but most of them came anyway.
In the past 3 years of married life I’ve learned a few things. One of them is that sometimes you have to give up and give in. Winning an argument might make you happy for a moment, but it can hurt your relationship. It’s better to be happy than to be right.
All the best!
Laura says
Ohhhh… that’s great advice for life in general. I use that professionally!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
Seeing your picture on Instagram made me so happy. Congratulations to you!! What a wonderful way to start off the new year. So happy that you were surrounded by love and support from friends and family. The one piece of advice that I have sounds trite and cheesy but don’t take your partner for granted. Continue to make the effort to appreciate them as your partner and your best friend. It’s easy to let that go as the years pass. Congrats again!
Cat @ Breakfast to Bed says
YES! This! I also suggest at least one of you get really good at making coffee and bringing it to the other one while wearing very little. It’s worked for me for a while. FYI, I make terrible coffee.
Laura says
That’s excellent advice, cheesy or not. 🙂 Thank you so much!
Lucie@FitSwissChick says
Girl, I loved to read the whole story. And I am still so sad that I didn’t have the sponsor to ship me over for christmas and this wonderful day of yours.
I totally agree what Courtney said above – love is love and I am always so negatively astonished as to how this is still an issue. It doensn’t make ANY sense to me.
Anyway, I am so extremely happy for you two. I am not married, but I had a few relationships and all I can say is: Appreciate every minute together, but stay a little single too, have tons of spontaneous adventures and talk things out. Not communicating killed 2 or r of my realtionships and I definitely regret it.
Laura says
There will be no shortage of spontaneous adventures, that’s for sure! I wish you could have come too! You’d love Lake Tahoe. Mwah!
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
So so so so happy for you Laura. You deserve it, truly.
Now as for the never say never…white potatoes?
Laura says
I ALMOST said that I still refuse to eat white potatoes in the bottom of this post. Just for you.
Daisy says
I’ve been following your blog for years now and just want to say a huge congratulations. I absolutely love all your posts and have found them helpful in trying to incorporate more healthy living (and lots more weights!) into my life. It’s great to get a glimpse of you being truly rewarded and happy for all your efforts and your love!! Beautiful to see, wish you all the best.
Laura says
Daisy, thank you so much for commenting! I’m totally flattered. Cheers!
Cat says
Aaaaah congratulations! Love the theme – I just think bobble hats would have been the finishing touch 😉 As happy as I am for you both, it does make me a little ragey to think some states (and generally parts of the world) can be so f-ing backwards. IT’S 2015 PEOPLE.
Breathe, and think of bacon…
Carla says
Ive told you already
I BE TELLING YOU AGAIN 🙂
IM SO SO SO HAPPY FOR YOU.
Juli@1000lovelythings says
Congratulations! This is soooooo cool and I am very happy for the both of you! I am always gobsmacked that it still seems to be an issue of society who is in love with who. The happier I am for you two to take the plunge.
I love being married to me it is different than “just” being together. My advise fort the newlyweds is to make sure to have enough quality time alone with each other. I wish you two all the best!
Hanna says
Congratulations! 🙂
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says
A massive congratulations you both! 🙂
Khushboo says
Ah reading this made me so happy, Laura. Wishing you & Laura a lifetime of happiness together- same sex couples or not, that’s really something all couples deserve!
Laura says
Cheers to that! Thank you so much!
Tina Muir says
Awwwww! Congratulations Laura! Very happy for you, that picture is adorable! I am sure you will create a wonderful life together 🙂
Linz @ Itz Linz says
YAY!!!!! you look SO happy every time i see one of your fb pictures!! congrats!! best wishes for a life full of health and happiness for the two of you!!!! xoxo
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
Congratulations Laura!!! So does this mean your moving to the desert??? So happy for you both!
Laura says
It does… how far is Vegas from you? 😉
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
4 hour drive or 1 hour plane ride
Laura says
We’re going to have to coordinate this one day!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
Definitely!
Dietitian Jess says
OMG, congrats lady! I didnt see your instagram post but just went back and looked, you both look so happy 🙂 I’ve only been married 9 months so I’m clearly no expert but my advice would be to never go to bed angry and at least once a month plan something special to do together- keeps the love fresh! Congrats again to you both and I wish you a lifetime of happiness together, xo
Laura says
Thanks Jess! I love both ideas. And cheers to 9 months!
