"I do...not?" Story of a broken engagement in Sacramento.

Metropolitan Terrace @ The Citizen Hotel — Photo courtesy of KCRA 3

It's funny, but not in a laughing way, but an ironic way, when your city gains national (and international, aka through Daily Mail) attention. First it was with that stint with Cara Delevigne being interviewed at Good Day Sacramento (or as people called it...Bad Day Sacramento)

It's even more shocking when it's about a cancelled wedding at one of the most upscale hotels in your city. Even extra shocking? That's the same hotel Cecilio and I are going to have our wedding reception.

All over the news reports a couple, Landon Borup and Quinn Duane, about to marry at The Citizen Hotel in Sacramento last Saturday...until, he got cold feet and called it off a few days before. Imagine the shock and the horror Quinn's mom had when her daughter called her about it. What were they to do, when everything (guest list, decor, food, etc.) was completely finalized? Thankfully, Kari had a wonderful idea to turn their would-be reception into a dinner event for the homeless.

I'm sure that it was a devastating event for everyone involved. I'm sure Quinn's world went crashing down. But to be able to stay courageous, and have her mom get involved helping the less fortunate...wow, I have no words. Especially because Sacramento does have a large homeless population (I wish I could find the latest statistics, but there is none). How many people would do this, especially in the "all about me" wedding mindset?

Honestly, I was shaken when I first found out about this (Cecilio works at a local news station, but his station didn't report this story). Of course, this just happened a few weeks after we put down the 1st deposit! They were about a year older than us too. To top it off? They were going to go to Belize for their honeymoon, which was one of the destinations I suggested to Cecilio (although we are leaning towards Mexico).

I've heard stories about couples getting cold feet throughout the engagement process, and calling it off. It's scary, and I always hope and pray to God that it wouldn't happen to us. It's tragic when it happens. Entering a marriage can be very scary. You're putting your trust and your whole life out there in the hands of someone else. I know and trust that Cecilio loves me unconditionally. I've always felt that his love for me reflects that of Jesus' love more than other "Christian friends" I knew. He never let my lupus or hospitalizations stop him from loving and wanting to be with me. He knows that autism runs in my family, but he still wants to have children with me. How many guys can you find like that?

I love him to death too and I can't wait to spend my life with him. I can't wait to walk our journeys together, throughout the good, bad and ugly. Still though, there's in the back of my mind from time to time, worrying about cold feet. I've heard so many stories about people's broken relationships, and have experienced them myself. Of course, (almost) everyone will never fail to remind you about the 50% divorce rate.

I posted about it on Facebook, and my mom told commented, saying: "You can't compare other people's experiences to yours, honey...just bask in your love for each other. You know you are soul mates." It does give me comfort because our story is our own and not anyone else's. It means that just because we witness others have marital problems, it doesn't mean we will have the same. Of course we will have tough times. We aren't expecting this marriage to be a fairy tale. But as each other's best friends, we wouldn't have it any other way.

Cecilio and I have strengthened our communication skills over the years, especially during arguments. No matter what, we always come back together and start laughing and smiling at the end of the night.

I know marriage isn't supposed to be taken lightly. We're both not perfect. But as long as we keep walking the same path together, and put in 1000% for this marriage, we will be more than alright. Even though life is hard, I still believe we can AND will have that romantic, everlasting love.

I know there will be moments where we won't always feel like "loving" or being romantic. But deep, true love is way more than that. It means putting the good of the other person fist. Their problems will be your problems, but their joys will be your joys. But to love even in or because of the difficult times is a whole new level mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." (John 15:9-12)

"Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate, but through being the right mate."-Barnett Brickner

"A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person."
-Mignon McLaughlin

I hope Quinn finds her new soulmate, one who will vow to love and cherish her for the rest of her life. And even though Landon is painted as a bad guy, I hope he does find someone he will absolutely with no hesitation spend his life with either. 

And I absolutely can't wait to spend my next 50 years with Cecilio. I love you, baby!