You should have seen Ryan’s face when I told him I wanted to interview him (read: ask a few questions on a car ride from Ohio) about our first year together married. He thought I was crazy I think but smiled and said it was fine. I thought this would be a fun way for us to both reflect on our first year together as a married couple! Take a moment with your spouse and reflect on your year together – I promise it will make you smile! 

What is it like to be married to Kristina/Ryan?

R: Every day is a new adventure. Whether we are going out to eat or spending time at our home. It is my favorite time in my life and what I look forward to every day.

K: Ryan is a hoot – he doesn’t take too much seriously and that’s a good thing because I take things too seriously and am sensitive most of the time. He’s all about making sure we have fun and enjoy ourselves. He’s a great cook, a wonderful teacher and coach and the light of my life. He loves our fur babies to the moon and back – which is quite possibly the most adorable thing I’m blessed enough to see. I don’t think I ever stop learning about him or us and that’s pretty cool. Ryan cares really deeply and has worked hard to make this first year memorable with me. 

What’s your favorite thing about being married?

R: The constant companionship. Knowing that you’re always going to be there to listen or have something to say or support me.

K: I think my favorite part is that you can really be yourself. Your spouse sees you at every high and low and being able to do that and be okay with it is powerful. The undying support is, of course, wonderful and just knowing that when I come home, there’s always someone who wants to see me and hear how my day was is an amazing feeling too. We’re in this life together!

What’s the biggest challenge been over the first year as a married couple?

R: The biggest challenge is trying to keep up with Kristina and what she has planned. I can always count on something going on.

K: There have been a lot of changes for us – we bought a house, have gone back and forth on our future plans, gotten a dog, etc. But I honestly think we’re still learning to communicate our needs to each other and that can be a challenge sometimes. Your spouse doesn’t read your mind – as much as you want them to!

Any advice for those getting married soon?

R: Enjoy it because it goes by fast. Don’t forget to thank all of the people who are responsible for helping you get where you are. I’d say that was the biggest thing for me – just the love and support for that week leading up to it and what everybody did was just huge for us. It shows just how much people love us, you know?

K: Talk about finances!!! It’s scary and it sucks but if money is being put together, you both need to know and get your say in how the money is used. The more you talk about it and find how to run your finances, the easier it gets. But have the discussion. It will save you so much heartache later.

 

Have you learned any lessons this year?

R: I’ve learned that it’s not going to be easy. But, it’s going to be worth the time and effort. I have also learned to stay patient and go with the flow.

K: I think there have been a few – mostly just learning how to permanently live with someone else. Find systems that work for you and make sure you both contribute to the home and your life there—this includes cleaning, prepping for meals, and taking care of animals and chores. I think we’ve also both learned that we do need to keep up with date nights and work hard to keep connecting – it doesn’t just automatically last when you get married. Your relationship still takes work!

What is your favorite memory from this first year?

R: Our honeymoon–Cambria, mostly. It was just nice relaxing – my kind of pace, haha.

K: Our trip to Disneyland (and CA) was probably one of the most memorable parts of this first year. It was amazing to just spend all that time together – in a new place – and just BE with each other. Buying our townhouse + signing papers at 9PM will always stay with me too!  I don’t think either of us really expected to be where we are right now. It’s crazy how far we’ve come in the last few years, but especially this one.

 

Looking back on our wedding a year ago, what are your thoughts?

R: It was the greatest weekend of my life. Everything was perfect. And you know, it was us. You were talking yesterday with my parents about how we didn’t have a religious ceremony – that’s the way we are. Everything was us.

K: I honestly can’t believe it was a year ago. That day was crazy, rainy, hot and incredibly beautiful. It was everything we ever wanted and I know I can’t wait to be back at the winery soon for our anniversary. I know we both wish we could do it over again – just to be with everyone we love in one place – not to change anything. It was truly a day that showed us how much we love ach other and how much we are loved by others. But really. It can’t have been a year.

And what a year! I can’t wait to share more images from our wedding with you this week, leading up to our anniversary on Monday! Brace yourselves, internet! 

XOXO,

Kristina 

All engagement/wedding photos – a huge thank you to Hope Taylor Photography.