Two Years of Love, Laughter, and Learning: Our Second Wedding Anniversary Superlatives

Photography: Michelle Lindsay

April 11, 2017. A date forever etched in our memories. Exactly two years ago, Connor and I woke up to the gentle hum of our alarm clocks, signaling the start of our wedding day. There was a palpable mix of nerves and exhilaration as we anticipated the beautiful journey ahead, eager to embark on a new chapter of married life.

Today, the scene is strikingly different yet equally magical. We find ourselves speeding through the scenic Japanese countryside aboard a bullet train, hurtling towards Kyoto at an impressive 175 miles per hour. Every few moments, the window frames a breathtaking tableau of blooming cherry blossom trees, their delicate petals a familiar and poignant reminder of our special day. To celebrate our second wedding anniversary amidst such serene beauty, enveloped by the very blossoms that graced our wedding photos, feels incredibly special, surreal, and truly unforgettable.

Last year, I spontaneously decided to share a wedding anniversary superlative post, a fun and introspective way to reflect on our first year. It proved to be such a delightful tradition that I’ve decided to continue it! Today, we’re sharing another collection of eleven superlatives, a blend of lighthearted and profound reflections, to commemorate this past year and our wonderful second year of marriage. As before, Connor and I wrote our answers separately, and much to our amusement, common themes emerged once again: delicious food, our beloved dog Marley, and, inevitably, more amazing food.

Most Vivid Wedding Moment:

Laura: I vividly recall the mild panic that set in at the beginning of that wedding week. Washington, DC had experienced an unseasonably cold spell, and ominous rain warnings threatened our outdoor ceremony plans. While not catastrophic in the grand scheme of life, for a bride envisioning an open-air celebration, rain can certainly cast a shadow. Miraculously, the weather cleared just in time; the sky became utterly cloudless, and the cherry blossoms—which typically bloom in late March—alongside the daffodils, were in magnificent full bloom. At one point, while we were posing for our wedding photos, it was literally raining cherry blossom petals around us. The image is crystal clear in my mind, a truly magical and most cherished memory from that incredible day.

Connor: My most vivid memory is undoubtedly taking our wedding photos surrounded by falling cherry blossom petals. It felt like something out of a dream, a perfectly serendipitous moment. It’s a moment that comes back to me whenever I see cherry blossoms, and it feels incredibly fitting that we are celebrating this anniversary right here in Japan, experiencing the cherry blossom peak bloom all over again.

Guilty Pleasure Purchase:

Connor: Without a doubt, it’s spoiling Marley in every conceivable way. This has escalated to the point where we booked him the presidential suite at the dog kennel during our travels, complete with webcam access so we could check in on him. We’ve officially become “those” people, but honestly, there’s no guilt in seeing how happy it makes him (and us!).

Laura: I finally took the plunge and invested in a 24-70 mm lens for my camera earlier this year. Despite its formidable size and weight, making it a bit of a “beast” to carry, it has proven to be an incredibly versatile and invaluable companion for all my amazing travel experiences this past year. From the rugged beauty of Alaska to the dramatic landscapes of Iceland and the vibrant culture of Japan, this lens has captured countless memories. I haven’t regretted the purchase for a single second; it has truly elevated my photography.

Most Valuable Lesson:

Laura: To learn to relinquish some control and not be such a control freak. Okay, I admit, I’m still very much a work in progress in this area and often struggle with the urge to do *everything* myself. However, I’ve finally come to deeply appreciate the intrinsic value of my time. This realization has empowered me to focus on the aspects of my work that truly excite and energize me, and to confidently let go of—or strategically hire outside help for (which is absolutely worth the investment)—the tasks that don’t. It’s been a journey towards greater efficiency and personal satisfaction.

Connor: The paramount importance of intentionally making time for yourself amidst life’s demands. It’s something that easily gets overlooked. For me, something as simple yet profound as taking Marley for a walk after getting home from a long day at work has become incredibly therapeutic. It provides a crucial mental break, a chance to decompress, and a reminder to slow down, even if just for a few precious moments.

Favorite Moment:

Connor: Hands down, it was when we adopted Marley from the Anti-Cruelty Society back in April. We had gone there on a Saturday afternoon, inadvertently missing the adoption hour window for the day. We’d told ourselves we would wait a week, mull the decision over, and return the following weekend. However, I finished work early the very next afternoon, and when I arrived home, Laura, with her characteristic persuasive charm, convinced me that we “should just go back to see if he remembers us.” The moment we walked in, Marley’s eyes widened, and his tail started wagging furiously. At that point, it was game over. I knew there was no way we were leaving without him; he had instantly captured our hearts.

Laura: Gahh! I don’t know why I came up with such a dramatic superlative for this post, but fishing for wild Copper River salmon in Alaska might just be one of the most utterly incredible and awe-inspiring things I have ever experienced in my life. The rugged, pristine scenery was beyond description, and the thrill of participating in such a fundamental and wild harvest was exhilarating. I truly wish I could make that an annual tradition.

Most Memorable Read:

Connor: Does Surgical Exposures in Orthopaedics: The Anatomic Approach count? If we’re talking cover-to-cover, in-depth reading, then yes, this weighty tome is the only book I’ve consumed entirely these past twelve months. It’s less a pleasure read and more a foundational pillar of my residency, but undeniably memorable for its sheer volume of critical information.

