I have had the happy privilege of being Mrs. Eric Darby for the past 18 years now. We got married on August 8th, 1992.
Some of our anniversary celebrations have been simple. I cook, the kids toast us, we kiss. A good time was had by all.
On a few of our anniversaries we've managed to escape for a weekend.
This year, we planned our vacation to coincide with our anniversary. Eric made super-top-secret plans to take me somewhere. "You have to dress up" being the only clue he would give me.
We spent a fabulous day on the beach with Lucy and Jon.
Lucy and I walked all the way down the very flat beach and she scratched this message out in the sand when we were blocks away (just so I could take a photo). Aww.
The current was very strong that day and when Eric got out of the water, he accidentally (serendipitously?) came out on this very spot. (Coincidence? I think not.)
He was at first confused. Then pleased. (Win!)
In the afternoon, I dutifully powdered and primped and put on high heels and makeup. Aside from wearing my red lipstick pretty much every day, I don't usually wear much makeup and certainly not high heels, so this was a bit sacrificial for me, but that's not important right now.
Eric took me to a wonderful (and chi-chi) restaurant at the top of a 12 story building in San Diego called Bertrand at Mr. A's with spectacular views of the city, the airport, and the bay. And we happened to get there on the clearest day they've had this year. (That's Mexico on the horizon.)
Talk about feeling soooo accidentally cool!
The meal (surf and turf – yeah, baby!) was spectacular.
And the dessert (creme brulee!) came with a special greeting. (I know. Shut up.)
We held hands and reviewed the many twists and turns and all the adventures we've shared for the past 18 years.
I often say that I married a good man. Every day I spend with him brings more conviction.
He likes to say that I've brought color and music to his life. I'd say we've got a pretty winning combination here.
Do we ever fight? Absolutely. Often, and well. He fights much better than I do. I'm a "stuffer." But we always manage to remember that "the issue is never the issue" so our fights are usually productive.
But more often than not, we default back to our original relationship, which is that we were friends first.
I often hear people say that they married their best friend. In our case I would say that's definitely true.
And yes, it was totally worth dressing up with the high heels and make up. =D
Thanks, Honey. The very best years of my life have been the past 18 that I've shared with you.
I love you MORE.
JoJo Hernadez says
congrats, blessings for many more
Mailyn says
Awwwwhhh!!! Soooo cute!!!Now I have watery eyes…
Vivianna says
Happy Anniversary! May the Lord grant you many more blessed years together….. “you have brought color and music into his life”, Hmmmm…… I’d say he almost looks Cuban ; D (Now that’s a good thing.)
Con amor,
Vivianna
ClaudiaR says
Omg how beautiful is it to love and be in love like this!! Your devotion to each other and dare I say, mutual adoration, is inspirational. Thanks for the sniffles! May you have many, many more years of wedded bliss!
elsie says
you looked gorgeous at your anniversary dinner! my hubby and I will be married 13 years on 8/15 – que ricoooooo!
The gold digger says
Oh you look so cute! Congrats!
Rechelle says
You make a really good, synergistic team. (I love that word, synergy, and use it when appropriate – which definitely applies to the two of you!) xoxo from your “friends-before-marriage” club friend!
Maria says
Congratulations! You both look adorable…May you celebrate many more!
Angela G. says
Happy Anniversary Marta and Eric!! God bless you, and may he grant you many more years of happiness…you sound like soul mates (each other’s media naranja).August is a great month for weddings. I married my media naranja 25 years ago on the 17th. We’re planning to renew our vows, then drop off our first-born at the University of Wisconsin (sniff…my baby will be 1,500 miles away!!) and afterwards we’re spending a romantic weekend in Chicago.
You make such a handsome couple. Felicidades!
Jana @ the Summer House says
Congratulations you two!
Michele Caridad says
soooo cute! and Marta…the sacrifice was VAVABOOM!! you look stunning! here’s to a lifetime of happiness and a beautiful family ! XOXOXO