A letter to Katarina and Damir…

My dearest Katarina, from the moment I met you, I knew there was something special. You're my rock, my best friend, my confidant. There's no one else I'd rather go on this journey with than you. From the good moments to the not-so-good moments, I've always been proud to call you mine. With you by my side, I feel like a new man, a better man, a husband, and I hope one day, a father. Together, I feel there's nothing we can't do. We've done so much together—our first coffee, meal, festival—the list goes on. So let's toast to the good and bad times as we both grow together. I love you, Nina. Be mine forever.

When they first started going out, I could see a twinkle in Katarina's eye, so you knew something was up. They are a perfect pair because they really complete each other. Keep in mind, we always have our love and our support, this fabulous crowd, and the Croatian community, and all the other friends that you have made together, to help you no matter what life throws at you.

I've known Nina for about seven years now, since I lived in the room next to her, and now I get to stand next to her on her wedding day. It has honestly been wonderful to watch your love grow through these years. Thank you, Damir, for giving my best friend genuine and steady love—that's all a best friend could ask for.

I, Damir, take you, Katarina, to be my wife. I promise to be faithful to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and honour you all the days of my life.

I, Katarina, take you, Damir, to be my husband. I promise to be faithful to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and honour you all the days of my life.

Katarina, receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity.

Damir, receive this ring in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Damir has always been very comfortable with his friends and their families. He'd come over to my house every morning and watch cartoons before I even woke up for school. We met nearly twenty years ago, and we've been attached at the hip ever since. We spent the entire summer together when his parents would go to Croatia. I'd stay at his house every night. During the summers, we'd always do dumb pranks on each other where he would play basketball with strangers in his underwear. The list goes on, and it'll keep going on for years to come.

I gave birth to you, but you came with no instructions. All I knew was that I loved you long before I saw you. Everything I did for you, I did from love. You are my child, my life, my dreams. I will always love you, and there is nothing that could ever destroy my love for you.