Celebrating Our First Year of Marriage: Superlatives, Memories, and Lessons Learned

Wedding Photography: Michelle Lindsay Photography

Exactly one year ago today, at this very moment, I was at my wedding venue, eagerly preparing for our wedding day. The surreal feeling of getting my hair and makeup done, anticipating the biggest day of our lives, is still vivid in my memory. It truly is hard to believe that twelve months have already flown by since that magical day.

Many people often suggest that the first year of marriage is the most challenging, a period fraught with adjustments and unforeseen hurdles. However, as I reflect on the past year, I find myself disagreeing with this sentiment entirely. While this journey has certainly been filled with significant milestones and substantial life changes – including Connor’s graduation from medical school and our exciting move to Chicago, among many other adventures – I don’t perceive it as “hard” in the way some describe. On the contrary, I feel a profound sense of groundedness and contentment, more settled than I ever have before.

Perhaps it’s due to the incredible foundation we’ve built over the years; this may be our first wedding anniversary, but it marks our eleventh year together as a couple. Or perhaps it’s a combination of countless other factors. Regardless, this first year of married life has been an exceptionally exciting, memorable, and transformative period in so many wonderful ways. It’s a testament to our bond and shared journey.

To celebrate this special milestone, I thought it would be a fun and engaging way to encapsulate our experiences by putting together a list of “superlatives” from our inaugural year as husband and wife. The best part of this exercise? I provided Connor with the categories, and we each wrote down our answers independently. We then eagerly compared our lists at the end, and to our delight, there was quite a bit of overlap, highlighting just how in sync we often are!

Biggest Milestone

Me: For me, the single biggest milestone of our first year was undoubtedly packing up our entire lives, leaving behind our familiar surroundings in Washington D.C., and embarking on our new chapter by moving to Chicago. It represented a huge leap of faith and a thrilling start to our married life in a brand-new city. The process was immense, but the sense of adventure and building a new home together was incomparable.

Connor: Without a doubt, graduating from medical school and officially becoming a doctor was my most significant milestone. It was the culmination of years of intense hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. Even now, whenever I introduce myself as “Dr. King,” it still feels incredibly surreal and takes a moment to fully sink in, marking a profound shift in my professional identity and responsibilities.

Hardest Challenge

Me: My biggest challenge was certainly starting completely fresh in a new city. After spending over two decades in the D.C. area, relocating forced us both far outside our comfort zones. While it has been undeniably tough at times to be so far from family and our established support network, this experience has also been incredibly rewarding. It’s pushed us to explore, adapt, and grow, and I’ve truly fallen in love with the vibrant energy and opportunities Chicago offers.

Connor: For me, the most difficult challenge has been learning how to truly decompress and switch off from work. The transition from medical student to resident felt akin to being thrown into the deep end of a vast ocean. The constant responsibility means I’m frequently checking in on patients, even when I’m not physically at the hospital. As the year has progressed, I’ve been consciously trying to improve my ability to step back, unwind, and fully disconnect, which is crucial for mental well-being in such a demanding profession.

Most Memorable Trip

Me & Connor: We both unequivocally agree on this one: our unforgettable safari honeymoon trip to the Okavango Delta in Botswana. The sheer majesty of the landscape, the untouched nature, and the incredible abundance of wildlife were so stunning that words and photos barely scratch the surface of the experience. Our very first day on safari was utterly surreal, an incredible and profoundly humbling encounter with the wild. Connor specifically remembers one day tracking three magnificent lions across miles and miles of the vast Okavango Delta. The immense scale and remote beauty of the delta were breathtaking. There’s truly nothing quite like witnessing these magnificent animals in their natural habitat and, in those moments, feeling a thrilling mix of awe and vulnerability, as if we were the intriguing spectacle – or perhaps, the next potential meal!

Best Bite

Me & Connor: Another unanimous decision! The ‘go takara’ roll at Momotaro Chicago. This was not just a meal; it was an experience. Each of the six meticulously crafted sushi pieces offered a completely distinct and exquisite flavor profile, a symphony for the taste buds. We both agree we could have easily devoured about five of those rolls each. It was an unforgettable culinary highlight of our year.

Favorite Wedding Photo

Connor: Our wedding day felt like a beautiful, joyous blur. Among the whirlwind of emotions and celebrations, this particular moment during our first dance stands out as incredibly special. Even though every eye in the room was on us, in that instant, it felt like it was just the two of us, completely lost in each other. As sentimental as it may sound, that’s precisely how she makes me feel, even when we’re in the most crowded room.