Lee says
Ever since Vegas came into your life, you’ve just seemed so happy. I love that you were able to find someone who makes you feel that way. As for advice, this is going to sound silly (or obvious to newlyweds) but remember to have sex a lot. When you’re with someone for a long time, sometimes it seems more important to vacuum the rug. It’s not.
Laura says
We BOTH loved this advice. You know I’ll take it too! 😉
claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
Laura, I know I haven’t had much of a blog presence recently, but still love keeping up with your life and am so beyond thrilled for you! I’m so happy you have found someone who makes you feel so complete. Enjoy this exciting time and know we are all wishing you the best! <3
Laura says
Hey Claire!!! Thanks for commenting. I was wondering if you’d be blogging again… you’ve had you hands full though! 🙂
Jennifer F says
How exciting, so happy for you and the fur-trimmed boots are a nice touch 😉 I’ve been married for 24 years which is hard to comprehend because I’m still a kid (ahem). While he drives me nuttier than anyone 2% of the time, he also makes me happier 98% and I wouldn’t change a thing. So may advice is don’t get hung up in the 2%
Laura says
24 years?! Congrats to you guys! And thanks for the great advice. 🙂
Ruthie@ShesWickedHealthy says
Woohoo! Endless congrats. I’m so happy for you! Wishing you both the very best!!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
You blew my mind sister!! Since you have always told me you would never marry, I thought you were playing a prank on us! LOL!! Love you dear friend!! I hope I can one day meet her??
Laura says
LOL! It’s not April Fool’s day yet! 😉 Of course you can meet her. We all need to get together one day soon!
Angela @ happy fit mama says
SOOOOOO very happy for you! You look and sound overjoyed and really that’s all that matters. A piece of advice? Don’t forget to talk to your spouse. Like really talk not just about the day to day stuff. Congratulations!
Laura says
Angela, thank you so much! That is great advice, too. It’s so easy to settle into a routine and forget to really talk.
Di says
Hi! I’m not sure I ever commented before but I love your blog and read it all the time. I’m just starting to love weightlifting and really like catching up on what you do/eat etc to be competitive. This post prompted me to wish you all the best and I’m so happy for you!! My hubby and I actually eloped in Lake Tahoe so it really jumped out at me. It’s a great place and you get to do it your way. Advice? I don’t know if this counts but I make it a habit to say something nice every day, like “your hair looks good today or I appreciated how you handled this…” etc. I think it’s nice to just stop and take a moment to do things like that. Anyway all the best to you and your Mrs.!!!! You both glow!
Laura says
Thanks for commenting Di! Are you planning to compete?
Thanks for the great advice – so important to remember!
Kim@Fitsique says
So many congratulations! This is absolutely amazing and I am so happy for you and Vegas! Enjoy this time and many many years to come 🙂
Laura says
Thank you Kim!
Bethp262 says
I am a lazy blog reader because I rarely comment (although I read often!) but this deserves a big CONGRATS!!!
Best marriage advice: Be kind.
It seems obvious but it’s easy to forget if you are tired, stressed, etc.
Laura says
Amen to that one! Thank you Beth!
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
Oh I hear you on the never say never thing! It always comes back to bite you somehow, though, maybe not in a bad way. So happy for you Laura!
Tara @ Sweat like a Pig says
I’m so happy for you! I wish you both a lifetime of happiness together <3
Laura says
Thanks Tara!
janet @ the taste space says
Congratulations, Laura and Vegas! Your happiness has drenched your writing lately and it must be so exciting to solidify everything. Also totally love your quasi-elopement. We gave our families 6 months notice for our destination wedding and only 16 people will be joining us so I consider it a quasi-elopement, too. 🙂
Laura says
Thanks Janet! Quasi-elopement is where it’s at! 🙂
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Congrats, girl! You deserve all the happiness!!
Silla says
Having been in a similar situation, but where folks passed large amounts of judgement, girl, do you! My best advice is to know at the end of the day, your wife and your happiness is what matters. Naysayers aside. While especially in Atlanta, we may not fall into one specific “group” or stereotype, Candace and I, “do us”, all the time. We are having the time of our lives just being together. Respect for each other and respect for the others’ feelings, in our house, is key! Celebrate! Enjoy each other! Above all, LOVE!
