As the applause subsided, we continued with the ceremony. My husband and I exchanged our vows, promising to support each other in sickness and in health, through trials and triumphs. And when the officiant finally pronounced us husband and wife, the joy and love in the room felt palpable.

In that moment, I realized that our wedding day was not just about a celebration of our union, but a testament to the power of love and community. Against all odds, it turned into a day of unexpected resolve and redemption, and I felt grateful for every challenge that had brought us to this moment.