I was born and raised in New York City, the epicenter of that liberal bubble everyone is so fond of talking about this week. I supported Hillary Clinton. I saw her victory as a foregone conclusion. As I watched the electoral map turn overwhelmingly red on Tuesday night, I felt a range of emotions. None of them were good.
But as I try to figure out how to go forward, there's one thing I am trying to remember: Love is actually all around us. Did I steal that line from a movie? Possibly. But right now, I need it to be true.
So to make sure that it is, we went to the happiest, most loving place we could think of: The Marriage Bureau in downtown Manhattan. There, we met 10 couples who had just tied the knot. Click through to see the photos and read their sweet messages of love, respect, and hope — three things we could all use more of right now.
Amanda & Daniel
"[The election] has been a damper, but we decided to infuse a little love into the situation. Love is what keeps us together. It’s hate that divides us and we’ve got to keep loving and love each other."
Photographed by Erin Yamagata.
Brittany & Hector
"It’s important to remember that love is the most important thing. Spread love."
Photographed by Erin Yamagata.
Athanasia & John
"Anything that unifies people is great. Love really trumps hate. This is what it really means."
Photographed by Erin Yamagata.
Nana & Martin
"Love is all we have. Just hold onto it."
Photographed by Erin Yamagata.
Melanie & Zacharie
"It’s just you for me."
Photographed by Rachel Cabitt.
Aoife & Tony
"She really is the missing piece of my jigsaw puzzle."
Photographed by Rachel Cabitt.
Huang & Gao
"After 10 years, it just feels natural. We come from China, where we cannot get married, so it’s a special and symbolic thing to do. November 11 is a special day in China and today is 11/11 in China."
Photographed by Rachel Cabitt.
Jadalynne & Alex
"The world needs some love. We have ours, so that works for me."
Photographed by Rachel Cabitt.
Eric & Natalie
"Love is magical. You can’t find love everywhere. When you finally find the right person, make sure you keep them."
Photographed by Rachel Cabitt.
Verena & Tom
"Love is a really special thing. When you find it, you feel very lucky."
Photographed by Rachel Cabitt.
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