Brandon and Aimee are celebrating their first year of marriage! You may recall that just prior to getting married, Aimee finished her masters degree while simultaneously planning a wedding ON TOP OF preparing to move to another country. Then, she and Brandon jetted off to celebrate their "I do's" in Hawaii!
Life has far from slowed down in their first 365 days as husband and wife. It has been a whirlwind of a year, filled with new jobs, more travels, milestone birthdays, and perhaps their greatest surprise - a baby on the way!
These two certainly know how to live life to the fullest and don't waste any time! We were fortunate enough to steal an evening away with them for an anniversary shoot and share dinner amidst reminiscing over year #1 as a married pair. Brandon (B) and Aimee (A) offered a generous glimpse into their personal experience as newlyweds that you do not want to miss - whether you're preparing for marriage, or you've been married for years!
What has been the best part of your first year?
A: The best part of the first year of our marriage for me has been spending time with my husband and getting to know all of his little quirks. My absolute favourite part of the day is when he comes home from work - that feeling of being reunited with the love of your life is to this day SO overwhelming - he melts me ☺ OH, also, I can't get enough of Saturday morning snuggles ☺
B: The best thing is probably the fun activities and traveling we got to do together this last year. Being pregnant is also pretty cool! But most importantly, I treasure spending quality time with my wife and building a deeper friendship with her.
A&B: BEST part of marriage ever is being able to be ourselves with each other without fear of judgement! For example, hairy legs and flatulence make us laugh and love all the more!!! #freedom ;)
What has the most surprising thing about marriage (good or bad)?
A&B: We honestly thought it was going to be way harder and have been pleasantly surprised at how smoothly our first year has gone. Don't get us wrong, we argue about silly things but when it comes to the important things we are always, by the grace of God, on the same page. We believe the only way we have been able to do this is because we both want to honor, love and bring Glory to God in everything we do and say.
A: It also helps that I have a super patient, kind and wise husband because as he likes to say, I can be a fierce fire cracker sometimes! ☺
What has been the most difficult part of being married?
A&B: Communication!!! Learning to effectively communicate has been our biggest challenge. Learning to hear each other with understanding and without jumping to conclusions about what the other meant has proven to be difficult but not impossible - remembering that we love each other and don't want to intentionally harm each other is key!
Is there anything that you wish you would have known before going into marriage?
A: I think we knew in theory what God's roles for each of us were prior to marriage but practically speaking, it took a lot of prayer, practice and patience to be submissive to my husband and for my husband to lead me! His job is way harder - I am blessed ☺
Anything else (advice/insight/encouragement) you can share with other couples entering into marriage or already married?
Don’t enter into marriage with selfish expectations. Love is about sacrifice and serving without expecting anything in return.
Our biggest rule is to never go to bed angry.
Our other biggest rule is that no matter what happens we will always come home to each other - being separated is not an option - not even in our vocabulary!
Spend time in personal devotions first and family devotions second (read the Word and pray together - husbands need to lead in this big time!)
Make sure decision making as a family is a priority - e.g. budgeting, how to spend free time, what to eat for dinner, etc. Having a plan and being on the same page is important so that you can strive towards the same goals together!
Hold hands, walk side by side, say "I love you," be affectionate - if this doesn't come naturally then practice - be intentional and protect each other from seeking intimacy outside of your marriage.
Humble yourselves and seek Godly counsel when needed.
Never speak of your spouse negatively in public - always hold them in the highest esteem - respect and honor your beloved!
Never stop dating!!!! Keep that flame alive - butterflies in your stomach don't make a relationship...it takes hard work, planning and perseverance.
Marriage is a gift from God - it is good ☺ enjoy every moment!!!
Whether you've watched this before, or this is your first time, trust us - you'll want to relive the joy of their day, their out of this world vows, the April snow shower, and their very own CASTLE for allll the feels!
The Wedding Team:
Ceremony/Reception Venue: Shakespeare's Restaurant & Pub
DJ: Magic Moments DJ Service (Scott Miser)
Florist: Posies by Patti
Cake: Carol's Cakes
Chair Covers: Pittsburgh Wedding Rentals
Decorations/Centerpieces: Decor Maxx (Canada)
Hair: Cathy Kuczma
Photography: Jenna Hidinger Photography
Videography: Dorosh Documentaries