One Year

I know I have so much to catch you all up on, but I had to come out of blog hibernation today to marvel at the fact that exactly one year ago, I woke up early in the morning to the sound of raindrops to...

Put on this dress

 

Then go to this place

 

Where I met this guy

So that after five years of mostly ups and a few downs, we could finally do this

And this

Then eat this

Do some of this

And, of course, plenty of this

 

I cannot believe how fast this year has gone by.  It feels like it was just a few months ago that I was frantically wrapping bridesmaid gifts, waiting anxiously for our vendors to start arriving, trying not to get carsick in the limo on the way to the venue, and swallowing my tears as the string quartet began to play the processional.  I still have bouts of the giggles from time to time when I think about the fact that I'm married, or refer to Colby as my husband.  It still feels very shiny and new, but at the same time it feels like it's just always been this way.

So many people warned me that the first year of marriage would be the hardest, but all I can say is that the past year has been one of the easiest and happiest of my life.  We conquered a mountain of milestones together--our first Christmas and New Year's as a married couple on our own, an international vacation with zero bloodshed and very little squabbling, as well as a four and a half month long deployment and an exciting homecoming.

Over this next year, I want to work on really appreciating the amazing husband that I was lucky enough to land, and not taking for granted his presence in my life.  I'm going to try to soften some of my sharper words when I'm frustrated, and not lose my patience so quickly in stressful situations.  We have big changes looming in our future as the end of our time in Washington grows nearer and as we both work toward completing our graduate degrees.  I'm so glad that Colby is the one in my life that will be there with me through everything, and whether the year ahead of us is as smooth as the last or filled with more challenges, I'm looking forward to another 365 days together, and then another after that, and another after that, and... well, I think you see where I'm going with this.  Happy Anniversary, Colby, I love you more every day, and I can't wait to see where the future takes us!

Comments

[shani]

Wow, you have a healthy outlook on marriage. Same old Angel!! Congrats to you both!!

[Miriam]

Congratulations dude! It's so fun to get over the one year mark! May you have many more wonderful years. :)

[Cat]

I know exactly what you mean. We just had our first anniversary, too, and it went so smoothly... and SO quickly.

It's been fun to compare notes, too. Can't wait to see what next year brings!

[Becky]

I just love looking at your photos, you look like a supermodel!

Congratulations on the 1 year - Mitch and I were married on 12/15/2007, so it's getting close for us too.
:) Becky

[wordnerd]

This was absolutely beautiful, Angela. It truly moved me to tears -- you had such a beautiful wedding and you have such an incredible outlook on life.

Congrats to you both!

[katelin]

aw congratulations! and here's to many more years for you and colby :)

[Operation Pink Herring]

Happy anniversary!

[Caro]

Your wedding was such a magical day and I'm so happy I was able to be a part of it! Happy Anniversary to you and Colby and best wishes for many, many more :) Hugs!

[AshleyD]

Your pictures are gorgeous!!!

[A Super Girl]

Happy Anniversary! So glad you've had such a great year together, here's to many more!!!!

[rialeilani]

aw congrats! your wedding looks like it was both beautiful and fun!! :)

[Jessica]

OMG your dress is amazing. What great pictures. I love them. Happy Anniversary

[janet]

happy anniversary! and many more to come :)

[Anonymous G]

(girly squeal)

Happy Anniversary!!

My gosh, Ang...after all the growing up and what you went through to really find each other (I was there (sort of) you know?), you're now married to each other and celebrating your first anniversary!

:-)

This was a lovely post.

(((((Angela)))))

i luvs ya
xoxo

[Jass]

What a beautiful post Angela! And it's amazing how fast this year has gone by! What a good reminder to enjoy more each day, and not take anything for granted. I'm realizing this more each day.

Congratulations on your 1st Anniversary! And many, many more to come!

[Annie]

Happy anniversary and I'm glad Colby made it home safe and sound! :)

[Celia]

Congratulations and Happy Anniversary!

[Mandy]

Happy Anniversary! And many more to come!!

Did you eat the top layer of your wedding cake?

[sophie]

What a wonderful post that encapsulates your day. I can't believe it has been a year already. Congratulations.

[Fraulein N]

Happy Anniversary!

[Becky]

Aww...so sweet. I'm glad you two have each other :)

[La Petite Chic]

Happy first anniversary to you two! Your dress was absolutely gorgeous and you looked stunning!

[Melissa]

Congrats love on your first anniversary. I love you both and am still so sad that I never made it to see you on your most special day. This year has been a whirlwind for both of you and my wish for you this year . . . nothing but love, light and happiness.

[E.P.]

Aww, love it! Those photos of y'all are fantastic. Congrats on a year! Here's to many more!

(And, something random: My good friend got married at the same place!)