Ten years ago today, Paul and I were married in La Jolla, California.

Wow. That was fast.

I’m so insanely happy to be married to Paul. Without a doubt, he is the best choice I ever made.

If you like, you can view some photos from the wedding. And here is the text of the very brief ceremony, read by Paul’s friend John Hauschild:

On behalf of Diana and Paul, I wish to thank you, family and friends, for coming to celebrate their marriage on this beautiful day here in La Jolla. We have all come together, united by their love, to rejoice with them in the new life they now undertake together.

Diana and Paul have been friends ever since they met in St-Louis nearly five years ago. During that time, they spent much time together, arguing philosophy, wandering bookstores, and bicycling through Forest Park. Two years ago, Diana moved to Los Angeles and Paul to San Diego. Despite the distance, they kept up their friendship. At this time, Paul also introduced Diana to his good friends Cliff and Alexa, who are standing with them here today.

After much debate and discussion with Alexa, Diana decided to move down to San Diego and ask Paul if he was interested in pursuing a romantic relationship. To the surprise of both of them, Diana and Paul fell quickly and deeply in love. Three months later, Paul asked Diana to marry him. And three months after that, we are here to join them in marriage.

Diana and Paul’s story exemplifies the saying that “Love is friendship set on fire.”

To Diana and Paul, the decision to unite in marriage means a solemn obligation to live together, to please one another, to protect and comfort each other, to assist, support, and encourage each other in all endeavors. They share a love of mutual respect, affection, consideration, and good humor. Paul’s steady and cheerful disposition compliments Diana’s playful exuberance.

As Mignon McLaughlin said, “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.”

This ceremony is a simple one, but one with great meaning. The vows you are about to exchange represent your commitment to each other, and an affirmation of the love you share.

[Face each other]

Do you, Paul, take Diana to be your wedded wife, to love, comfort, honor, and respect as long as you both shall live?

[I do]

Do you, Diana, take Paul to be your wedded husband, to love, comfort, honor, and respect as long as you both shall live?

[I do]

May we have the rings? These rings are an unbroken circle, with no beginning and no end, symbolizing your everlasting love.

Paul, as you place this ring on Diana’s finger, repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed.

[With this ring, I thee wed]

Diana, as you place this ring on Paul’s finger, repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed.

[With this ring, I thee wed]

You will be together from this day forward, so…

May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the rain fall softly upon your fields
And the sun shine warm upon your face

Diana and Paul, by the authority vested in me by the State of California, it is my privilege to pronounce you man and wife.

Paul, you may kiss the bride!

Ten years later, our life is rather different — and so much better — than we imagined on that day.