I met the love of my life when I was 17. I never planned on getting married young, in fact I planned on the exact opposite. I thought I would go off to college, graduate, get a good job and travel, then settle down with someone and start a family. But when you meet “the one” sometimes plans change. Every day that passes I realize more and more how blessed I am. I know young love is a cliche topic and no one today has faith in young couples. Heck, I never did! But my, now fiancé, changed all of that. We changed all of that for each other. We fell for each other in high school and the rest is history. And because of that, I know our choice has probably sparked up some not so pleasant conversation. I know there are people who think that finding your soulmate at 17 is “impossible” and “not worth it.” Every love story is different. Just because mine hasn’t lasted 20 years yet, doesn’t make it any less special or real. Just because, statistically speaking, the odds are stacked against us, it doesn’t mean it’s not possible. Nothing worth having ever comes easily.

We know life won’t be butterflies and rainbows all the time and that marriage is a lot of work. We realize we are going to be living off of boxed pasta and canned tomato sauce. We realize 10 years from now we may change, a lot, and grow up even more! But we are going to grow and change together. We are going to face the struggles life hands us together. We will get to spend the best years of our lives side by side as best friends, going on life’s adventures together. So with that being said, please don’t judge me (or us). Don’t look at a 21 year old bride and treat her like she's doing something wrong. She may be crazy, but she doesn’t deserve less respect than a 31 year old bride. I’ve had quite a time with some vendors trying to get the respect I deserve! I know other young brides have dealt with that too.

So, people who give me strange looks… yes, I am 20. Yes, I am engaged. Call me crazy, but when you know, you know.