I stood nervously at the altar chatting with my brother Ben as we waited for the wedding to begin. I had not seen Andrea yet and I was anxious to see “the dress.” For weeks I had been begging to see the dress. I pleaded, I cajoled, I cried (okay, I didn’t cry but I really wanted to see the dress). The most I got out of Andrea was a crude drawing on a coctail napkin which left much to my imagination.

As I looked around the church I began to make out faces of friends and family. I smiled as I made eye contact thanking them for coming with a small nod of my head. I continued to chat with Ben as the time grew near. It was nervous chat – not much substance going on there. I mean I don’t even think we were discussing the Giant’s win the night before as they were on their way to capture first place in the NL West. No, today wasn’t about baseball. Today, my life was going to change forever.

Suddenly music began and the processional of our bridesmaids and groomsmen appeared at the top of the aisle. They slowly walked toward me and I smiled to them as they finally neared the altar. They took their places and we all turned towards the back of the church. The music suddenly changed at Andrea appeared at the top of the aisle. She looked stunning. Her tan skin contrasted with the vibrant white of her dress. “I turned to my brother and without taking my eyes off of my bride-to-be, I said, “Hey, check out the babe in the white dress. I get to marry her.”

“Yeah,” my brother replied. “Like right now.”

Andrea glided down the aisle holding the arm of my future father-in-law. Her smile lit up the room – a perfect compliment to the gown she had kept from my view for so long. And now I understood why it was important not to see that dress earlier. For moments like this. Seeing that dress on a hanger would not have been a fraction of the sight it was to see it on my bride.

As she approached the aisle she took my hand. It was cool but slightly damp – as I’m sure mine was. My fingers entwined around hers and we locked eyes for moment. A moment in time where I knew this was the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. The woman who I wanted to raise a family with. On this day I chose her. And, thank God, she chose me.

Six years ago today Andrea agreed to be my wife. We started a journey and each year that journey has become better and better. And now we have started a family. A family that even in my wildest dreams couldn’t have been scripted any better. I am a better man for having known Andrea and I am so very lucky to have her in my life. I’m so very fortunate to look into those gorgeous eyes each morning and see love and kindess forever and ever.

Happy Anniversary Sweetheart, I love you.