There was a time in my life where I wrote prolific love letters… deep and meaningful words spoken from the heart. Then, after a failed first marriage, I came face to face with a box of letters I had written. Each page, raw, real and vulnerable, laid out there to remind me how exposed I had let my heart become through words. I can remember so clearly, sitting on the floor of my bedroom, reading each letter, sobbing at what was and what would never be again and feeling nakedly exposed and so vulnerable.
I was young…really young and was convinced any vision of a happily married life was over. I remember crying to my sister the first time I had to put a check mark on a form asking whether I was “married, divorced or widowed”. 23 and already divorced. Who would want me now?
Thankfully, God had very specific plans for me… the first marriage, the divorce… those and every relationship I had even prior to that led me to the man I ended up marrying 13 years ago today. And you know what? Despite the hurt and heartache each relationship yielded, I would gladly do it all over again if it led me to the man I am now married to. For, because of him, I am eternally blessed.
Photo courtesy of my talented friend, Jennifer of Jennifer Mullinax Photography.
So, to my husband, who has never received a love letter from me, but deserves a box full, I want you and the world to know that I love you more than words can say. You are the answer to my prayers, and each and every day I am extremely thankful that you chose me to be your bride. I love the life we have together… it has not always been rosy, but even through our darkest times, I know that we are meant to be together and that our love is as real as it comes.
Marriage is full of peaks and valleys, I now know that. I’m glad you are there to hold me during both.
Thank you for your patience, your kindness and most of all for being my best friend.
I am ever grateful to have you as my partner in this life. Happy 13th Anniversary!
Alysa (InspiredRD) says
Happy Anniversary! What a wonderful story you are living.
P.S. Leila saw your wedding pic and gasped, “Oh Mom, she is SO pretty!”
Kathryn says
Happy anniversary, I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason and it sounds like the relationship you have with your husband is so strong and true. I wish you many, many more happy years together.
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says
Happy Anniversary my friend! You are a huge inspiration – personally and professionally. We just celebrated our 7th Anniversary and I know it isn’t always roses and butterflies. Congrats on a huge milestone!
Lori @ RecipeGirl says
You’re both such lovely people, inside and out. Happy for you!!
Amy Tong says
Happy anniversary! That’s the sweetest love letter. 🙂 I am happy for you that your prayer is answered! You two look wonderful and beautiful together. Wish you many many more 13 years to come.
Amber | Bluebonnets & Brownies says
Happy Anniversary, Nick & Kristen! I could have written something similar.. a great heartbreak led me to James, and I’d have never met him if it weren’t for that first heartbreak – literally! They were friends!
I’m so glad for you both, and for your kids, that you hold the love you share so preciously. It makes all the difference.
Michelle @ Taste As You Go says
Happy Anniversary, Kristen! Here’s to the next 13 years for you and Nick 🙂
Liz says
Totally brought a tear to my eye (okay, so I blew snot!) happy anniversary!!!
Crystal @ Crystal's Cozy Kitchen says
Happy Anniversary. What a sweet love note to your husband!
Shanna says
This is beautiful, Kristen. It is so good to take the time and thought to articulate love to our spouses and to do it publicly, too. Happy anniversary to you and your husband — may God give you many more to come. : )
Rachel Cooks says
Aww, I love this! God sure does work in mysterious ways. Glad you found your true love. Happy Anniversary!!!
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes says
What a sweet post. My son is going through a rough end to a very short marriage. I hope he finds that perfect someone too.
Roxana | Roxana's Home Baking says
Such a sweet post and photos Kristen. Happy Anniversary.
I got to believe everything happens for a reason and no matter what we do we can’t make is come faster or skip it.
Tara @ Chip Chip Hooray says
This is such a beautiful post. 🙂 Congratulations on your happy years together, and best wishes for many more!
Melissa says
Congrats! Happy anniversary!!
Chelsea {Whatcha Makin' Now?} says
Such a sweet post and a great picture of you and your man. Happy Anniversary!!
TidyMom says
such a beautiful post Kristen! and I love the picture of the 2 of you – I want a good one of me and Steve
Kim says
Love the honesty. thanks for sharing. being real and investing in relationships is what it is all about. praise God for his perfect plan.
Paula says
Happy Anniversary! What a beautiful love letter to your husband. You make a beautiful couple and best wishes for many more years of happiness together.
Life often takes on down roads that we sometimes feel we would have rather not had to travel. However, inevitably, they always lead us, through the hills and valleys, the light and darkness to exactly where we were meant to be.
Bev @ Bev Cooks says
You guys look THE EXACT same. Congraaats!
