Celebrating Two Years: Our 11 Superlatives for a Wonderful Second Year of Marriage

Photography: Michelle Lindsay

April 11, 2017. Exactly two years ago, the excitement and nervous anticipation of our wedding day filled the air as Connor and I woke to our alarm clocks. It was a day that would forever change our lives, marked by love, laughter, and the magical bloom of cherry blossoms in Washington, DC.

Today, as we mark this significant milestone, we find ourselves in an equally enchanting setting: aboard a bullet train, hurtling towards Kyoto, Japan, at an impressive 175 miles per hour. Outside our window, every passing second offers a breathtaking glimpse of cherry blossom trees in full, glorious bloom. It’s a truly special, almost surreal, and incredibly fitting way to celebrate our second wedding anniversary.

Last year, after spontaneously sharing our first-year wedding anniversary superlatives, we decided it was a tradition worth keeping. So, we’re delighted to share another installment today! This post features eleven superlatives – a mix of lighthearted and profound reflections – designed to commemorate this past year and our wonderful second year of marriage. Once again, Connor and I wrote our answers separately, and it’s amusing to see the recurring themes that emerged: delicious food, our beloved dog Marley, and, of course, more food!

Most Vivid Wedding Moment:

Laura: I vividly recall the anxiety leading up to our wedding week. Washington, DC had experienced an unseasonably cold spell, and rain warnings threatened our outdoor ceremony plans. It felt like a significant hurdle at the time, even though, in the grand scheme of things, it was minor. Yet, as if by magic, the weather cleared just in time. There wasn’t a single cloud in the sky, and the cherry blossoms, which typically bloom earlier, along with the daffodils, were in full, glorious display. At one point, as we took our wedding photos, it was literally raining cherry blossom petals around us. This image is etched so clearly in my mind, a truly unforgettable and beautiful memory from that day.

Connor: Without a doubt, it was taking our wedding photos surrounded by falling cherry blossom petals. It’s a moment that resurfaces whenever we see cherry blossoms, reminding me of the pure joy and serendipity of that day. It feels incredibly apt that we’re celebrating this anniversary here in Japan, during the peak of cherry blossom season, bringing that beautiful memory full circle.

Guilty Pleasure Purchase:

Connor: Our biggest guilty pleasure is unequivocally spoiling Marley. This includes extravagant gestures like booking him the presidential suite at the dog kennel, complete with webcam access, so we can check in on him while we’re away. We’ve officially embraced our roles as “those” dog parents, and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Laura: Earlier this year, I finally took the plunge and purchased a 24-70 mm lens for my camera. While it’s certainly a hefty piece of equipment to carry around, it has proven to be an incredibly versatile and invaluable companion during all my incredible 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 every moment with stunning clarity. I haven’t regretted the investment for a single second.

Most Valuable Lesson:

Laura: My most valuable lesson has been learning to loosen my grip as a control freak. It’s an ongoing process, and I still struggle with the urge to do *everything* myself. However, I’ve finally started to appreciate the true value of my time. This realization has empowered me to focus on the aspects of my work that genuinely excite me, and to confidently delegate or hire outside help for tasks that don’t – a decision that has proven to be an invaluable investment in both my business and my well-being.

Connor: For me, the most important lesson has been understanding the profound importance of carving out time for myself. Even something as simple as taking Marley for a walk after returning home from work has become a deeply therapeutic ritual. In a demanding profession, finding these small pockets of personal time is essential for maintaining balance and mental clarity.

Favorite Moment:

Connor: Undoubtedly, my favorite moment was when we adopted Marley from the Anti-Cruelty Society last April. We initially visited on a Saturday afternoon, only to realize we had missed the adoption window for the day. We planned to wait a week, mull over the decision, and return the following weekend. However, the very next afternoon, I finished work early. When I arrived home, Laura, with a twinkle in her eye, convinced me we should “just go back to see if he remembers us.” The moment Marley saw us, his eyes widened, and his tail started wagging uncontrollably. At that point, it was game over; I knew there was no way we were leaving without him. It was a beautiful, spontaneous decision that brought so much joy into our lives.

Laura: Gosh, why did I make this superlative so dramatic? But seriously, fishing for wild Copper River salmon in Alaska might just be one of the most incredible, breathtaking experiences of my entire life. The scenery was utterly unbelievable – rugged mountains, pristine waters, and the raw power of nature all around. The thrill of catching salmon in such an untouched environment 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? In all seriousness, it’s the only book I’ve managed to read cover to cover these past twelve months, given the intense demands of my residency. While not a typical leisure read, its practical and in-depth content has been absolutely essential and therefore, profoundly memorable in my professional development.

