As the magical “Wedding Week” draws to a close, we are absolutely thrilled to share the heartfelt culmination of our annual celebration. This year, our anniversary wasn’t just another date on the calendar; it was a vibrant tapestry woven with cherished traditions, delightful new experiences, and deeply personal reflections on our journey together. We’re excited to pull back the curtain and reveal every detail: from the nostalgic locations we revisited and the culinary delights that honored our past, to the thoughtfully chosen gifts that spoke volumes, and how we lovingly expanded our growing collection of sweet mementos that adorn our home. Join us as we recount an anniversary truly dedicated to celebrating love, family, and the beautiful memories we continue to create.
Our anniversary festivities always begin with a delightful dive into some of our most beloved photographic traditions. On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, we embarked on a nostalgic trip down to Richmond’s charming Carytown district. Our primary destination? A treasured visit to our absolute go-to photo booth, nestled within the iconic New York Deli. This quaint little booth has become a sentimental landmark for us, capturing snippets of our love story through the years. This particular visit was extra special, marking Clara’s very first photo booth experience. Her wide-eyed wonder and infectious giggles were utterly heartwarming, and she loved it so much that we simply couldn’t resist grabbing a second strip, brimming with her innocent joy. These freshly minted photo strips now proudly reside on a designated shelf in our dining area, joining a growing gallery of all our previous strips from other significant days gone by – a collection we enthusiastically showcased in Wednesday’s post. Each strip tells a story, a tangible reminder of moments shared and laughter echoed, evolving with our family through the years.
While our dining area boasts a vibrant display of photo booth strips, we realized we hadn’t yet shown you another equally precious collection of anniversary photos that grace our bedroom. Tucked away on the elegant ottoman near our full-length mirror, you’ll find a series of small, beautifully framed pictures. These aren’t just any photos; they are our annual anniversary portraits, carefully taken to capture the essence of each passing year. This tradition began on our first anniversary, and our plan is to diligently add one new photo each year, eventually envisioning this heartwarming collection migrating to a dedicated wall, creating a dynamic visual timeline of our marriage. In the leftmost photo, from our very first anniversary, you can even spot us proudly holding the cupcakes we had thoughtfully frozen from our wedding day, to be savored precisely 365 days later. It might sound unconventional, but we can attest – they were actually pretty good, a sweet taste of our wedding day, a year on.
To faithfully continue our beloved anniversary “portrait” tradition, immediately after our delightful photo strip session, we returned home. Despite the lingering summer heat, we bravely ventured into our backyard to snap a few more pictures. This year, however, brought a delightful and essential addition to our annual documentation: our sweet Clara! With the clever use of a sturdy tripod and the trusty auto-timer button on our new camera, we managed to capture some truly candid and heartwarming family moments. These portraits are particularly special as they reflect the evolution of our family, showing not just Sherry and me, but also the vibrant presence of our little one. The backyard, where many of our life’s significant moments have unfolded, served as the perfect, intimate backdrop for these cherished family photos, freezing a beautiful moment in our ever-growing narrative.
Among the many shots we captured, we found ourselves particularly drawn to this one, with the beautiful arch under which we exchanged our vows standing proudly in the foreground. This arch, now a permanent fixture in our backyard, serves as a powerful symbol of our commitment and the foundation of our family. Including it in our anniversary portrait added an extra layer of meaning, a visual anchor to the sacred promises we made to each other on that unforgettable day. It’s a wonderful reminder of where our journey began, and how far we’ve come, now with Clara by our side, nestled safely within the embrace of our love and our shared history.
After the camera shutters clicked their last, it was time for the truly anticipated, all-important anniversary meal. We take great pleasure in crafting unique culinary experiences each year that resonate with significant moments in our shared history. For our first anniversary, we lovingly recreated our exact wedding menu, savoring each dish and reliving that magical day. Our second anniversary saw us dining at the very spot of our rehearsal dinner, a place imbued with joyful anticipation (you can learn more about those delightful adventures here). This year, inspired by the breathtaking natural beauty and indelible memories of our Alaskan honeymoon, we collectively decided to honor that epic adventure by preparing a special salmon dish. As many of you know, I’ve been passionately cooking my way through Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution – a culinary journey Sherry affectionately refers to as my “Johnny & Jamie project,” a playful nod to “Julie & Julia.” From its pages, we plucked a tantalizing salmon stir-fry recipe. Despite a slight setback at Kroger, which didn’t have every single ingredient on our list, our improvisations turned out exceptionally well. The flavors were vibrant, the salmon perfectly cooked, and the entire meal was a delicious, aromatic tribute to our Alaskan escapade. Yum, indeed!
