As a long-time beardo, I can tell you that there's a period of 'sharpness' after you shave, or even get a trim, that is harsh for kissing. It lasts a week or two and then the beard hair softens somewhat and doesn't cause very much, if any, irritation. I have a pretty coarse beard, too, speaking for myself.
The key to getting your significant other to like your beard, I've found, is to have it for a very long time. Then you shave it all off suddenly, and your partner is horrified by the freakish stranger that's suddenly standing before them. They'll be very happy when the beard grows back. Sometimes known as the 'Will Riker Effect' so named for the queasy reaction one gets when they see the shaven Riker from season one of Star Trek The Next Generation after becoming comfortable with the bearded version.