You’ve heard so much about our newlywed Katie over the last few months that it’s only fair that you finally meet her other half! Eric is a fantastic writer and truly one of the most charismatic people I’ve ever known. He’s in a very transitional season of life right now: graduating from college, beginning a new job and, of course, marrying the love of his life. Here’s how he, in his own words, is getting used to the ring on his left finger (I added in some wedding pictures for you!). — amy beth

It has been three weeks since I said “I do” to my best friend, Katie. I am the husband to the woman formerly known as Katie Black who is now Katie Brown. Because of this blog you probably know my wife just as well as I do.

If you haven’t been introduced to our story, let me give you a brief synopsis. We were both beginning our senior year of high school and a blind date was set-up by her older sister (Emily, whom we owe our entire relationship to). We went to see the movie Troy (yes, the one where Brad Pitt is n*ked at the very beginning). Being that I am cunning and have a good smile (thanks to my mother and orthodontist), I quickly covered both of our eyes (much to Katie’s disappointment). Later that night Katie asked “What do you look for in a girl?” and I said “my wife.”

Five years later… I am getting very used to waking up beside my best friend every morning.

I recently had a friend write this interesting statement about marriage: “Perhaps the beauty of marriage is not the commitment that one couple makes with one another, rather, it is one of the most beautiful sacraments that two people can make, which mirrors the beauty of God’s love and God’s will in our lives. Perhaps marriage is simply a grand and life-long parable which describes the most intimate love that God has for Humanity.”

I am finding this very true. Right now my most favorite moments with Katie are the little things. Going on our first vacation (honeymoon) with her was a great time for us. I love kissing her goodbye every morning before I go to work. I love praying over our dinners together. It’s something new… and something we waited on for a very long time.

Katie and I decided before college that we would wait to tie the knot until after we graduated. This was very intentional. You only get college one time in your life. We wanted to make the most of it both together and individually. I would recommend this to all relationships that are birthed in the college years. Make memories and don’t take your relationship too seriously. Have fun and laugh a lot. Let your significant other hang out with his/her friends. Set aside time at least once a week to have some real quality “alone” time. You only get college one time. Katie and my philosophy was set on knowing we would get to wake up beside each other everyday of our lives… it’s a blast.

Obviously, the story that Katie and I have is a rarity when it comes to the “real world.” I know there must be some eyes who read this blog who have felt real pain and discouragement when it comes to finding that special someone. I also know there has to be some real frustration behind that pain. For some, it may be lots of heartache and for others it’s a non-issue. As my friend says, “After observing several of my friends get married over the last few years, I have discovered divine truth not only within the commitments in marriage, but within the commitment to Jesus Christ. I have noticed how marriage mirrors the beauty of God’s love towards humanity as He offers Himself completely to us. All that He asks in return is our commitment to Him. The commitment that we make is beautiful in itself because it shows our complete dependency on Him and the lack in our lives without Him.”

Remember that.

You can read more about Eric’s new life as a husband here.