A courthouse makes it legal—but a room full of people who love you? That’s what makes it feel like a marriage.
In this episode of The Broken Tiles Podcast, Stacey and Brian return from Syracuse, where their son’s eleven-year love story turned into one of the most joy-filled, grounded celebrations they’ve ever experienced—grandmas waving glow sticks. Cousins laughing like no time had passed. Two families folding into each other in a way that felt both official and beautifully easy.
Brian had the honor of officiating the ceremony—nontraditional, deeply personal, and written for a couple who don’t do religion but do believe in meaning, daily choice, and the kind of love that shows up in the everyday. (Yes, there was a hidden Lord of the Rings reference. And yes, only one sibling caught it.)
They reflect on what happens when estranged relatives reunite after twenty years—not to rehash the past, but to quietly begin again. They talk about why this wedding felt different, and how years of shared milestones—graduations, birthdays, cross-country visits—had already blended their families long before the music started.
After a long absence from podcasting, Brian offers a heartfelt apology to the entire country of Venezuela.....on Stacey’s behalf.
The episode also explores three relationship questions they posed to each other:
– What’s the most unexpected thing about being with me?
– I love you most when __________.
– And the one that stumped them both: Choose five words to describe my future that I don’t dare imagine.
They unpack how long-term couples stay connected: through small rituals, simple language, and navigating the quiet toll of sleep loss and mental spinning. They revisit how parenting reshaped their views on gender, why they chose gender-neutral names, and how their kids’ different life paths challenged assumptions they didn’t realize they had.
To close things out, they share their love for K-dramas like Castaway Diva and Extraordinary Attorney Woo—soft, smart, emotionally generous shows that forced them to slow down and reset.
If you're in the mood for a thoughtful, funny, grounded listen about weddings that heal, families that try again, and the questions that get under the surface—this one’s for you.
Press play, then share your answers to the big questions—or the bridge you’re thinking about rebuilding. And don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and pass this along to someone who loves a good reunion story.
