Married at 23

The happiest couples never have the same character. They just have the best understanding of their differences. -Tasha Brooks

That's Athan and Lanie in one succinct quotation.

Two of my closest high school friends (as if unexpected) took things to the next level and took the first step to their journey to a happily ever after. 

They're no longer just sweet+heart but they're now better known as Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Leyba. 

Lanie, or Lans as we used to call her has always been the bolder one. Always the vocal and perpetually spirited among the four of us. While Athan on the other hand often plays underhand. Keeping things cool and composed and moving only if need be. Though to some extent their characters appear to be opposing poles, those two share a lot in common.

They're two fun-loving, driven souls who have found "THE ONE" in each other.

Maaannn!!! The shock is quite taking some time to pass through. Although in your own words, "parang wala lang nangyari" after the wedding. We all know that everything from that point on IS different. That it's already something serious. And that there is no turning back. Your path to forever is right at your very front waiting for your second step following the marriage.

Eight years of togetherness. 

Eight years worth of best friendship, unbending trust, unrivaled happiness, sparkly moments, trying times and everything else in between. Congratulations in finding the one person whom you both hold such indestructible love and devotion. If I may, that to me is a chance that is one in a million.

No words can speak of my thrill for this occasion and for granting me the privilege to be one of the few people to witness such momentous union. Much more the chance of hosting it for you. (Though I still think its pretty insane.)

Since I wasn't able to extend a message for you newlyweds, allow me to pour it out in this little spot of mine.

Lemme start by saying, keep the fire of love burning all the time.

Yes it won't feed you. Yes it might not be able to fulfill your other needs all the time. But, it will hold EVERYTHING for both of you.

Once a marriage is floored very deeply in love, whatever hitch you face will be a lot less easier to deal with. Simply because you love each other, and you'd be more than willing to make sacrifices in the name of your partner's eternal comfort. Love says a lot you know. It actually makes things happen more than we thought it could. Seal your relationship with wholehearted love and everything follows through.

Secondly, communication is equally crucial as open-mindedness. Now that you're one, every move one makes must be in perfect consonance with the other.

The moment you said your 'I dos' you've already waived your right to selfishness. Regardless of the fact that you've spent nearly 1/3 of each other's lives together, there are and there will always be new things to discover about your partner every single waking day of your married life. Could be good or bad depending on how you see it, the point is speak your mind about it and take heed of it.

Praises and sweet nothings are still very much welcome in marriage. Be generous in giving one. Bar none, a little push or sometimes a gentle pat in the back does wonders in marriage that one can never imagine.

Criticisms on the one hand somewhat transformed into a single type --- constructive criticism. Remember, no matter how bad the comment your partner spoke of you, consider that as an advice. Though it's something that's candidly said, still it is better received from someone you consider to be sincerely concerned of your welfare, and not the other way around.

Like life, marriage is a phase of eternal learning. No matter how much advice your sponsors and parents gave you, married life is something that couples play by the ear. You cross the bridge when you get there. For not every situation is one and the same. And what treatment or approach worked for one, isn't always germane for others.

Cruise married life hand-in-hand and surely you will be surprised by its consequences.

Congratulations and best wishes my dearest & craziest sweethearts. May you have a married-life filled with harmony and prosperity. Love you both. ❤❤❤

reunited :)

with Mrs. Leyba and Wendz :)