Most people look back fondly on their high school sweethearts wondering where life has taken the other and maybe even how life would be if they were still with them. Some say, marrying your high school sweetheart is a thing of the past, something out of World War II and statistics does not differ with this thought either. In 2014, less than 2 percent of all marriages were between high school sweethearts. I feel extremely blessed to look across the table at mine during dinner every night and get to wake up to his face every morning. As you guys already know, I met my husband when were still in high school, and we've been together for the last 19 years. So it is only natural that Letysha & Eddie's high school love story is dear to my heart. After 10 years of love, they became part of that 2% and on July 15th 2017, they finally said- I do! ♥
Letysha and Eddie are a true testament that long distance relationships are not a thing of the past or something to be afraid of, instead they have proven that they true love conquers all! They first met at a Christmas gala in 2006 at the Botanical Gardens ( the very same venue for their wedding ceremony and reception) but officially started dating a year later, during their junior year at separate high schools. Hmm, a Carib dating a Barra? Yes!
Growing up in a Caribbean home - St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands - having a strong family unit is the norm. With your siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins giving their opinions (sometimes unsolicited) about your future partner is almost like a "right of passage" in every household but nothing beats the acceptance or encouragement quite like one of a grandparent. Grandmothers are truly grand angels sent to earth. Their love and support is doubled that of a parent and their wisdom is unlike any other. Letysha and her grandmother were inseparable. And while their high school love was blossoming, (even disobeying her strict parent's orders just to talk to him) Letysha had her own feelings of true love for Eddie but it wasn't until he met her dear paternal grandmother that she knew he was the one she would marry one day. They just hit it off immediately as if she knew from the very start he would be in her granddaughter's future for years to come!
I could feel the butterflies of excitement as Letysha shared one of her many memorable moments with Eddie. It was the very first time he was officially introduced to her family as "Mr. boyfriend". No!, it was not during her senior year of high school, her father would never approve of that! It was actually at her undergrad graduation, years later. During the reception, with many laughs, her father, Mr. Plaskett recollected the day he met Eddie and how strange he thought this guy was roaming around during the graduation, only to find out he was his daughter's dear love.
Although marriage was always a part of their plan from the very beginning, they both had plans to finish their higher education and get into their respective careers to insure a stable future for the both of them. Her beautiful smile, his hazel brown eyes with long lashes, their shared ambition and dreams, are just some of the favorite things they both admire about each other. Call me biased guys, but I think high school sweethearts, turned married couple have thee most fun! For many, many reasons I may add! For starters, you begin dating during your most awkward phases. Hey, if you loved each other through the braces phase, weird mustache phase, high-pitched voices phase, you're set for life! Ha!
One of the things that I loved about Letysha and Eddie's wedding, is hearing how far they've come! Again, this is one of the things high school sweethearts can gush about. You can honestly say, you have come a long way. They have a solid foundation, they have endless shared memories together and are integrated in each other's family so much that they can trust to have their families' support for many years.
Father and daughter share a memorable, tearful moment as they walked down the aisle, remembering their beloved mother and grandmother who passed two years ago. I know she would be so proud!
I live for moments like these! Moments shared on the altar between two people who have been through so much together and still want to continue spending the rest of their lives together. Eddie impressed everyone with his memorized vows and Letysha was quick to whip up hers as well!
Sealed with kiss! I am not trying to sound like an advocate for high school love, who am I kidding? Yes I am! It may not always be peaches and cream but couples like the Rosarios, remind me that young love is still alive and well! Going from friends to lovers definitely strengthens your emotional connection. You get to work on your emotional connection and get to know each other at a fundamental level before life gets too complicated!
To be honest, I think it’s pretty rare that people find their “one and only” in high school. I still sometimes think of it as some kind of fluke or "luck" that I did. Adolescence is steeped in awkwardness and hormones. But there are couples who meet during that time of change and confusion who find — and stay in — love. Letysha and Eddie, may God continue to bless your union, give you exciting, amazing experiences and above all, make you fall in love with each other over and over again! ♥ #MeetTheRosarios2017