Laura says
I love you two. Yours was one of the best, most heartfelt weddings I’ve ever been too. Thank you!
janet @ the taste space says
Also, Rob and I have been sharing marriage tips and these have been my favourite links so far:
http://elitedaily.com/life/culture/11-things-parents-30-year-marriage-taught/861850/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/15/surprising-facts-happy-marriage_n_6302554.html?cps=gravity_2682_874683846361586423
Laura says
Oh, I love these!!! Especially that first one. Thank you so much for sharing.
Kaila @healthyhelperblog! says
I know I already said it but you deserve it again….SO SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!! This is such a life changing event and you seem so incredibly happy. Thank you for sharing this special moment with us! 🙂
Laura says
Thank you so much Kaila!
Taylor @ LiftingRevolution says
Ahh so exciting! It has been a whirlwind of ups and downs here in SC for the gay community and if we can come around to allow marriage, Georgia can’t be far behind right??
Marriage advice… choose your battles. There are going to be things that annoy the crap out of you about your partner, that’s life. You either accept them or don’t and you move on because you’re not going to change that person. I used to get mad over little things… leaving dirty utensils on the counter, boxers on the floor… but that’s my husband and no matter how many times I gripe, it’s not going to change. Those little things, those are the things that build up to cause big fights. let them go and move on. It takes me 5 seconds to put his forks in the dishwasher.
He gives good massages, so i keep him around!
Laura says
I’m hoping so! Was so excited for SC though!
Love that advice – applicable beyond marriage, too! Thanks Taylor!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
O my goodness! Congratulations! XOXO
Your Trainer says
Don’t do it. Whoops, too late. Keep changing your mind, partners love when you change shit up. Quit, working out, you’ve already got her, sit at home and eat a lot of crap. Seriously, enjoy every moment. Happy for you.
Laura says
Funny boy! Thank you Steve. Wish you could have been there!
RavieNomNoms says
AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! How fucking exciting is that!? Excuse my language but holy moly!! That is awesome and I am so so sooooooo happy for you!!! WOOHOOOOOOO
Kate says
Ah! Congratulations Laura!! This is such exciting news! I’m so happy for you and Vegas. Can’t wait to hear more as you settle into your new routines. Happy New Year!
Laura says
Thank you so much Kate! Happy New Year to you too!
susie @ suzlyfe says
All the congratulations in the world. I could not be more happy for you. I have long hoped that our little state would get it’s act together, and i hope that such a day is soon to come. So much happiness for you.
Betsy says
Awww congrats! Such a beautiful post to start out my day!
AlexandraFunFit says
Love is love is love is love. Congrats!!!!
Laura says
Thank you so much! <3
AwesomelyOZ says
OMG CONGRATULATIONS LAURA + VEGAS! This is so wonderful and I am SO happy for you. It is so ignorant that same-sex couples aren’t given the same right to marry as heterosexuals.. One day that will all change, I know it and your marriage will be recognized in Georgia! I wish you two a long, prosperous, and happy life!! Take Care gorgeous and congrats again!!! -Iva <3
Laura says
Iva, thank you so very much! Happy 2015!!!
Maria @ Pappa Don't Preach says
I’m SO over the moon happy for you!!! It’s so hard to find someone you truly love and I’m so happy you found that person and were able to wear the leggings and the boots with the fur! 🙂
Laura says
It IS hard, isn’t it?! I’d totally given up. Silly me. 😉
molly says
Congratulations! Wishing you much happiness!
Laura says
Thank you!
Christina says
I’m SOOOOO happy for you!!! What’s the next “never” you’ll do? 😉
Laura says
Oh man… I swear I’m still NEVER having kids. Really.
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
so happy for you, friend! you deserve all the happiness in the world!
Laura says
Thanks Lindsay!
Alex @ Alex Tries it Out says
So very, very happy and excited for you :). I’m not quite married (3 months out, ahh!) but the one piece of advice I’ve heard (and liked) was to keep the sex dirty and the fights clean ;).
Congrats!
Laura says
Woo hoo – 3 to go!!! SO excited for you. 🙂
And yes – no worries on taking that advice. 😉
Georgie says
Wow! Congrats, what a fabulous story. I have no real advice to offer, just support and congrats. What an incredible start to 2015
cait @pieceofcait says
CONGRATS!!! this is amazing news 🙂 wishing you both so much love, life and happiness. Advice- respect. there will be the best days and love all the time..and there will be days where you need your space. 😉 and maybe she does too. But hey that’s okay! We always respect when one of us may need a little time to ourselves, nothing personal. just need a good yoga class!!! haha CHEERS!! xo
Laura says
Thank you Cait! And OMG the day I take a yoga class again, hell may freeze. Unless it’s yours. I would take yours. 🙂
Kristina says
YAAAY! *Kermit Flail*
as a newlywed that has been together 10 years, all I can say is laugh. always find the thing to laugh at. my Dad taught me that, and Jason keeps it going…
CHEERS to you both!!
