D Weddings celebrates unions of couples of all races, faiths, cultures, and orientations. To celebrate Pride Month, we’re catching up with a few couples from our favorite LGBTQ+ weddings from over the years. Merrit Cowden and Annie Bures wed on October 6, 2019, and they are currently transitioning into their next stage of life—parenthood! Follow along as the couple reflects on what they love most about married life and what their union has meant to them.

How long have you been married?

Three years. Four in October!

How has life changed since getting married? 

We moved to Fort Worth and now have a baby. We made it through Covid-19 together, including career changes as a result of the pandemic. We are learning how to navigate busy work schedules while parenting our 10-month-old son, Bishop. Merrit’s parents also live in Fort Worth now and have been a huge help with taking care of Bishop.

How is it the same?

We still love having friends over to watch college football and spending time with family. We just returned from a family trip to Europe that was delayed three years dues to Covid! We are both boomerang employees, so despite job changes, we are both back at our original companies.

What has being married meant to you?

Marriage means committing ourselves each day to a lifelong friendship. Marriage has ups and downs, and everyday we choose to invest in our marriage. We are lucky to enjoy spending time with each other more than anyone else.

What would you tell your younger self about the life she’d one day have?

Life is always surprising and new. Don’t worry so much about a five-year plan or career goals. Just do what works for your family, and the rest will follow.

What marriage advice do you have for other couples? Anything specific you’d want to say to other same-sex couples starting out on their marriage journey?

Be patient and forgiving. Every marriage is unique, so you have to do what works for you. When things are challenging, remember why you got married and give each other the benefit of the doubt.

For other same-sex couples, I think the key is to own the choices that you make for your family. You will find people that don’t care if you’re two girls or two guys, and that is such a freeing feeling. And if you decide to become parents, you’re in the same boat as every other parent, so it really is a unifying experience.