With the last delicious bite of dinner savored and Clara peacefully tucked away to sleep, it was officially present time – a moment of delightful anticipation for us both. While third-year anniversary gifts are traditionally symbolized by leather, Sherry and I, in a charming twist of fate, coincidentally broke tradition. Both of us independently gravitated towards the “art route,” showcasing our deep understanding of each other’s aesthetic and emotional values. Sherry’s gift to me was incredibly thoughtful and heartwarming: she had two of our absolute favorite pictures of Clara, from her newborn photoshoot with our talented friend Dana Duncan, enlarged to a beautiful 12″ x 12″ size. She then lovingly hung them in our bedroom, nestled in inexpensive yet elegant Ikea frames, creating a beautiful surprise for me. These new additions replaced one of our botanical prints that had previously hung there. I absolutely adore that we can now admire our sweet little girl’s serene face even when she’s sound asleep in her nursery across the hall. The serendipitous detail? We couldn’t have planned our outfits better during the photoshoot – they coincidentally match the color scheme in our bedroom perfectly, creating a harmonious and truly personal display. (For those curious, you can see the full-sized pictures here and here.)
When it came to my gift for Sherry, I found inspiration in a burgeoning need we’d soon have for an abundance of postcard-sized art. Always one to channel my inner graph nerd, I embarked on creating a uniquely geeky-sweet representation of all the myriad things Sherry has meant to me over the nearly six incredible years we’ve known each other – encompassing the five beautiful years we’ve spent dating, betrothed, and now, married. This wasn’t just a simple card; it was a carefully designed infographic, brimming with both tender sentiments and lighthearted humor. I meticulously wove in a multitude of sweet milestones, illustrating our journey from two single individuals to a bustling family of four. Alongside these heartfelt moments, I injected plenty of humorous anecdotes, such as the brief, comical period when I mistakenly thought Sherry’s name might be Heather, or the playful observation that she has always been the steadfast passenger in our relationship, given her rare inclination to drive. I also charted her evolving roles in my life, from a “fish mom” caring for our aquatic friends, to her current, most precious role as an actual baby momma. This personalized piece of art was a testament to our unique story, celebrating every facet of our extraordinary connection, proving that even a “graph nerd” can create something deeply romantic and utterly unforgettable.
Our intimate gift exchange effectively concluded the planned anniversary celebrations for July 7th, 2010. However, this was far from the end of our extended anniversary festivities. We had originally envisioned a delightful day-trip to complement our at-home celebrations, but the truly insane triple-digit temperatures made any travel utterly unappealing and potentially uncomfortable, especially with Clara. With much deliberation, we decided to wisely postpone our adventure until yesterday, when the heat mercifully dropped by about ten degrees. Of course, we all know that a sweltering 90-degree day is *sooo* much cooler than a scorching 104, a fact we embraced with a touch of humor and a sigh of relief! This slight delay allowed us to embark on our planned excursion with much greater comfort and enjoyment, ensuring that our anniversary day-trip would be just as memorable as the gifts and meals.
So, with the slightly cooler weather blessing our plans, yesterday morning we eagerly hopped into the car, pointing our wheels west towards the historic and picturesque Charlottesville, VA. Why this particular destination, you ask? Charlottesville places us perfectly at the base of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, a mere 30-minute drive from the very spot where we got engaged. The sentimental significance of this region runs deep for us, making it the ideal setting for a family outing filled with nostalgia and natural beauty. In fact, we dedicated most of our day just outside of “C-ville,” leisurely driving along the incredibly scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. We soaked up the breathtaking panoramic views, the rolling peaks, and the serene expanse of nature, all while excitedly telling Clara all about the fun adventures and pivotal moments that wonderfully predated her much-anticipated arrival. As the resident “mathy” one, I have a knack for accurately recalling where we were and what exactly we did on specific dates, so there were many heartwarming conversations filled with “Three years ago on this exact day, we were…” stories. Oh, the flood of beautiful memories that came rushing back, creating a rich tapestry of our past to share with our present and future.
