When we said “I do” in front of our family and friends four years ago, neither of us knew what the future would hold. We knew that there was a party to be had with 250 of our closest friends and that we were closing out six years of dating and kicking off a new chapter in our life together. But beyond that, we barely knew what time our flight to Anguilla was Monday morning. We were in love and knew that through love and faith all things were possible.
We never talked about a clear plan for the future. While some couples have clearly defined and agreed upon 2, 3, 5 or even 10 year plans that just isn’t us. Though we are both extremely type A people, when it comes to our personal lives we live in the moment. Once upon a time I thought I would be having children by the time I was 30. Well kids, spoiler alert, I turn 30 in 10 days and am not in my 3rd trimester or even 1st. When the time comes, we will embrace and be thankful for the joy children will bring to our lives. But for now, we have truly loved supporting and growing together over the past few years.
Starting a life together in a new city is never easy. Our parents, who we love and respect more than they will ever know, conveniently live ten miles from each other in Savannah. We have been at least a 2 hour flight from our rocks for 7 years now. The distance forced us to depend on each other not only as husband and wife but as each others friends and advocates. Neither of us knew many people in New York so part of our first year of marriage was establishing a network of friends. But over time those friends came and with those friends came social commitments and wonderful opportunities.
I call year two and three the year of too much. We were over scheduled, over committed and were constantly on the go. Don’t get me wrong. I am thankful for each of the memories whether tropical vacations, ski weekends, late nights out having one too many drinks, the race weekends with friends, blog travels, or trips to either ends of the United States to visit friends. Both sets of parents told us that eventually we’d burn out. We needed to find a balance and take time for ourselves. By November of last year we realized that it was time to slow down a bit. For six months we intentionally started reducing the number of commitments on our calendar, ensuring that there was proper time for just the two of us. I will forever cherish our 3rd year, which we kicked off ice skating arm in arm at Rockefeller Center. 
That night was magical. We talked about our life in New York City and how the city with so many rough edges truly felt like home. We reflected on our marriage, laughing at the many bumps we’d lived through whether it be the financial crisis, new jobs or injuries. Little did we know that just a few months later we would be given the opportunity of a lifetime and embrace that, just as we did our move to New York City. The past six months have taught me more about relationships and marriage than the months and years before. This move has brought our relationship full circle to now we once again depend on each other for strength and support. Living in two separate cities in a foreign country could easily have been the downfall of our marriage. Instead, today we are closer than ever before. Things aren’t always as rosy and simple as an Instagram filter.
As I look back on our four years together and the more than 50 years of marriage between our two parents, there is one thing that stands out.
Life is filled with bumps. The only way to become stronger is to embrace them early and communicate often as you navigate over the bumps together.
Congrats to you and Bo!
Thank you Andie!
Absolutely agree. There is nothing more certain than the bumps … But hand in hand as a team you will make it to the other side! Congrats on a beautiful 4 years and cheers to many more!
Thank you so much Gia! I hope you all didn’t have too many bumps en route to India!
You made me cry in the happy way. You and Bo not only have love, but the respect and knowledge to know that marriage isn’t easy. It takes work. Some times it’s hard work and sometimes it’s just about stopping to say I love you because you think its a good time to say it. My wish for you both is a lifetime of happiness and maybe even some little ones so you can share the abundance of love in your hearts. Happy anniversary and many, many more. Xox
Aw Jen thank you so much. I learned a lot this year from watching you and Peter overcome so much together. Marriage really is about work and respect. Thank you so much!
You and Bo are truly an inspiration, your braveness and courage is amazing, you inspire me to be more adventurous! Happy anniversary and happy early birthday. I usually tell people to make it great but reading your blog for the last year or so I know that is a motto that you live by. That is why I continue to read it, thank you for allowing your readers (me) to be apart of your life!
Melanie you are too kind! I love sharing our adventures with readers and thank YOU for reading! We aren’t perfect but we try pretty damn hard!
Beautiful post – happy anniversary!
Thank you Lauren!
What a wonderful story! Happy anniversary! I’m relatively new to your blog and I love it. I knew that you were living abroad but I did not know that you and your husband were living in separate cities. I would love for you to do an “update” post for us new readers!
As a newlywed I got chills reading this. Love you two, Ashley. Happy Anniversary and cheers to many, many more!
Congratulations and as a newlywed , those sound like great words of wisdom that are truly lived. Best wishes!!!
Also a newlywed – only 6 months in! – and this made me teary. Happy anniversary and enjoy a special celebration of your love!