Six years ago today I was on the tropical island of St. Lucia with my boyfriend, Brandon, waiting for the rain and clouds to clear so we could get married. Shortly before our scheduled ceremony, the clouds parted and wedding officiant at the resort said it was a sure sign that we were going to have lots of luck and good fortune together.

Looking back, I can only agree. Lots of people probably never thought we’d make it together this long. We’ve watched the majority of our friends marry and divorce over the years, but Brandon and I continue to survive.

It’s not always been easy. For those of you that know us well, you know Brandon and I can each be pretty stubborn, and that we’re opposites in many ways … I’m pretty focused and can be a little too intense, while Brandon’s pretty laid back and accepts that things will come with time. But we’ve found a way to make that balance, and work for us. We’ve grown through each other’s strengths and weakness and have learned how to battle through the tough times.

It all works because at the end of the day, he can always make me laugh and smile. Even when I really, really don’t want to. And I can make sure our finances are in order. : )

I love you, Brandon! Here’s to six more great years!