I remember asking [Groom's Name] a while back what he was really looking for in a lifelong partner.

He said, 'Someone who understands me, loves me unconditionally, and occasionally won't judge me for eating cereal for dinner.' I think he found all three in [Bride's Name].

Many people compare marriage to building a house together.

But from what I've seen, it's more like building a really intricate LEGO set without instructions, where one of you thinks the roof goes on first, and the other is convinced it's all about the tiny flower garden.

Marriage is often described as a school, where you're constantly learning.

And the most important lesson you learn early on is that 'I'm sorry' can sometimes be translated as 'I love you... now please explain what I did wrong again?'

When we were dating, my husband would surprise me with flowers and thoughtful gifts.

Now, I consider it a romantic gesture if he just remembers to put his dirty clothes *in* the hamper.