Hidden beneath the layers of everyday life lies a story of love, adventure, and the lengths one would go to express respect and affection.
In this story, a man named Ben Carpenter embarks on a secret mission to learn Korean, aiming to surprise his new wife, Sohee, and her family on their wedding day.
This act set the stage for their celebration, a momentous occasion that magnetized guests from across the world, underlining the significance of the day and the couple’s deep gratitude for everyone’s presence.
The story of Ben and Sohee isn’t your typical romance.
It’s a narrative punctuated by miles and the hurdles of an international relationship, racing from casual chats to a deep commitment against the backdrop of global pandemic travel restrictions and visa challenges.
At the heart of Ben’s journey to learn Korean lies more than a mere act of love — it’s a bridge across cultures, a heartfelt gesture to connect more deeply with Sohee’s heritage.
Despite the linguistic twists and turns, this endeavor shows Ben’s commitment to weaving their lives and legacies together, breaking through the barriers of language to honor his wife and her roots.
The emotional core of this saga shines through in Ben’s wedding speech, tracing his transformation from a lone ranger in the UK to a life shared with Sohee in the U.S.
“I spent 32 years of my life feeling totally ambivalent about marriage. And then I met Sohee, and everything changed… I immediately knew that this was something special,” Ben said.
Through his speech, Ben unraveled their shared narrative, touching on the pivotal moments and trials that have shaped their bond.
It’s a tale that captures the quintessence of their love, the hurdles surmounted, and the shared memories that have cemented their union.
Ben sweetly said in his speech:
“Sohee described our relationship brilliantly a few months ago… she said to me, ‘Do you remember when you were a kid and you had a sleepover at a friend’s house and you just stayed up late just giggling together?”
“Well, every single day with you feels like that.”
The gathering of loved ones from all corners of the Earth at their wedding highlighted the universal nature of love and the communal spirit of celebrating life’s major chapters.
This global assembly illustrated the supportive framework of community that has played a crucial role in Ben and Sohee’s life.
Ben’s heartfelt recount of their love saga, from his bold departure from England to forging a life together in California, paints a vivid tableau of their journey.
It’s a narrative teeming with emotions, sacrifices, and the joys discovered in building a life with one’s soulmate.
“Marrying her is easily the single greatest achievement of my life, and I am honored to have the privilege of spending the rest of my years striving to be the husband that she deserves,” Ben said.
Ben’s wedding speech did more than share their personal tale — it highlighted the profound impact of love, commitment, and the harmonious blend of different cultures.
Learning Korean, with all its challenges, symbolized the broader odyssey of embracing and integrating into each other’s worlds, celebrating the love, understanding, and unified lives and cultures they’ve created together.
Check out Ben’s full speech in the video below — and be sure to have some tissues ready!
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