Me: While perhaps not the most traditionally “flattering” shot, this photo perfectly encapsulates the true essence of our wedding day for me. It radiates pure love, immense joy, infectious laughter, and an overwhelming sense of unadulterated happiness. It’s an authentic capture of the emotions that defined our celebration.

Inspiring Read

Me & Connor: We both independently chose When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. This powerful memoir deeply resonated with both of us, albeit for slightly different reasons. For Connor, as someone in the medical field, there was so much in the book that he could directly relate to, offering profound insights into life, death, and the human spirit. It served as a poignant reminder to cherish good health and family every single day. For me, the narrative was so compelling and emotionally gripping that I read the entire book in one sitting, unable to put it down. It’s a truly moving and thought-provoking read that left a lasting impact.

Most Valuable Lesson

Me: The most valuable lesson I’ve learned this year is the importance of trusting my instincts and, equally crucial, learning how to confidently say no. It’s been a journey of self-discovery, understanding my boundaries, and empowering myself to make choices that truly align with my well-being and priorities, rather than constantly feeling obligated.

Connor: My most significant lesson has been the imperative not to take anything for granted. This lesson has been reinforced repeatedly through my experiences in medicine, where I witness the fragility of life and the unexpected turns it can take. It’s a constant reminder to appreciate every moment, every person, and every blessing we have.

Guilty-Pleasure Purchase

Me & Connor: Our espresso machine! This was another delightful match. For me, it was a lifelong dream; I literally wanted an espresso machine since I was three years old (no exaggeration!). Part of me initially questioned its practicality for two people who consume a lot of coffee, but it has proven to be incredibly worthwhile. I technically use it more regularly than almost any other appliance in our kitchen, making it a truly valuable investment. Connor wholeheartedly agrees; he admits it’s transformed him into a bit of a coffee snob, but he can’t deny that fresh espresso and homemade cappuccinos are an absolutely incredible daily indulgence.

Scariest Moment

Me & Connor: This moment is etched into our memories, vivid and terrifying for both of us. During our honeymoon, we were on safari in the Okavango Delta when our safari vehicle was charged and ultimately flipped by an agitated elephant. The suddenness and sheer power of the encounter were shocking. I distinctly recall the surge of fear, but also Connor’s incredible level-headedness and calm demeanor throughout the ordeal. His medical training undoubtedly played a role in how he handled the immediate aftermath. I honestly believe that if he hadn’t reacted with such composure, the outcome could have been drastically different. To this day, I still get chills and goosebumps just thinking about that harrowing moment, and I constantly marvel at how incredibly lucky we were to emerge completely unharmed. Connor still remembers the chilling realization that we were being charged and there was no way to escape in time. He, too, remains amazed at our good fortune.

Favorite Chicago Spot

Connor: This is a tough choice because Chicago has so many amazing places! But if I have to pick one, I love the unparalleled view of downtown Chicago from the Adler Planetarium. The walk along the lakefront to get there is always a treat, offering stunning perspectives of the city skyline. I’m really looking forward to revisiting it once the warmer weather fully arrives.

Me: My favorite Chicago spot tends to change quite regularly as I explore more of the city, but my current top pick is a wonderfully funky coffee shop in our neighborhood called Sawada Coffee. They serve these absolutely incredible military lattes, a unique concoction made with matcha tea, a shot of espresso, vanilla syrup, and a dusting of cocoa powder. They are dangerously addictive and, admittedly, not very wallet-friendly, but entirely worth it. More importantly, the space itself is fantastic for people-watching and offers the perfect atmosphere for an occasional work-from-home day, blending creativity and comfort.

Thing I’m Most Looking Forward To

Me: Without a doubt, I’m most looking forward to summer in Chicago! The city truly comes alive during the warmer months, with an abundance of festivals, outdoor activities, and vibrant energy happening everywhere. Despite the fact that it snowed just 24 hours ago as I write this, I feel incredibly fortunate that our first winter in Chicago was relatively mild and uneventful. It provided a gentle and welcoming introduction to living here, and now I’m ready to experience the legendary Chicago summer in full swing.

Connor: I have just one more week of vacation remaining before I dive into my second year of orthopaedic residency, which is notoriously considered the hardest year. Laura and I are planning a short, relaxing local trip to a cozy bed & breakfast in Michigan for a much-needed weekend getaway. It will be wonderful to escape the city, decompress, and explore some new areas of the Midwest before the demanding schedule of residency kicks in again. It’s the perfect way to recharge for what lies ahead.

Reflecting on our first year of marriage through these superlatives has been a truly heartwarming exercise. It reinforces how much we’ve grown, learned, and experienced together, solidifying our bond through both profound challenges and unforgettable joys. We are incredibly excited for all the adventures the future holds and look forward to many more years of shared memories.