Happy Anniversary to us!

I remember the phone call well. It went something like, "Hey, Mom & Dad, you know how you've always wanted to go live in Ireland for a few months? Well, you'll have to visit me in Dublin, because we're MOVING there! Oh, and... you know how you're coming to visit for St. Patrick's Day weekend? We're getting MARRIED on that Saturday!" 

It's hard to believe it's been a year since I dropped that bombshell. It feels like it was just yesterday that our families traveled from near and far to convene in a tiny room in Chicago City Hall and watch us promise our lives to one another. I still remember the butterflies I felt in that little room, the tears of joy that sprung to my eyes (and his :) ), and the surrounding smiles of our loved ones. Someone up there was smiling down on us that day too, gifting us with a gorgeous rarity in March - 80 degrees and sunshine. It was simply the perfect day.

If you don't know the story already, we started packing up our apartment the day after we got married. 2 days later, we drove a U-Haul to Ohio to put our things in storage, returned to Chi town for a final going away party and offensive celebratory "Irish car bombs" shots, and moved to Ireland a week later! 

Our time as newlyweds has flown! I recall mentioning to B that we passed the 72-day mark and had beaten Kim Kardashian (which he was obviously thrilled about). Then we hit the 6 month mark. Before I knew it, St. Patrick's Day came again and we were toasting our 1 year anniversary.

And what an amazing first year of marriage it has been. Full of highs, lows, world travels, and cozy nights by the fire. We've taken countless "trips of a lifetime" and have added incredible memories to an already long list. It hasn't always been the easiest year (very different than I'd ever imagined), but I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Funny to think how hesitant I was to tell everyone we were getting married. I worried that people would judge our "shotgun" wedding of sorts, that it wouldn't be as "special" because it wasn't what I had envisioned for us. 

Well, I couldn't have been more wrong. Our family and friends were and have continued to be nothing but supportive. Not only do I think our story is more special now, but I want to shout it from the rooftops how happy and proud I am to call B my husband. I truly feel like I'm married to my best friend and biggest fan.

So, here's to our 1 year anniversary and many more to come!

And... of course, the best part is we get to do it all over again in July :)