Barbara | Creative Culinary says
What a sweet sentiment to share…and a very Happy Anniversary to both of you.
Linda | The Urban Mrs says
This is so sweet – I’m sure you’re truly blessed. Happy anniversary and cheers to the journey of happiness and endless love.
Heather says
What a beautifully written post. Although I have always known it, I have begun to truly believe, that everything absolutely happens for a reason. The ups, the downs, the good and the bad–God has a plan and everything is apart of it. I hope you have a wonderful anniversary and here is to many, many, many more! 🙂
Rachel {Studio Cuisine} says
Beautiful post, Happy Anniversary!
Johnna says
What a beautiful post! Happy anniversary to both of you!
Gina says
Oh how very touching Kristen!!!! Happy Anniversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love your new photo- beautiful.
The Husband says
I love you.
Brandie (@ Home Cooking Memories) says
Very sweet…Happy Anniversary to the both of you!
Ali | Gimme Some Oven says
Ahh – totally made me tear up on my lunchbreak. (And definitely when I saw his comment above.)
I love this, and love how you share your heart. He’s a lucky guy to have you by his side. Wishing you both many more years of joy ahead!
Kim - Liv Life says
So beautiful! I’m so happy for the both of you… a very Happy Anniversary!!
Kelly M says
Happy Anniversary! Such sweet words from the heart. Things DO happen for a reason!
Sarah W. Caron says
I really, truly believe everything happens for a reason — even the heartbreaks. Beautiful post. Happy anniversary!!!
Stacy Rethlake says
I think sometimes actions are just as great as kind words. To one of the most wonderful, heartfelt, genuine couples I know. Cheers to a lifetime of love and happiness. Best wishes!
Amber (Sprinkled With Flour) says
Happy Anniversary!! Such a sweet post, your husband definitely is a lucky guy. 🙂
bridget {bake at 350} says
So sweet, Kristen! Wishing you guys a very, very happy anniversary! ♥ Love the pictures!
The Teacher Cooks says
What a sweet post. Happy anniversary!
Stacey says
Happy Anniversary, what a lovely post!! May you always cherish one another.
Pat Wogan says
When you think back about it, the heartache you went through made you more able to appreciate Nick. When you think back about it, the “coincidence” of Peggy was of God’s making. When you think back about it, you realize that Nick was the best thing that ever happened to you! Dad and I shared your heartache and we shared your joy. Remember your list of things you made up. If I remember, Nick had all the qualities on that list…which included things like “likes Chinese food”…but 2. He wasn’t older than you and I don’t remember the other one. I thank God for bringing Nick into your life! Nick is a great guy and a wonderful husband and father. You are truly blessed!
Pat Wogan says
BTW, Nick is also blessed to have found you. Happy Anniversary to both of you!
Nancy Wyatt says
What a gorgeous couple you two make! Love how I can truly feel just how much you love him through your words here and in other blog posts. Happy Anniversary my friend!! You were a beautiful bride then and now! Hugs from Conroe, TX
Susan Licht Salzman says
Lovely! You are blessed!
Susan Licht Salzman says
Lovely! You are blessed!
Marian (Sweetopia) says
Sniff. I loved this post. Thank you for sharing, Kristen. Happy anniversary! xo
Laurie Nestler Williams says
Happy Anniversary to two wonderful people! This is an absolutely beautiful love letter which reminded me how lucky I am to have gotten to know you both. But it also made me stop to think how blessed I am in my life and marriage as well! Celebrate your special day today and here’s to many more years of love and friendship ahead – Cheers!
Laurie Nestler Williams says
Happy Anniversary to two wonderful people! This is an absolutely beautiful love letter which reminded me how lucky I am to have gotten to know you both. But it also made me stop to think how blessed I am in my life and marriage as well! Celebrate your special day today and here’s to many more years of love and friendship ahead – Cheers!
Kathy Essmiller says
Salads, mom. That was the other thing. He didn’t love salads. But it seems to be working anyway..:-) Happy Anniversary! And great pic!
Eat 2gather says
Elephant tears, snot flowing. Thanks so much for sharing. Happy Anniversary! {hugs}
Eat 2gather says
Elephant tears, snot flowing. Thanks so much for sharing. Happy Anniversary! {hugs}
Julie says
Happy Anniversary!!! This may be one those times you could use the expression everything happens for a reason.
Kristi C. (@lov2read68) says
Happy Anniversary Kristen! Isn’t it amazing how God’s plans work out? It’s usually not in the way or the timeframe that we want or expect. Wishing you many more years to come!
Les in NE says
Despite the hurt and heartache each relationship yielded, I would gladly do it all over again if it led me to the man I am now married to. For, because of him, I am eternally blessed.
