Two years ago today I married my best friend. I still can’t believe how lucky I am to have found my perfect match. Not that we are exactly the same. Of course we share many of the same interests and values, but our differences compliment each other as well. For example, I’m more introverted whereas J is extremely extroverted, and he encourages me to come out of my shell.

Sadly, we can’t celebrate this special occasion together today because we are 1,250 miles apart! I am in NJ preparing for my sister’s wedding this weekend; J will join us later this week. However, we plan to enjoy a romantic dinner on Sunday at the location where we exchanged our vows (we actually married on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend in 2008).

If you’re wondering why I never show my husband’s handsome face on my blog, it’s not because he’s camera shy. (Quite the opposite!) It’s simply a privacy thing.

(photos by Heather Waraksa)

I was excited to learn that my wedding photographer, Heather Waraska, was named one of American Photo‘s Top Wedding Photographers of 2009 — and extremely surprised to see my portrait (above) included in her portfolio slideshow! It’s a beautifully artistic and intense photograph, but I don’t really think it looks like me!

Because of his deployments, J and I are a little bit behind in ordering our wedding album… and engagement album, the photos for which were taken over one year ago. My bridal shower also took place over a year ago, and in about a month, J and I will be celebrating our first wedding anniversary. It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since these milestones in my life. I remember them like they just happened. As time passes, I hope the memories of all of these wedding-related events stay as strong in my mind as they are now. (Of course, having those photo albums would help tremendously!)

When I saw this poster on More Ways to Waste Time, I immediately thought of marriage. As I’m learning, in a successful marriage you often need to do what’s best for the relationship (the “we”) rather than what’s best for yourself (the “me”). I’ve been told this is a crucial lesson to learn, especially during the first year — when it’s easy to fall back into singleton selfishness.

You can buy it for $18 here. Unfortunately, I love the message, but I’m not crazy about the colors.

… to Jess and her Guy!  I can’t believe it’s been a year since their amazing wedding. Time is just flying by.

Congratulations!