Laura says
You guys are one of my favorite couples. We must double date one day.
And AMEN to the laughter. I think our dads would have gotten along well.
Nicole says
Love this! I’m so excited for the two of you. I live in Kentucky, a backwards state and think it’s crazy some states don’t understand. My stepbrother is gay and I hope one day he and Chris are able to get married too! Enjoy married life together!
Laura says
HI Nicole! I hope your brother can on day get married too. I’m still waiting on GA (also backwoods). Unrelated, but Vegas and I really want to come to KY and do the Bourbon Trail one day soon!
Lauren @ Me and the Mountains says
So, the only reason that I would have ever thought you’d never get married is your cynical nature and (what I thought was) general opposition to marriage- or the fact that you are always on-the-go and constantly filling your life with so many awesome, new experiences. That being said, I had hope that you’d meet someone who would completely sweep you off your feet that you could settle down with. 🙂 Elopement is TOTALLY the way to go. Even though we had a fun wedding, Greg and I say that we should’ve just eloped all the time.
I’m SO happy for you, my friend! I love the glow I’ve seen in you the last few months. You radiate! We’ll officially celebrate next time I see you (which I’m assuming will be in CO!) and I hope that I get to meet E too! And gay marriage is legal and recognized in Colorado… just saying. It’s a fine place to live (but I don’t have to tell you that!). <3
Laura says
I think you are spot on all the way around. 🙂
We may not make it to CO permanently, but will definitely be visiting! And we will require a double date… or triple date with Heather and Kirk. xo
Kait Welch says
I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU! Love, love, love!
Laura says
Thanks Kait! We’ll visit CO one day soon!!!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
Congrats, Laura!! I love that you were too excited to not share and then had friends show up to support you- awesome!!
Mo says
Congratulations!!! I am one of those quiet readers on here and truly enjoy your passion for weightlifting and food. You both look so happy. Some advise would be to never go to bed angry and always tell Vegas you love her and kiss her before leaving the house. Congratulations!! May you have a lifetime of love and happiness.
Laura says
Hey Mo! Thank you so much for the kind words and great advice. Happy New Year!
Kaylin@Enticinghealthyeating says
I am so happy for you, Laura!!! You got married on January 2nd, and I got engaged on January 2nd!! Memorable days now for the both of us! Congrats to you again!
Erin says
I am SO happy for you! Mega congrats! I am also a newlywed so I’ve got nothing for you in that department, but I do know that I had subscribed myself to the “I’m going to be alone forever” club after many, many HORRIBLE relationships until I met my husband. We knew within days that we were meant to be. When you meet that one person who makes everything else in the world melt away, you just know. I wish you so much happiness for your future together! Oh yea, and I’m guessing you ate the bacon? 🙂
Laura says
I am right there with you. Thank you so, so much.
And yes, the bacon was mine. It was jalapeño bacon, no less! 😉
Lauren says
CONGRATULATIONS! Even though we have never met I am elated for you! Marriage is wonderful, it is truly my favorite adventure. There are ups and downs but you get to face them together. I find life so much easier to face because my husband/partner/teammate is at my side.
Everyone deserves happiness. XOXOXO
Laura says
Thank you Lauren! That means a lot. And yes, life is much better together. 🙂
Lydia says
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you both.
Laura says
Thank you Lydia!
Shashi @ runninsrilankan says
Congrats Laura! Wishing y’all all the very best!
Laura says
Thank you!!! Happy New Year!
morgan says
so so many congrats headed your way! the second is my birthday so it was even cooler that my favorite blogger now has it as her anniversary 🙂 my wee advice from a gal only married ten years but whose hubs works away more than half the year (so does that make it only 5 years of marriage??!!) a wise friend once said to me “think of it this way- in ten years, is it really going to matter?” applies to so much! when you only have a little time together, as most marrieds do as we work and play and all, spend that time together in harmony and love. i might not like some of his choices in clothing but in ten years, it won’t matter what shirt he had on, just that we did that adventure. from Alaska- sending hugs
Laura says
Thank you Morgan! I’ll never forget your birthday. 🙂
That is great advice. Don’t waste time sweating the small stuff!
