It’s been just days since Patton Oswalt tied the knot with actress Meredith Salenger on November 4, and the comedian is now sharing his heart about why he decided to remarry so soon after the sudden passing of his first wife, Michelle McNamara. In a candid conversation with People, Patton, 48, opened up about the emotional journey that led him to this point. “It feels like an evolution,” he said. “After the darkness, I went through every possible way to strengthen myself to try and recognize joy again. Meredith was like a beacon of light that I had to reach for.”

Patton and Meredith, 47, made their engagement official back in early July, a mere 15 months after the The King of Queens star tragically lost his beloved wife, Michelle, in April 2016. The couple had been happily married since September 2005 and welcomed their daughter, Alice Rigney Oswalt, now 8, in April 2009. Michelle’s untimely passing in her sleep at the age of 46 was due to a previously undiagnosed heart condition combined with prescription medication. Today, Patton and Meredith believe Michelle played a part in bringing them together from the beyond.

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What’d you guys do yesterday? (Photo @jeffvespa)
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How Patton and Meredith Found Love Amid Grief

Meredith shared her own story of how their connection began with People. “When I first started chatting with Patton on Facebook, it was just some light, witty banter. It didn’t mean much at first, but as I got to know him better, I looked up Michelle on Facebook and realized we had about 15 mutual friends,” she explained. “One of them was my best friend since seventh grade. I called her and asked her to tell me about Michelle. She had been best friends with Michelle after college, and she said, ‘I loved her. She’s amazing. She’s so funny and smart.’ When I met Patton and Alice, it just felt so right. I never thought I’d get married again, but then I fell madly in love.”

Michelle's Family Approves of the Union

Patton admitted that Michelle’s family has been incredibly supportive of his new relationship with Meredith. “It just felt like worlds were connecting and everything was okay again,” he said. “We’re still floating on this other level that we’ve been on since the day we met. I’ve only ever felt that level of joy once before in my life, and it was so profound and perfect it felt almost greedy to ever wish for it again. But I did, and now all I can do is show Meredith a level of gratitude and love that’s greater than the joy she’s brought me, and my daughter Alice. Because this is a new level of joy, and a new life, and I’ll always strive to deserve it.”

patton oswalt wife michelle mcnamara getty images

Patton and his late wife, Michelle, in December 2011.

Confirming the Marriage on Instagram

A few days ago, the couple confirmed their marriage via Instagram. Patton captioned a photo of himself, Meredith, and his daughter Alice walking down the aisle with the question, “What’d you guys do yesterday?” Meredith captioned the same picture, “True love. True happiness. Forever and always. The Oswalts. Nov. 4, 2017 — Jim Henson Studios — Los Angeles, CA.” In July, Patton and Meredith similarly announced their engagement on Instagram. “It’s official. I’m the luckiest, happiest girl in the universe!?I love you, @PattonOswalt. I love you, Alice Oswalt! #YesYesYes,” Meredith captioned a series of photos showing off her engagement ring.