I think the very thought that drives some people away from marriage may be the very thought that drives other to it.

That is, thinking about spending the rest of your life, committed to one person. One person. One who may be extremely lovable, beautiful, funny, WHATEVER, yet still comes complete with all their hiccups, bad habits, and inconsistencies.

One. You can only choose one.

It’s sort of like that overdone journal prompt English teachers loved to assign, back in the day. “If you could only choose one person to live on an island with, who would it be and why?” (Which, upon viewing on the white board, I almost always immediately thought my teacher was hungover.)

And so, although at the time the question seemed irrelevant, it’s virtue tails some importance, especially for us unmarried people, who have come out of the hiding and have started the seeking. Oh, and allow me to quickly clarify: I do not believe marriage should ever be an island (the isolation sounds awful), however, I believe marriage should be a sanctuary (complete with ‘island-like amenities” such as pina coladas, skinny dipping, and coconut lotion deep-tissue massages).

In time, some muster up the courage to enter that sanctuary, and ask them to be their one. This is the part that fascinates me. I am so intrigued by the choosing, and often, I sit around and wonder what separated this person from another. I watch them at the alter, or during their first dance, and curiously ponder, why, this time, was it different? Why, him, and why her?

I know this is silly, but often, I feel flattered for the person to who it is said, “I do.” I feel completely honored for the who that is vowed to. I could blush even thinking about it. Isn’t it flattering? That another person is up there, declaring YES, to only YOU.

Sometimes I leave the company of married or dating couples, and think about the (potential) why behind their yes. Sometimes it takes a while, because frankly, I am not in their sanctuary…

OH, but other times– I have no question why.

Sometimes the WHY is so obvious, it’ll hit me square in the face, if I even dare to look.

Friends, this is the case with Stephanie and Mark Davis.

I had the pleasure of photographing them from wedding from the Newport Beach Temple all the way back to the reception at her home. It was a sealing that left their guests with no questions.

Lucky for me, the sting of my curiosity didn’t last long: Why isn’t a secret either one could keep.