In this episode of Penned in Ink, we open up about the early decisions that shaped our marriage; why we chose commitment over convenience, and how that choice set the tone for 30 years together.

From family influence to the expectations of our generation, we explore the real reasons we got married and how those reasons evolved over time. With humor, vulnerability, and a touch of nostalgia, we reflect on the difference between marriage and cohabitation, the vows that became second nature, and what it means to choose each other every day.

It’s an honest look at how our love matured from idealism and tradition to an intentional partnership.

💬 Key themes:

• The meaning of marriage beyond religion or tradition
• How upbringing and family shape relationship choices
• Why “stability” and “permanence” mattered in building the foundation of your love
• The hidden strength found in vows and shared goals
• How commitment can evolve into growth

🎧 Listen if you…

• Are navigating the difference between love and long-term commitment
• Grew up with different models of marriage or family stability
• Are questioning whether marriage still “means something” today
• Believe in love that lasts because it’s chosen, not just felt

Chapters

00:00 – Episode teaser

00:27 – Welcome and introduction

01:20 – Why did we choose marriage?

05:15 – Why marriage vs. cohabitation?

10:08 – Inked Moments: Our proposal story

15:05 – A 30+ year secret is revealed

17:37 – Marriage Isn’t Just for Religious People

21:38 – What is the foundation of our marriage?

25:59 – The Power of Vows & Shared Goals

30:20 – Puppy time with Ginger

32:46 – His Perspective, Her Perspective: How choosing commitment makes you stronger

42:51 – Pen to Paper: Discuss shared goals with your partner

47:41 – Closing thoughts

In this premiere episode, we share our story from a childhood soccer crush to a three-decade marriage built on commitment, resilience, and humor.

We open up about early struggles (balancing work, grad school, and finances), the moments that tested our relationship, and the mindset shifts that helped us build something lasting. The conversation sets the foundation for the Penned in Ink series: real stories, honest lessons, and a look at why commitment still matters in a world that often questions it.

💬 Key themes:

• How young love evolves into a lifelong partnership
• What “commitment” really means when life gets hard
• Finding purpose in your relationship story
• How humor, a belief in each other, and shared goals help couples last

🎧 Listen for:

• Candid moments about marriage in your 20s
• Why we started Penned in Ink
• An inspiring reminder that love stories worth keeping are written one intentional choice at a time.

Chapters

00:00 – Episode teaser

00:22 – Welcome to Penned in Ink

00:50 – The story of how we met

04:30 – Inked Moments: Early dating memories

09:16 – Early marriage struggles: balancing grad school, money, and family

21:19 – His Perspective, Her Perspective: Initial attraction

10:50 – Learning to choose commitment every day

32:27 – Why we started Penned in Ink

46:49 – Pen to Paper: Visualizing what you want in a partner

49:21 – Closing thoughts