Like many, many women, The Notebook is one of my all time favorite movies. When it came out in the theaters, I saw it three times. My arms are full of goosebumps as I type that, because I remember how moved I was by that film, and how profoundly memorable it’s been to me.

The main reason why I loved the movie so much was that at that time in my life, Matt and I weren’t together – we’d suffered yet another high school breakup, and I was devastated. I wanted to believe that we were meant to be together, and I knew in my heart that I still loved him. This movie symbolized hope, destiny, and true love to me. It made me believe that Matt and I still had a chance, and that we could find a way back to each other.

Fast forward 8 years, here we are, and we’ve been married for nearly 5 years. Like Noah and Allie, we found our way back to each other and we’ve been there ever since.

I watched The Notebook for the first time in years last week. Without fail, my heart soared and my tears fell as Noah and Allie moved mountains to be together. One of the truest and most lovely love stories of all time. [Yes, I am fully aware that it's fiction but it's so, so beautiful.]

This photo symbolizes destiny to me. It radiates hope, love, desire, and destiny. Fate. And of course, true love.