My first anniversary is coming up, on none other than Valentine's Day. It's strange for me to say that its my first anniversary since my husband and I have been a couple for almost 14 years now.

Getting married definitely felt like a bit of formality in my case. We got married at the Queens County Clerk's Office in Kew Gardens. Instead of the 'congratulations' many receive when they announce their plans for marriage, I received more of, 'it's about time.'

While getting that response, more than a few times, made getting married feel like something that was overdue, the act itself still held all of the seriousness, excitement and happiness as any other wedding.

Never being too conventional, having my two kids be a part of the experience was something that felt truly precious to me. Having my daughter, just about to turn five at the time, hold my bouquet is something that will live in my mind forever.

My son, having asked numerous times when we would be married, told his entire class and teacher as soon as my husband I told him of our plans.

While my wedding may have not come at an ideal time, more than a decade
after being with my husband and after having two kids, I can't help but to feel
as though it happened just as it was meant to. Being able to solidify our relationship, in front of our kids, is something that my husband and I have come to see as yet another blessing in our lives, even if it didn't meet that picture perfect notion many have of getting married.

So this Valentine's Day, remember that the picture of love is not always perfect. It's unconventional, and it can be prevalent in any number of different scenarios
and situations. Don't let others' perception of what love is and what its expression should look like take away from the love you share with your
other half this Valentine's Day.