Dear “you're too young to be married" people,

We have all heard the saying, “Getting married in college sounds a lot like leaving the party at 9 p.m.” Well, I sincerely disagree with this demeaning statement, and I will explain why.

I had the honor of marrying my best friend on Good Friday (March 25). We decided, why wait? We had a ceremony in Augusta, Ga. with only one witness. Our parents were not there; there was no fuss about the flowers, or music ,or wedding decorations. Just Ryan, me, and one of our very best friends who got married at the exact same place, with the exact same Reverend just one year before us.

The ceremony was memorable and eccentric, just like Ryan and I. Reverend Betty Love, a 75-year-old with a heart for the UGA Bulldogs and angels, married us outside in a gazebo. She made us feel like it was just Ryan and me in the whole world, and for a good while, I got to stare in his eyes and watch him say his vows, and I saw the rawest side of my husband. I could see his love through his eyes. I saw the smile on his face as he placed the ring on my finger. I heard the laughter as we giggled at Reverend Betty Love. I felt the strength of our relationship through his hands as we stood there listening to Betty Love dedicate the ceremony to all the solders fighting for our freedom.

On March 25, I got to marry my best friend. We may have left the party at 9 p.m., but you know what? I get to leave the party, go get ice cream with my best friend, go home to put on my pajamas and take off my shoes and then watch Netflix for the rest of the night. I will fall asleep with the man who protects me, and wants nothing but the best for me. He makes sacrifices for me, not to mention he deals with my craziness and anxious mind. We left the party at 9 p.m. because that is the best choice for us. We left the party at 9 p.m. together, because we never want to do that with anyone else.

If you are reading this and you left the party early too, congratulate yourself on finding the right one for you early in your life and having that one person that is your everything. Stop listening to the judgments around you and the people who are trying to discourage you. Listen to those who support you and will be there for you. Listen to those who are going to lift you up. I don’t care your significant other’s age, race, or gender. Respect people’s advice, you do not have to live by it. Your life is lived by you and you alone. If someone is truly questioning your choice or your significant other, then ask them to name the flaws in that person. Ask them to list the reasons it is “wrong.” I did that, and found that the reasons were non-existent or they were superficial. Be proud of who they are even if that is not that traditional way to do things.

Sincerely,
Young and Married.