Megan (The Lyons' Share) says
I couldn’t possibly be happier for you! Often the ones who think “never” end up being some of the cutest stories
Megan (The Lyons' Share) says
Bah, I cut myself off. Anyway, I’ve been SO, SO happy to see your genuine smile all over Instagram and Facebook – as I said, it truly makes my day. Two pieces of advice: 1. Communicate. So cliche, I know, but so true – much better to get it out and work on it than keep it bottled up. 2. Get away. Life together every day is amazing, but sometimes it takes actually escaping day-to-day life to truly appreciate how awesome you are together. CONGRATS!!! <3
Laura says
I think we are going to be champions at getting away… starting with eloping. LOL!
Thank you so, so much Megan!
Elle says
happy happy happy! Best wishes to you both.
Amy says
Congrats! This is beautiful!!
Laura says
Thank you so much Amy!
Christina @ the athletarian says
So happy for you, Laura!! Congratulations!
Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness!!!
Kanoelani says
I’m so so happy for you!! Both looked beautiful!! I’m always in support of love bc it’s so damn hard to find dont I know lol. Love Yall & what yall stand for!! 🙂
Laura says
Thank you so much Kanoelani. I’ve really loved getting to know you this year!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
I remember you commenting on a couple of my blog posts about never getting married….:) Never say never!
Anyways, I am so happy for you!! Such an exciting time in your life…enjoy it to the fullest! I think the thing that brings mine and Vishnu’s marriage to life on a daily basis is laughing and being silly together. Can’t wait for you to experience it all with Vegas!
Laura says
Ha! Right?! I’ll learn my lesson one day.
I love reading about you and V’s relationship. You guys seem like best friends!
Allison Hall says
I love you looser!!! <3
xoxoxox
so happy for you two 🙂
Laura says
I love you freak!
Melissa @ Treats With a Twist says
You know I love you! And I always dreamed of this for you!
Now that you’re a married woman too, I just have to say, keep DATING each other. When you stop dating, you stop connecting and laughing and looking into each others eyes. It’s so easy to start having dinner in front of the TV and letting those nights turn into weeks and months…just remember to schedule regular dates (once you live in the same house) and those are non-negotiable nights.
Love you! (again)
Laura says
Melissa, you are the sweetest. Thank you! And I love that advice. I’m pretty sure we’ll date forever.
Cat @ Breakfast to Bed says
Wuv, twoo wuv, is wat bwings us togever today.
My sister, also one of my best friends, also the best human being on the planet, is gay. In OHIO. They still don’t have rights. She and her partner have been together since my sister was 16 years old. (18 years) They own a home, they have a (furry) family, they are in all ways the same (save the kids) as me and my husband. It pains me that they lack the rights that he and I have.
Congrats, beautiful. you two are effing cute as hell, and I love the boots with the fur.
Laura says
Ha! You are awesome. Ohio and the remaining 30% will fall soon! Can’t wait to hear about how you got to go to her wedding. 🙂
Ed Selby says
I am so happy for you and Vegas. Congratulations!
Laura says
Thanks Ed! Hope to see you again soon!
Xochitl says
Congratulations! May you enjoy every happiness together!
Laura says
Thank you Xochitl! We’ll make it out to Cali soon!
Brittany @ Britt's Blurbs says
I am SO happy for you two! Congratulations! But please don’t tell me that means you’re leaving Atlanta?! We still need to get together for food soon!
Laura says
Thank you so much Britt! I will, but not yet. We’ll definitely have to get together!
Marlin Nipper says
Laura, you know how I feel and how happy we are for you 🙂
I am going to answer your questions:
1) When you have an argument, never say something you will later regret. Once something is said, you can’t really take it back….and never threaten to leave unless you mean it. Always listen and always talk things out. Never assume the other person knows how you feel and what you’re thinking. Be confident on who you are and be confident about your relationship… and don’t ever let your insecurities (if you have any) create problems…. and never let your life together become a dull routine, even if you get older, always keep it interesting and dynamic. Best of all…spend most of your time being silly and laugh a lot together.
2) A long, long time ago I said that I would never depend on anyone financially and/or emotionally. I have so far fulfilled the financial part (which I think I will always do), but I failed on the emotional part, I am completely dependent emotionally on my soon to be wife…and she knows it 🙂
We love you Laura and we can’t wait to meet your wonderful new wife.
