My Dearest Zach,
It’s been 4 1/2 years since we sat down at McAlister’s on Appalachian State’s campus for our first date. I was so nervous, and I was afraid we might not have anything to talk about. Luckily for me, you just kept talking and talking, which made getting to know you really easy. I loved learning about your life, your family and friends, your passions, and your dreams.
Our First Date
I can still remember how cute you were sitting across the table from me, and I still laugh when I think about my totally awkward goodbye — you know, where I didn’t know if I should hug you, so I just gave you a quick wave as I headed to class. But hey, at least I didn’t go with the handshake 😉 I am SO glad I sent you that text telling you how much fun I had. If I didn’t, I don’t think you would have asked me out on a second date.
As time passed, I fell even more in love with everything about you. You were one of the most caring people I had ever met, and everyday with you felt like a new adventure. You were the man I knew I was going to marry, and I’ll never forget how I felt when I realized I might lose you a year into our relationship. When I made the decision to move 3000 miles across the country, I thought you might reconsider being with me. I knew it wasn’t fair to ask you to stay with me when I was moving so far away, and I remember telling you that if you wanted to get out that I would completely understand. I’ll never forget the moment you told me that you weren’t going anywhere, and that we would take it one day at a time.
Five Years Later
And here we are…almost five years later and we’re celebrating our One Year Anniversary as husband and wife. In all that time, we’ve:
Graduated from College (& you got your Master’s Degree!)
Traveled to 17 States
Visited Australia
Become an Aunt/Uncle
Bought a House
Got a New Puppy
Got Married (duh :D)
This journey with you has been an adventure, and there’s no one else I’d rather have by my side. So thank you for sharing every single day of this crazy, unpredictable, and blessed life with me. Thank you for buying me flowers when I’m having a tough day; for giving me hugs when I’m stressed and overwhelmed; for sticking with me through my busy season even though it means working a lot of late nights. You are the most amazing and caring husband, and I’m so thankful that I get to go through this crazy, beautiful life by your side. Happy Anniversary, sweetheart! Here’s to many, many more!
Photography by Hope Taylor Photography
I love this – how beautiful that you have spent so many wonderful years together and it still makes you giddy thinking about the first date – I’ll have to check out where I can find pictures of your puppy #crazydogstalker lol
Wow, these are stunning, they are so lucky to have such a fabulous photographer!
This is so so sweet.. I love reading more about the girl behind the business!
Love all the milestones in those first few years! Always amazing to look back and see all you’ve done together!
Your smiles say it all! What an amazing wedding day for the both of you and happy anniversary! Its always an accomplishment filled with love to celebrate these milestones!
Oh my gosh so sweet! It’s so fun to be able to look back on the beginning parts of a relationship. Happy Annoversary!
Such a sweet post!! And happy anniversary!
Your smile tells the story of a happy day! Love all of these!
Congratulations guys. You will have so many more adventures over the lifetime!
Such a sweet post! Wishing you two the best, Happy 1 year anniversary!
Oh this is just the sweetest! Happy Anniversary <3
What incredibly sweet sentiments! And it’s so sweet to see him tear up. Lovely wedding pictures!