A Year of Being Mrs. Branch
Well, it's official, I'm an old married woman!...and I couldn't be happier about it. Today is my official one year anniversary. Around this time last year, I was heading to the salon that Ben and I bumped into each other at after losing touch to get my hair and makeup done for our big day. I am attempting not to be cheesy or sappy, but frankly, I don't give a damn if you think I am. I feel like Elf, "I'm in love, I'm in love and I don't care who knows it!"
Ben and I were fortunate enough to spend some time in National Harbor to celebrate our anniversary on Tuesday evening. We reflected on our first year over dinner. Most people tell you that marriage doesn't change things. I would agree with that in the aspect that it doesn't fix your problems or turn you into a monster; however, there is this sense of security that you just don't experience when you're simply "dating" or "living together." There is also a status change that makes you feel more like a team than just two people moving through life at their own pace. It's pretty fantastic. In this past year, we have been through some huge ups (the actual getting married part and finding out we would be expecting our first baby) and then a gigantic down (the miscarriage of said baby). I am so thankful that my husband supported me through that whole process...and still does when I'm struggling. Although I wish it hadn't gone down this way, I am thankful that we've had a year to just be married and be with each other. God blessed us with a relationship that is strong enough to weather a lot of storms and that makes me incredibly happy.
I am currently reading Amy Poehler's Yes Please and she says "Most of my thirties were spent married without children, which is a state of affairs I highly recommend most people try for a while. Married and without children means you can go on vacations with other childless couples. You can eat in any restaurant at any time and have conversations about interesting things." I appreciated this statement more than she may know. My whole life, I have been in a rush to grow up, be in a relationship, have kids, have a successful career, buy a home, etc. etc. etc. I need to pause and slow down and just enjoy where I'm at. Although Ben and I probably have 2 friends that are "childless," it certainly is nice to be able to go out to dinner whenever we want and talk about whatever we want and just be with each other. This is time that I need to cherish.
There was a time two years ago when I wasn't sure if Ben and I would make it. We were in a dark place and it was tough, but we took a pause. We hit the reset button and I am incredibly happy that it has worked out for the best. I love this man more than I could ever express and even though marriage is not a fairy tale and it's not as glamorous as they might want you to think (there's morning breath and farts and dirty clothes and tears), it is so worth it...the unconditional love, the person to be with at the end of the day, the smiles, the laughter, the built in dinner date! I can't wait to see what the future will bring for us and I absolutely love being "Mrs. Branch!"
*Photo Credit: Alison E. Curtis Photography (If you need family photos or a wedding photographer and you're in Southern Maryland, she's awesome!)
Ben and I were fortunate enough to spend some time in National Harbor to celebrate our anniversary on Tuesday evening. We reflected on our first year over dinner. Most people tell you that marriage doesn't change things. I would agree with that in the aspect that it doesn't fix your problems or turn you into a monster; however, there is this sense of security that you just don't experience when you're simply "dating" or "living together." There is also a status change that makes you feel more like a team than just two people moving through life at their own pace. It's pretty fantastic. In this past year, we have been through some huge ups (the actual getting married part and finding out we would be expecting our first baby) and then a gigantic down (the miscarriage of said baby). I am so thankful that my husband supported me through that whole process...and still does when I'm struggling. Although I wish it hadn't gone down this way, I am thankful that we've had a year to just be married and be with each other. God blessed us with a relationship that is strong enough to weather a lot of storms and that makes me incredibly happy.
I am currently reading Amy Poehler's Yes Please and she says "Most of my thirties were spent married without children, which is a state of affairs I highly recommend most people try for a while. Married and without children means you can go on vacations with other childless couples. You can eat in any restaurant at any time and have conversations about interesting things." I appreciated this statement more than she may know. My whole life, I have been in a rush to grow up, be in a relationship, have kids, have a successful career, buy a home, etc. etc. etc. I need to pause and slow down and just enjoy where I'm at. Although Ben and I probably have 2 friends that are "childless," it certainly is nice to be able to go out to dinner whenever we want and talk about whatever we want and just be with each other. This is time that I need to cherish.
There was a time two years ago when I wasn't sure if Ben and I would make it. We were in a dark place and it was tough, but we took a pause. We hit the reset button and I am incredibly happy that it has worked out for the best. I love this man more than I could ever express and even though marriage is not a fairy tale and it's not as glamorous as they might want you to think (there's morning breath and farts and dirty clothes and tears), it is so worth it...the unconditional love, the person to be with at the end of the day, the smiles, the laughter, the built in dinner date! I can't wait to see what the future will bring for us and I absolutely love being "Mrs. Branch!"
*Photo Credit: Alison E. Curtis Photography (If you need family photos or a wedding photographer and you're in Southern Maryland, she's awesome!)
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