Laura: Devil in the White City stands out as one of the most memorable books I’ve read all year. Erik Larson’s masterful storytelling completely transformed my perspective on Chicago, weaving together the captivating history of the 1893 World’s Fair with a chilling true-crime narrative. It instilled in me a newfound appreciation for the city’s remarkable architecture and its rich, sometimes dark, past.

Best Bite:

Connor: If you had asked me last week, my answer might have been different, but after three incredible days in Tokyo, the clear winner is the uni over tempura shiso leaf at Motoyoshi. The entire meal was an unforgettable culinary journey, where each dish was a single, perfect bite of the lightest tempura I have ever experienced. It was so exceptional, I honestly don’t think I’ll ever be able to eat regular tempura again.

Laura: On our very first full day in Tokyo, we had the immense pleasure of dining at an extraordinary restaurant called Motoyoshi for dinner. The ambiance was just as memorable as the food itself – an intimate, nine-seat establishment tucked away in a tiny basement within an otherwise unassuming city alley. Fresh cherry blossom branches hung delicately above our heads as the chef meticulously prepared and served us one exquisite bite of tempura after another. Seriously, it was the lightest, most delicate tempura imaginable, melting effortlessly in your mouth. That meal has forever spoiled me for life, setting an impossibly high bar for all future tempura experiences.

Favorite Chicago Spot:

Laura: My answer to this question often changes depending on my mood, but currently, my absolute favorite spot is the vibrant West Loop neighborhood, or simply strolling along the Chicago Riverwalk downtown. Our neighborhood has undergone an incredible transformation in the two years since we moved here, with new restaurants and businesses opening almost daily. It’s fascinating to witness its evolution firsthand. The dynamic energy of West Loop and the serene beauty of the Riverwalk offer perfect contrasts for urban exploration and relaxation.

Connor: I genuinely love walking along the Chicago Riverwalk, especially now that it has been beautifully expanded. It’s just a few blocks from our apartment, making it one of our go-to spots for walking Marley. The views of the city skyline are spectacular, and it’s a wonderful place to unwind and enjoy the urban landscape with our furry companion.

Favorite Thing About Dog Ownership:

Connor: My favorite aspect of dog ownership is the way Marley has encouraged us to explore new places. Since adopting him, we’ve ventured into countless new parts of the city that we might never have discovered otherwise. We’ve unearthed so many hidden parks and met an abundance of wonderful people, all thanks to Marley’s adventurous spirit.

Laura: Honestly? All of it – well, perhaps minus the occasional accidents! I truly forgot how much I missed having a dog in my life until Marley arrived last spring. He has brought so much warmth and companionship, teaching me endless patience and motivating me to take long walks, even on Chicago’s dreariest and coldest days. Marley has also been a wonderful catalyst for establishing new friendships in our neighborhood, and he’s made me laugh more times than I can count this year. I absolutely adore that little (and sometimes huge) love bug.

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

Laura: The legendary Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo was at the top of my list. Spoiler alert: We visited yesterday, and it not only lived up to all my expectations but surpassed them! It’s difficult to describe in words, but the sheer energy, the incredible sights, and the unique smells created an unforgettable sensory experience. I could have easily spent an entire day there, simply observing the bustling activity and peeking into every single stall. It was a truly immersive cultural experience.

Connor: Eating all the food, of course! We quite literally ate our way through Tokyo, savoring every delicious moment, and I absolutely cannot wait to continue that culinary adventure here in Kyoto. Hopefully, we’ll manage to squeeze in a few moments of relaxation and temple-visiting in between all the amazing meals!

Biggest Challenge:

Connor: Adjusting to my second year of orthopaedic residency has been an immense challenge. It involves consistently working 90+ hour weeks, dedicating countless hours to daily studying, and bearing the added stress and immense responsibility of operating on patients. It’s an incredibly demanding environment, requiring a significant period of adaptation and resilience.

Laura: Among many challenges, the biggest one was undoubtedly making the difficult decision to step back from a dream project – that cookbook I haven’t mentioned in months. Ultimately, it wasn’t the right fit for me, a truth that has mercifully become clearer with time. However, in the moment, it was an incredibly challenging decision to come to grips with, demanding a great deal of introspection and courage.

Thing I’m Most Looking Forward To:

Laura: Over the next few days, I’m most looking forward to thoroughly exploring the charming streets of Kyoto and indulging in as much ramen, sushi, and incredible street food as I possibly can handle! I also can’t wait to enjoy one last memorable day in Tokyo before our journey back home. This entire trip has truly been an experience of a lifetime, and I’m striving to soak in every single moment. Second on my list? Moving into our new apartment next week – a fresh start that fills me with excitement!

Connor: I’m definitely looking forward to a relaxing stay at our traditional ryokan on Thursday – a much-needed break from our fast-paced travel. And immediately after that, moving into our new apartment! It’s exciting to think about settling into our new space and starting a fresh chapter together.