Living Our Journey

On Saturday, November 30, 2024, I officiated Laura and Greg’s wedding ceremony at Shully's in Thiensville, Wisconsin. Here are the remarks I shared with them and their guests:

Laura and Greg very much value this idea of lifelong learning. They see their journeys individually and with each other as journeys of learning. They try to live their lives in what one might call a teachable fashion, setting an example for their children. They see this moment, specifically, as a teachable moment. 

Greg recounts how it all started: “I met Laura (I call her Ella) in Clearwater Beach, Florida in March 2020. I was there on vacation with a college friend. Coincidentally and little did we know, we were staying at the same hotel as Ella. Ella and I met in the hotel gym at around noon on a weekday. Looking back, there is no question in my mind that Ella and I met due to divine intervention. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of factors, that I can list that would have prevented our meeting in the gym.”

Laura agrees and elaborates on the teachable aspect of this moment: “Greg offers me the safety and the sense of belonging together as if it was ‘beschert’ (meant to be). We share the same vision of a blended family and support each of our children in their endeavors. We both share a deep sense of familial connection and feel that marriage will offer our ‘kinder’ stability and balance. It shows them that marital commitment matters and that it is a key factor for their future...”

Greg talks about the nature of their relationship and what it does for each of them: “Ella and I have enjoyed a strong bond since we met that has blossomed into a special relationship. From the beginning, our relationship has been easy and organic. I made the decision to marry Ella after realizing that our partnership is stronger than the two of us individually. My life is better and has more meaning when Ella is part of it. I look forward to continuing my growth and fostering her growth within our partnership; that growth being the true act of love.”

Laura agrees and once again elaborates on the significance of this moment: “I firmly believe we humans are not meant to be islands. We need other humans to interact with and a partner to share our life with. In Greg, I found a partner who offers emotional support, a sense of belonging that makes every hardship in my life easier, and a great companion… We mutually complete each other. Our house watcher in Arizona refers to us Yin and Yang… 

We are all on this life train, living our journey. The truth is, we will all get off at different stations but until then, we need to be an example and build a legacy for generations to come… There is no such thing as a perfect life, but I do believe that there are perfect moments in time.”