This was written for a middle-aged couple: He was a reformed self-identified OG and she was a reformed Princess.  I interviewed them for their fall wedding in the park, to get at why they were together.  Below are the vows I wrote for the Groom.

​

"I peeked in the dressing room when you were trying on wedding dresses that hot Saturday morning.

You looked like the princess I met 5 years ago, so breathtakingly gorgeous and seemingly unapproachable.

Funny thing is; now you look the part, but are so far from fragile or bourgeoisie.

​

The entitlement you've been given, dare I say--your privilege--has been morphed into you being an advocate inside those halls of change and among the disenfranchised as well as the controlling forces.

​

You traveled from your world and into mine, delighting in things that had once shamed me and embracing all I had ever been.  You took me to your world and were so proud to show me off as your equal.  You reminded me that God forgives and forgets and that I'm never done growing.

​

You looked past my tough exterior and planted seeds in a heart grown barren from trauma and the streets.

You never saw me as less than a king, a warrior and someone deserving of your love:

That deep kisses, pats on the hind end, notes in my lunchbox, song links on my phone LOVE

...I thought at first I might drown, having never seen such all-consuming, unparalleled love.

Whenever I tried to walk away at the beginning, fearing I was too much of this or not enough of that;

Your unconditional love and passion drew me home to you.

I cannot even see a life that doesn't have you beside me: be it in your world, mine or one we create together!

​

It is my greatest honor and heartfelt joy to put this ring on your finger and call you my partner!"