Blink.
Just like that, the first anniversary has come and gone. 365+ days of being married are in the books. I’ve made one trip around the sun being able to fall asleep next to the man I love every night of it. Everyone told us time flies and not to blink, but I did and here we are!
I cannot express how happy I am that we have photos that capture this time in our lives of one year as husband and wife. Our engagement/wedding photographer Michael of Michael Rizza Photography and his girlfriend Haley were so kind and offered us a photo shoot to mark one year married, which we happily accepted! The photos we have received from them in the past have always been beautiful (view engagement here and wedding here,) and this time was no exception. 
While at dinner with them after shooting, they asked Derick and I what the biggest lesson we learned from being married a year was, and it got me thinking on what a year together married had taught me. Derick and I both agreed that our first year together had been very easy, happy and full of love. Despite the crazier end of our first year with all the moving and uncertainty (which certainly was a stressor and brought out the worst in us, me in particular, at times), I feel as if none of it could outweigh the good and happiness that this year has brought us, which I am so grateful for. But even in the easiness and happiness there are lessons to be learned.
Outfit details: Dress- Target (on clearance for $20!), Sandals- David’s Bridal (my wedding sandals!), Chambray Shirt: Old Navy, White Jeans: Old Navy, Shoes: Kohl’s.
I’ve heard it said before that marriage is like a mirror being held up to yourself. You see everything: the good, the bad, the ugly. And that couldn’t ring truer for me even in a year of incredible happiness and ease. Marriage, even in the good moments, shows you your weaknesses, your short-comings, your areas that could use improvement, simply by witnessing your partners strengths that may not match yours! And though they were few, the difficult moments certainly showed me my flaws and how to improve when I set my pride aside and let them. Derick has a positivity and optimism under stress and pressure that I definitely do not possess, try as I might! He also has a very go-with-the-flow attitude at times versus me being uptight about sticking to a schedule or plan to the point of letting it affect my mood or ruin an enjoyable moment.
All this to say that, if you let it, marriage will make you a better person. Never perfect, but better. By exposing your flaws, weaknesses, areas that need work, it can refine you. By being “one” with another person, your selfishness and being set in your ways is challenged. I believe that marriage is a calling in life, something that God calls certain hearts to. And while your calling will often bring you immense joy, the challenges that come with it are ultimately there to make you a better version of yourself, and much happier at that. I am so thankful I was called to spend this life with my best friend, my love, and cannot wait to see what the next years together teach me and hold in store for us! ❤️
I would love to know lessons you’ve learned from marriage, feel free to comment and share your experiences and wisdom!
Love,
Konnor with a K
Konnor with a K 