Each year, my perspective on marriage continues to evolve, and with it, my vision of a shared life. As time passes, the loud fantasies of my youth have softened into something quieter, deeper, and more meaningful. I find myself thinking less about the “day” itself and more about the person I hope to walk beside—and how I want our life together to feel. For 2026, and for all the years that follow, this is the desire I carry.

Fourteen years ago, I drafted a “marriage contract” for fun, a list of terms I thought would protect my heart. But growing older has taught me something gentler and truer: I cannot change a soul to fit my expectations if they do not choose to honor me. Love cannot be enforced; it must be chosen, freely and continually, in the quiet moments when no one is watching.

Now, I hold only three terms close:

• Wisdom: To be wise with what we are given.
• Kindness: To meet one another with respect, gentleness, and care.
• Commitment: To choose each other again and again through every season, remembering why our hearts first said yes.

I no longer seek a one-way street where I give endlessly while love flows elsewhere. I want a partnership where giving and receiving are a shared rhythm—a steady, quiet strength that carries us through the day. Some days, one of us may only have twenty percent to offer, and the other must carry eighty—but together, we still arrive at one hundred percent, leaning into one another until we are standing tall again. It is the beauty of two people moving in harmony, never letting the other walk the difficult paths alone.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, marriage is a holy pursuit. I have worked toward my endowment in preparation for this covenant, praying that one day my future partner and I may be sealed in the temple—bound not only for this life, but for the eternities. To love with eternity in mind is to love with reverence, purpose, and care. Because of this, I seek a companion whose heart is first turned toward God. I desire a partner who shares my eternal standards—someone who understands that our devotion to each other is an extension of our shared covenant with Him.

This is the love I am choosing to believe in.

When I envision the future, there is one place my heart always returns to: the Houston Texas Temple. Although I have never seen it in person, I have long been in love with its silhouette. In photos, it looks like a fairytale castle—the kind I once believed only existed in stories. It feels like a quiet kind of magic, as if a sense of belonging has been waiting there for me to finally arrive. Whether I am eventually sealed within its walls or simply stand before it to be asked for my hand, it is where my future feels most clear.

Even the symbols I cherish have shifted. I no longer long for the cold fire of diamonds. Instead, I see the glow of white jade—translucent and serene, like moonlight held in a stone. I envision a dainty white jade engagement ring set in polished silver, a combination that feels cool, intentional, and timeless. I value pieces that feel like home—tactile reminders of protection and a love that is deeply rooted.

Our celebration would unfold in a simple, beautiful sequence. We would begin with a quiet nod to the stories that have shaped my life, entering our reception as the familiar melodies of a Final Fantasy mashup weave through the air. To many, it is just music, but to me, these songs carry a story that echoes the depth of my feelings for a special individual—a tribute to the one who taught me that a soul can be both a legendary hero and a safe harbor.

The stake center, filled with the scent of fresh flowers and the faces of those who have prayed for us, would feel like a true sanctuary. From there, we would slip away to a honeymoon somewhere entirely new—just the two of us, learning the rhythm of one another’s company in a world we’ve yet to explore together.

This hope remains alive in me—a tender expectation I do not chase, but trust will arrive when the time is right. Until then, I will keep becoming, keep believing, and keep my heart open to the love God is preparing for me, nurturing my faith and my spirit with every passing day.

This is my quiet prayer and my hopeful promise: that when the day comes, I will recognize it, embrace it, and walk forward in love—ready, steady, and full of gratitude for the life we are meant to share.

With love,

Ang 🌸