Guest Blogger :: Erika

I am getting married to my girlfriend of five-and-a-half years on February 20, 2010. It is long overdue, let me just tell you!

I met the love of my life when I was 17 years old and she was 23, but, we didn’t start dating for three years. Yeah, that’s right, she’s robbing the cradle! I was still figuring out who I was at that time, and she was my best friend’s little sister’s nanny. Hot nanny Shan! Anyhow, over the next three years I ran into her at the most random places. One day in January of 2003, of all the bars in all the world, this beautiful, curly-haired CRAZY loud chick walks into mine! From then on, we saw each other time and time again, till our worlds and friend groups collided…the rest is history.

On September 18, 2003, Shannon told me she loved me for the first time. I felt it back; I was over the moon!

What is special about this situation is, Shannon had never been with a woman before. I was her first. This could have been a bad situation, falling for the straight girl, but I went with it anyway.

It has been the most amazing almost-six years of my life, being with Shannon. She exudes beauty, both inside and out. I am a better person because of her. I have had the best life experiences imaginable.

I proposed to her on December 8, 2006 at one of our favorite lakes in Prescott, Arizona. Of course she said "yes"! We have set the date plenty of times, but always changed our minds because other things came up. We have settled on 2-20-10, and this time we are not changing the date, no matter what “THE MAN” says about gay marriage! It may not be “valid” in this great state of Arizona, but it will be MORE THAN recognized by the 70 people attending our ceremony. It will be celebrated with open minds, open love and support!

Now what our families think of this beautiful union is a completely different story. But what kind of wedding would it be with out a little family drama?

Until next time--live well, love well, be well! ~E~

Erika & Shannon