Laura: Devil in the White City stands out as one of the most captivating and memorable books I’ve read all year. Its masterful intertwining of history, architecture, and a gripping narrative completely transformed my perspective of Chicago. It instilled in me a newfound and profound appreciation for the city’s intricate architectural heritage and its rich, often dark, history.

Best Bite:

Connor: I’m not entirely sure what my answer would have been even last week, but after spending three glorious days indulging in Tokyo’s culinary scene, I can definitively say the best bite was a delicate piece of uni (sea urchin) served over a crisp tempura shiso leaf at Motoyoshi. The entire meal was an extraordinary experience, but that singular bite was perfection. I especially loved how each dish was a perfectly crafted, one-bite masterpiece of the lightest tempura I have ever encountered. I honestly don’t think I’ll ever be able to have regular tempura again; my standards have been irrevocably elevated.

Laura: On our very first full day in Tokyo, we discovered an absolutely incredible restaurant called Motoyoshi for dinner, and it was an experience that will stay with me forever. The setting was as memorable as the exquisite food itself—an intimate, nine-seat establishment tucked away in a tiny basement of a building, located down an otherwise unassuming city alley. Fresh, vibrant cherry blossom branches were artfully arranged just above our heads as the master chef meticulously prepared and served us one unbelievable bite of tempura after another. Seriously, it was the lightest, most ethereal tempura you could possibly imagine! That meal has spoiled me for life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Favorite Chicago Spot:

Laura: My answer to this question is fluid and often changes depending on my mood or recent experiences, but currently, my absolute favorite spot is the vibrant West Loop neighborhood, or simply strolling along the magnificent Riverwalk downtown. Our neighborhood has undergone a dramatic transformation in the two years since we moved here, and it’s truly incredible to witness such dynamic growth right before our eyes. It feels like a new, exciting restaurant opens almost every single day, keeping the area buzzing with energy and culinary innovation.

Connor: I absolutely love walking along the Chicago Riverwalk, and even more so now that it’s been beautifully expanded and enhanced. It’s just a few blocks from our apartment, making it one of our go-to spots for walking Marley. The views are always stunning, the architecture captivating, and it offers a wonderful sense of urban tranquility, even in the heart of the city.

Favorite Thing About Dog Ownership:

Connor: Exploring new places and discovering hidden gems. Since Marley joined our family, we’ve ventured into so many previously unexplored parts of the city. He’s motivated us to seek out countless hidden parks, charming trails, and local businesses, and in doing so, we’ve met so many wonderful people and forged new connections within our community. It’s a joy to see the city through his eyes.

Laura: Honestly? All of it, truly (minus the occasional accidents, of course!). I hadn’t realized how much I missed having a dog in my life until Marley bounded into our lives last spring. He’s been an incredible source of companionship, especially during long work days, and has surprisingly made me a more patient person. He’s encouraged me to embrace long walks, even on Chicago’s dreariest and coldest days, fostering new friendships with fellow dog owners in our neighborhood, and has made me laugh more times than I can possibly count this past year. I absolutely adore that little/huge love bug.

Thing You’re Most Excited to Do/See in Japan:

Laura: The world-renowned Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. Spoiler alert: We visited it yesterday, and I can confirm it lived up to, and utterly surpassed, all of my sky-high expectations! It’s genuinely difficult to capture the experience in words alone, but the sheer energy, the vibrant sights, and the unique smells created an incredible sensory overload in the best possible way. I could have easily spent an entire day there, simply observing the bustling activity, soaking in the atmosphere, and peeking into every single stall.

Connor: Eating all the incredible food, hands down! We have quite literally eaten our way through Tokyo, savoring every bite, and I absolutely cannot wait to continue that delicious tradition here in Kyoto. Hopefully, we can intersperse our culinary adventures with a few moments of peaceful relaxation and some fascinating temple visits, but the food remains a top priority!

Biggest Challenge:

Connor: Adjusting to my second year of orthopaedic residency has been a monumental challenge. The relentless schedule often involves 90+ hour work weeks, coupled with the daily imperative to study, and the immense, added stress of operating on patients. It’s an enormous amount of responsibility to shoulder, demanding constant vigilance and a significant period of adaptation and mental fortitude. It’s a demanding but incredibly rewarding path.

Laura: The biggest challenge among many? I made the difficult decision to step back from what was once a dream project—yes, that cookbook I haven’t mentioned in months. Ultimately, it simply wasn’t the right fit for me, despite my initial excitement. While it was undeniably the correct decision—a truth that has thankfully become clearer and more reassuring with time—it was an incredibly challenging one to come to grips with in the moment. Letting go of a long-held aspiration required a great deal of introspection and courage.

Thing I’m Most Looking Forward To:

Laura: Over the next few days, I am most looking forward to losing myself in the charming streets of Kyoto, indulging in as much ramen, sushi, and incredible street food as my stomach can possibly handle. Following that, I can’t wait to enjoy one last memorable day in Tokyo before our journey back home. This entire trip has truly been the adventure of a lifetime, and I am determined to soak in every single moment as much as possible. A very close second on my list? Moving into our new apartment next week!

Connor: I’m definitely looking forward to a truly relaxing stay at our traditional ryokan on Thursday—a chance to unwind and experience authentic Japanese hospitality. What comes next is equally exciting: moving into our brand-new apartment and starting fresh in a new space!