AJ,

Each year I think we have hit our ceiling and our relationship can’t grow anymore than it has. I think I was looking at engagement as the peak of the mountain where we’d stay forever. But the truth is the mountain probably doesn’t have a peak. It has little flat parts where we get to rest and just admire how far we’ve come. But we’re probably never going to stop climbing.

Our seventh year together started with a bang but has ended a little rocky. Too many family members have passed away in the last ten years and it never gets any easier. And then it feels like when life knows you’re down it just kicks you some more. I’m grateful that this time you came with me and were there for me and my family. I think just your presence is so uplifting to everyone around you. You should remember that more.

This year I’ve also seen you grow up a little more. Aside from us officially being homeowners and almost married and all that official ~adult~ stuff, you have been growing. I’m proud of you for facing your fears and standing up for yourself. I’m excited for what the future holds for you, and I’m grateful I get to be alongside you for it.

I can’t wait to see where this next year of growth takes us, especially knowing that marriage is at the end of it.

xoxo,

Holly

Holly,

Every year with you is the best year of my life. And I mean that. But this past year has been different. I woke up May 16th, 2018, terrified. I had no idea how that day was going to end. I was an absolute nervous wreck – and I had been for the months that it took to plan a surprise proposal for an inherently curious woman. But every event on that day has propelled my life and consciousness forward in a way that I couldn’t have imagined.

A year ago today, I got to see your face light up in a new way – and I thought I’d seen everything. Seeing your joy made me realize that there were emotional parts of one another that we hadn’t yet experienced. That opened the window to a brand new year with you. Everything about our lives and our relationship has changed and improved in the past year; I feel that I know you better than I ever have. Every connection feels stronger, every conversation feels more intentional, honest, and organic. In fact, I feel like the way that we relate to each other has completely changed. I feel truly alive and uninhibited when I’m with you – like you make me the best possible version of myself.

And this is just the beginning. Entering our final year as significant others, fiance/es, boyfriend/girlfriend, and I imagine we’re going to change even more. But growing with you has been the absolute greatest pleasure of my life so far. And for that reason, I can’t wait to see what marriage has in store. One year away! I can’t wait to marry you.

All my love.