I Love My Wife

Weddings used to make me feel sad. I was the stranger at the feast, smilingly tolerated by my friends, but never able to share fully in their happiness or understand the intensity of their commitment.

Then, on 29 March 2014, the law in the UK changed and a new horizon unfolded before my eyes.

In July 2015 I made a declaration of my love for Laura, a childhood friend, in a quiet woodland grove in front of 20 family members and close friends. We wore the most colourful summer dresses imaginable and coronets of jasmine in our hair. Our feet were bare and we tried not to shiver too much as the summer rain dripped around us.

Vows said and the register signed, I stood on tiptoe to kiss my new wife and our hearts became one.

I remember few other details of my wedding day, other than I don't think we ever stopped holding hands.

Later, on the platform of the tree house that was our bridal suite, we sat sky-clad beneath a starry canopy and gazed into our future. I felt complete and at peace with myself, while at the same time incredibly energised by the journey that lay before us. I have felt the same every morning since when I have woken with Laura by my side and kissed her lightly on the forehead.