Our scenic drive built up quite an appetite, so we made a delightful stop for lunch near the base of the mountains at the renowned Blue Mountain Brewery. Now, you might find it a tad odd that two non-drinking, baby-wearing people would intentionally choose a brewery to celebrate such a special occasion, but we had heard absolutely stellar reviews about its picturesque setting and, more importantly, its reputation for truly delicious, locally sourced food. Beyond the culinary appeal, we were also thrilled to discover that they proudly consider themselves a “green” business. Upon our arrival, we happily counted at least three prominent rain barrels, a clear testament to their commitment to sustainability, which always makes us eager to show our support for environmentally conscious establishments. And though we certainly didn’t head there expecting to find any home-related inspiration, Sherry’s keen eye immediately spotted and raved about their stunning, deep bronze-toned metal roof as soon as we pulled up. It’s a design element we’d absolutely love to incorporate into our own home someday… if only they weren’t so darned expensive! It’s always a joy to find unexpected inspiration, even during an anniversary lunch.
Stepping inside, the atmosphere of Blue Mountain Brewery was wonderfully inviting, exuding a rustic charm that perfectly complemented its mountain surroundings. The meal itself was perfectly simple, yet exquisitely delicious, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients that truly highlighted the region’s bounty. Each bite was a testament to their commitment to quality and flavor, making for a truly satisfying dining experience. Throughout our lunch, I had the distinct pleasure of rocking Clara gently in my Ergo carrier, keeping her close and comfortable. She was perfectly content, observing the bustling environment with wide-eyed curiosity, occasionally drifting off for a peaceful nap right there on my chest. It was a beautiful reminder of how our lives have changed and grown, and how even our special celebratory meals now include the quiet, comforting presence of our little one, making every moment even more precious and memorable.
Heck, if you can’t fully immerse yourself in the majestic view of the mountains from every angle, then a sweet, captivating view like this one isn’t a bad substitute, eh? Clara, our little bundle of joy, seems to be embodying all the charming characteristics of the seven dwarfs these days – a delightful mix of sleepy, happy, bashful, and even occasionally a little grumpy! Her expressions are truly a show unto themselves, captivating everyone around her. Here, I’ve captured just a small sampling of the endearing faces she was making throughout our meal. From mischievous grins to curious stares and moments of quiet contemplation, each glance from her was a tiny masterpiece, filling our anniversary lunch with an extra layer of warmth, laughter, and pure, unadulterated parental adoration. She truly is the most captivating centerpiece, making every moment with her an adventure in itself, and a perfect addition to our celebration of love and family.
After savoring our second incredibly tasty anniversary meal, our day trip continued with one more important stop. We made a quick detour to my beloved alma mater, the University of Virginia (UVA). This wasn’t just a sentimental visit for me; it was a crucial mission to procure Clara her very first UVA onesie, of course! Starting her off young with a touch of collegiate spirit seemed like the perfect way to round out our Charlottesville adventure. With our new UVA recruit in tow, we then happily headed back home, officially calling an end to our wonderfully extended anniversary festivities. Or so we thought! Our celebratory spirit, it seems, just couldn’t be contained. This very morning, we added one final, adorable nod to our lemon-and-lime themed wedding with Clara’s eight-week photo. She truly is such a good sport, always ready for her close-up, and perfectly completing our week of heartfelt celebrations with her cheerful presence.
Thank you once again, from the bottom of our hearts, for joining us in celebrating “Wedding Week” this year! It’s always an immense pleasure to take a slight detour from our usual DIY and design content to delve into the profound beauty of relationships and the joyful celebrations that accompany them. We find endless inspiration in these personal milestones, transforming them into creative expressions for our home and our lives. We’ll be eagerly back on Monday with our regularly scheduled programming, brimming with fresh ideas and projects. Until our next anniversary, we sincerely hope that everyone enjoys celebrating their own anniversaries and all those other heartwarming milestones that unfold over the next twelve months. May your homes be filled with love, laughter, and beautiful memories that grow richer with each passing year! Stay tuned for more inspiration and adventures!
Psst – Clamoring for more adorable Clara content? While she doesn’t typically dominate the blog, we’ve created a special haven just for her! Simply click the dedicated sidebar button, adorned with her cute little mug, for tons of regularly uploaded, irresistibly charming photos of Baby P! It’s your one-stop shop for all things Clara, bringing a daily dose of cuteness straight to your screens!