Marlin
Laura says
Thank you Marlin! You know I love you both and we are SO HAPPY for you!!!
Katie @ Run Now, Wine Later says
Congratulations!! I grew up with a lesbian aunt in a family who has always been extremely accepting, and I am reminded time and time again how my situation is not the same for everyone and is not to be taken for granted. I’m so glad you have family and friends to support you- everyone deserves the right to know what it’s like to love and be loved!
Laura says
That’s so awesome! Thank Katie!
Missy says
So happy for you both! Loved the theme and I LOVE the “elation” I can practically feel coming through your words for the past couple of months. (0:
Laura says
Missy, thank you so much for all of your kind comments. Hope you’re having a great start to 2015!
Alayna Tucker says
YAAAAAAAAY!!!!!! I am so glad you found someone who can keep up with you, eat your weird food, and tolerate your snark. 😉
I love being married, it’s only a prison sentence if you make it one. It’s really hard to pick one piece of advice, but right now I’d have to go with “Don’t be an asshole.” No matter what is going is going on in your life, no matter how shitty your day was, you are NEVER too tired, too stressed, too headachey, too busy, too not in the mood, too on your period, too ‘whatever’ to be KIND. You have to continue expressing your love even when you don’t particularly feel like it, so choose whatever form of affection you can handle at that moment and give it generously and joyfully with no expectations or conditions. Taking care of your partner IS taking care of yourself.
Laura says
Right?! And she’s eating the weird food with me!
Don’t be an asshole is maybe the best advice ever. So noted.
We need to do dinner again! Lee and I were talking about True Food Kitchen.
Alayna Tucker says
Absolutely! I’m free virtually whenever. Tell me when to show up and I’m there!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
Congratulations! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together 🙂
Stacy @ Stacy Eats says
So so happy for you! Congratulations!!!
Laura says
Thanks Stacy! Miss seeing you!
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
Ahhhh, so happy for you! Congrats to you both!!! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness. 🙂
Tips for Newlyweds: It gets better. That isn’t to imply that my first year was bad, but I had a lot of silly expectations for myself that were impossible to live up to. Plus, I also moved to a new state that year to be with him, and we just had to figure each other out a bit more. Like I said, it wasn’t bad, but it has gotten better year after year after year.
Hugs!!!
Laura says
Thank you Tiffany! Good advice… especially since I’ll probably be moving too!
lindsay says
do we get details? Are you gonna move to VEGAS? LOL! just kidding. Happy for you bro! Bro the bride!
Laura says
Shhhhh… we shall talk. 😉
Carol says
Holy moly happiness this is the best news!!!!! Congratulations!!!! I wish y’all a lifetime of love and joy!!!! Xoxoxo
Laura says
Thank you so much Carol!!! XO
Carrie @ Season It Already says
Whohoo!!! Congrats all around!
My advice: Forgive, forgive, forgive. Always remember the wonderful parts of your spouse and the strong parts of your relationship. Don’t focus on the bad or weaker parts. When you focus on the good, it will blossom!
Cheers~
Laura says
That’s beautiful advice – thank you Carrie!
Colorado Gal says
Ohhhh yay! Congrats! So happy for you!
Calee says
OMG OMG OMG. When you find the one, you find the one! I am so happy for you, and I know that Mark is too!
As far as advice goes, you took the piece I was going to give: skip the wedding and spend the money elsewhere. I just dropped $100 on fabric for table runners today … ughhh. However, you know me, I’ll craft them into something else after the reception. 🙂
Calee says
PS: You can come to Iowa and have your marriage legally recognized here too. 😛 #justsayin.
Laura says
My mom actually told all of us we should elope and just have a nice honeymoon. Advice = taken!
Can’t wait for your wedding!!! You should come vaca in Vegas!
Hannah says
This made me tear up. I am so happy for you. I missed my chance to truly snap you up as my Food Spouse, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m so happy for you (and Vegas). xoxo
Laura says
Hannah, thank you so much! I can’t wait for you to come back and meet her! Or maybe we’ll vacation to Oz one day. 🙂
Heather @ FITaspire says
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! My one piece of advice (for today) is talk. A lot. Your partner should be your best friend and I know you know I mean that. 🙂
Laura says
You and Kirk are the BEST example of that. I love being around you two.
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Congratulations Laura! Thrilled for you. Your happiness definitely radiates through in your photos and this post.
My tip is communication…talk, talk, talk! Talk about the little things and the big things.