This is my story, too. Married at 19 (no, I wasn’t pregnant!) to my boyfriend of 3 years. Became a mother at 22. Divorced at 23. Remarried to the love of my life and we just celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary. Twu wuv! 🙂
Happy Anniversary to you and your husband. Here’s to many, many more years of love & laughter.
Jackie Clayton Davis says
Happy, happy anniversary. God has a plan. You both are so blessed to have found each other and created this wonderful family together. Enjoy!
Jackie Clayton Davis says
Happy, happy anniversary. God has a plan. You both are so blessed to have found each other and created this wonderful family together. Enjoy!
Jackie Clayton Davis says
Beautiful pictures too!
Angie Jerde says
Wow, what an honest and amazing post. I too had a short lived first marriage, so I can completely relate. God did have a plan for you as well as for me. I will celebrate my 13 year anniversary in a few short months. Many many blessings to you and your family.
Maureen says
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 Happy Anniversary to you and Nick!
Megan {Country Cleaver} says
Happy anniversary to you and your hunny! Your photos then and now just speak so deeply to the love you have for one another – it just radiates.
Christy Robinson Davis says
Congrats on 13 years!! So exciting. Enjoy many more years to come!!
http://Www.lifeofamodernhousewife.com
Christy Robinson Davis says
Congrats on 13 years!! So exciting. Enjoy many more years to come!!
http://Www.lifeofamodernhousewife.com
Christy Robinson Davis says
Congrats on 13 years!! So exciting. Enjoy many more years to come!!
http://Www.lifeofamodernhousewife.com
Emily {Pink Tiger in the Kitchen} says
Happy anniversary to you and your husband!! I just have to say this was about the most amazing post ever. Nearly brought me to tears.
Here’s to many many many more years of happiness to you, your husband and your family!!
Heather @ Heather's Dish says
God works in all things – what bigger blessing than a heart and a marriage like y’all’s that honors Him? It’s beautiful to see God moving 🙂
Cassie | Bake Your Day says
This is the best love letter someone could ask for. I love it! Hope you guys had a happy anniversary!
Natalie @ Cooking for My Kids says
Happy Anniversary, my sweet, beautiful friend! Love you!
wintersundays says
How beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing such simple and honest words from your heart. Happy Anniversary!
Denise says
Happy Anniversary to you both (a day late). Love works in mysterious ways. I, too, have been in the shoes you walked. All those broken hearts were lessons and the path to the man I love and can call my partner. I believe if there were not dark moments, we would not grow. One cannot live alone pink colored clouds!
Denise says
Happy Anniversary to you both (a day late). Love works in mysterious ways. I, too, have been in the shoes you walked. All those broken hearts were lessons and the path to the man I love and can call my partner. I believe if there were not dark moments, we would not grow. One cannot live alone pink colored clouds!
Danijela says
How beautiful. Happy Anniversary! 🙂
Naomi says
You two are amazingly beautiful — on the outside AND on the inside.
fabiola@notjustbaked says
This is beautiful. I have teary eyes, happy teary eyes. I love those tears. You two look perfect together and I am so happy you found your joy with him. And thank you for your honesty and love letter. So awesome!
Bob says
Fabulous, happy anniversary to you!
Ashley says
I’m late to the party, but I just have to say how much I love this — and how much I love your wedding look. It was timeless. I’ve been married a year and I hope I can say the same thing when I look back in another 12. 🙂
Ashley says
Just wanted to say how much I love this post and how much I love your wedding look. It was timeless. I don’t think anyone would ever look at this photo and say, “Oh, that was 1999.”
I hope that in 2024, no one looks at our photos and goes, “Oh, that was 2011.”
Happy anniversary!
JulieD says
Time got away from me and I have been meaning to wish you a wonderful anniversary!! You’re a beautiful person and I’m thankful you’re my friend!
Eva says
Just teared up reading this. What a beautiful and honest post, wonderfully well-written. Congratulations to you and your husband for so many happy years together.
Stephie @ Eat Your Heart Out says
Happy anniversary! What a touching letter. I think that any of us who have gone through deeply heartbreaking breakups wonder what the heck God was thinking…but He always has a plan for us that is far greater than any we could piece together for ourselves. God continue to bless you and your husband (He already has!). xoxo
Stephie @ Eat Your Heart Out says
Damn. I just noticed the date on this post (it was just shared in my FB feed today, so I assumed it was new). HA. *rolling eyes*
Kristy says
Such a beautiful post! Happy Anniversary!
Linda says
Congratulations lovely pis