Xo
Purelytwins says
SOOO happy for you !!!! Wishing you all the best 🙂
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
I’d like you to start incorporating mad monkey love into future blog posts. It’s totally cool. You’re married now so it’s allowed. No pics necessary though. Just imagination.
Congratulations. I couldn’t be happier for you.
Laura says
Ha! Just wait til Monday where I talk about how we spent all week in bed.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says
Oh my gosh I am so happy for you and I cannot wait until every single F-ing state recognizes your marriage.
Laura says
Thank you so much Abby!!! We’re getting there!
Jenn L @ Peas and Crayons says
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! Congrats again darling! I’m so happy for you two! <3 And I'm with Abby — all the states need to GET WITH THE PROGRAM and get their stickity sticks out of their butts and realize that love conquers all.
Laura says
Thank you Jenn!!! You’re the best. And YES all the states need to get with it!
Cait's Plate says
So happy for you two! Congrats again!! Loved this post so much! 🙂
Laura says
Thank you again Cait! xo
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
So, so happy for you Laura!! I wish you guys all the love and happiness in the world.
Kim says
OMG – Congratulations!!! I’m so happy for you and Vegas!! Glad that you are able to be married (hopefully one day all states will recognize and allow same sex weddings)!!!
Laura says
Kim… thank you!!! I hope so too. 🙂
Kay @ Kay Bueno says
Congratulations! So amazing. And Tahoe is so beautiful. I’m so happy for you.
It’s so cheesy but I’m so happy to see you get married because it gives me hope that one day my sister will be able to marry the woman she loves too. 🙂
Congrats again.
Laura says
That’s so awesome… I hope the same for your sister. Thank you!!!
cherie says
I don’t know you but i feel like I do in a semi-creepy I’ve-read your-blog-foeva type of way. You are are incredibly inspirational. So happy for your happy!!! You found a swolemate. Le sigh…
Laura says
Cherie, that is so nice of you! Thank you!
P.S. I do the same with blogs I read. 🙂
Cassie @ Rural Running Redhead says
Congratulations! You guys look so happy. And someday gay marriage WILL be legal everywhere, because having it the other way is stupid.
Let me just use your reader question to shamelessly plug my blog… I wrote a post with my best marriage advice: http://ruralrunningredhead.com/2014/07/03/treat-your-marriage-like-a-running-injury/. It’s good. 🙂
Laura says
That was such a great post – thank you for sharing it!!
Jess @ Keeping It Real Food says
Congrats! I’m a frequent reader but rare commenter—so happy for you! Haha even though I’m not currently married, in a past life I learned that it’s best not to argue when hungry.
Jen @ Chase the Red Grape says
Congratulations!! So happy for you!!! 😀
My one piece of advice, and it’s one you hear quite often, is never let the sun go down on an argument.
Big smiles and love!! X
Allie says
Congratulations!! I was able to attend the wedding of my best friend to her lovely wife in September of this year because Connecticut is awesome like that. My best advice is – it’s ok to go to bed angry and yelling is still a form of communication 🙂
Just enjoy each other and have fun!
Laura says
Hahahaha – this my be my favorite advice yet! Thanks Allie!
Michelle says
Ah I feel like I’ve been waiting to hear this! SO MANY CONGRADULATUONS!!!
Laura says
Thank you Michelle! 🙂
Lisa says
Oh my gosh girl! I am SO SO SO SO SOOOOO happy for you! I know I haven’t been around that much lately but I just had to comment and congratulate you on this amazing news!
I still can not believe there are some laws excluding same sex couples from being married. It actually blows my mind that people/laws can be so clueless.
Anyways, I have absolutely no marriage advice since I am the worst dater on the planet! haha 😉
Laura says
Lisa, thank you soooo much! And I am right there with you – I was totally incapable to dating. Didn’t even want to do it! Ha.
Heather says
How wonderful! Congrats to you both! I just got married two months ago, and we eloped. I was a bit bummed out that I didn’t have my family there, but it turned out to be one of the best days ever. I’m still looking for advice myself, so I’ll be watching the blog to see if you have any 😉
Best wishes to you and Vegas!
Laura says
Congratulations to you! It’s kind of fun running away, no? 🙂
Jenny (VintageSugarcube) says
Laura,
I’m soooooooooo happy for you two! I look forward to the day when I meet you both.
xxooo,
Jenny
Laura says
Thank you Jenny! I look forward to it too! I’m looking to be west coast soon, so maybe one day in the near-ish future…
Axel (@ Iron Rogue) says
Congratulations! Advice? The usual… put each other’s happiness first… don’t go to bed angry… make time to keep the romance in the relationship.
Laura says
Thanks Axel! Great advice too. 🙂
Jody - Fit at 57 says
I love this sooooooooooooooooooooo much!!!!!!!
Compromise, always keep an open mind, be honest with one another about ALL aspects of your life together. We had that issue in my younger years re: finances – hubby was not as open – still trying to come back from it but it was bad for years!
Laura says
Thank you Jody! xo
Amalia says
I am so late to this party but could NOT be any happier for you both. Congratulations, and I’m so grateful that you are sharing this with us – true love knows no bounds!
I would give you advice, but I (unlike youuu!!!!!!) am not married. So hopefully you’ll have advice to give when its my turn!
Laura says
Thank you so much Happy to pass along any wisdom I manage one day. 🙂
Dena @ 40 Fit in the Mitt says
CONGRATS!
So excited for you. Loved reading your story and I am so happy love changed your mind on getting married. My 2 cents is this; Always speak to your spouse with RESPECT. Never go to bed MAD, and Always TOUCH. KISS. HUG and CHERISH one another. Me and my husband are into our 20th. year of marriage and 25 years as a couple and we continue to follow those simple love guidelines and we find ourselves falling in LOVE Over and Over again.
Laura says
Dena, thank you so much! That is wonderful advice. I love hearing about couples that ate still in love after so many years. Cheers to you guys!
danielle says
just had to say congrats to you both! i’m a newlywed myself, and never thought for 35 years i’d be married till i was at least 86 or maybe 88. but here i am, married. strange but good things can happen… anyway i’ve been a secret fan of yours from afar and this post made me smile with my eyes, smize. lol.
congrats, you are beautiful!!!
xoxo
Laura says
Haha – I totally get that! I didn’t even think I’d get married at 88. 🙂 Strange but good indeed. Thank you – and congrats to you too!!!
Brittany (Healthy Slice of Life) says
I’m a little late to the party but wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS!!! 🙂
Laura says
Thank you so much!!
Mary @ Fit and Fed says
Congratulations Laura (and Vegas)! Here’s to a lifetime of happiness together! My husband and I have been together for over 30 years. My best advice: always treat your partner with respect. That means no contemptuous looks or words. It’s common sense but there’s interesting research on this now from John Gottman and his love lab at the University of Washington, I’ve enjoyed hearing about his work over the years.
Laura says
Thank you so much! Love that advice, and I’ll check out Gottman. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Kimmi says
THIS. ALL OF THIS. I’m crying tears of joy for you. So many congratulations! Many many happy returns to you and Vegas. Georgia, get your act together! <3
Laura says
Awwwww… thank you so, so much! And it looks like GA is going to be forced to get it’s act together in June. Woo hoo!
betty says
laura, i’ve been reading your blog for about 2 years now, but between a work promotion/getting married to my own wife, when it passed in virginia/and holidays.. i let blog reading fall to the side. i have to say, even though i dont ‘know’ you, i want to wish you the best. how great of a victory its been for human rights these last few years. i NEVER thought i would be able to marry my wife, who i’ve been with for 6 years, in the state of virginia, so as soon as we could, we had a small little marriage/elopement. a few family members decided not to be there but thats on them. anywaysss.. CONGRATS again!!! you deserve nothing but positivity!
Laura says
Betty, thankyouthankyouthankyou. For reading, for the well-wishes, for sharing your story. It all brightened my day (dude, moving is stressful!). And CONGRATULATIONS to you! Hope you’re enjoying every moment. Cheers!
Kirsten says
Laura,
Congrats to you and Vegas! My spouse and I eloped and it was so easy and so fun–when I hear folks talking about setting a date 2 yrs in the future and spending all that time planning . . . . it boggles the mind.
Best wishes to you both!
Laura says
Thank you so much Kirsten! I can’t imagine all that stressful planning – I’m with you (obv). 😉
Smitha @ Running with SD Mom says
I FREAKING LOVE THIS!
Laura says
Thank you!!! Never a dull moment. 🙂
Dani @ Dani California Cooks says
Just read this post!!! So many congratulations!! What a wonderful story. Enjoy newlywed bliss 🙂
Laura says
Thank you Dani! It’s been an amazing year. 🙂