How do you know you picked the right wedding colors? You show up to your one-year anniversary session wearing your wedding color palette!
It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since Chad and LauraJane Mussche’s wedding day. (Their true anniversary is in May because they couldn’t wait to get married when COVID delayed their originally scheduled date!) But, considering the last year has included a new job, planning and replanning their wedding, buying a home, and moving, it’s been a busy year for this oh-so-sweet VRP bride and groom.
They took a break from their busy schedules for their one-year anniversary shoot, which happened to be at the same location where Chad proposed. And, I’m so excited to share Mr. and Mrs. Mussche’s anniversary photos at Coxhall Gardens in Carmel, Indiana on the blog!
A Few Thoughts on Year One According to the Mussches
All VRP wedding packages include a mini, one-year anniversary shoot, and after the shoot, I send couples a few questions and challenge them to get real about marriage in hopes of showing other newlyweds that (1) they aren’t alone and (2) that marriage takes work and intentionality to truly thrive.
And, Chad and LauraJane were willing to share their thoughts!
What have been the highlights of year one of marriage?
“We weren’t able to go on our honeymoon till a couple months before our anniversary. It was our first big trip together. That was definitely one of the highlights for us!”
What’s the best part about being married?
“Something we both enjoy is being able to get up in the morning and eat breakfast before work together. It’s a simple thing, but it’s something that I appreciate.”
What’s something that’s been more difficult about being married than you expected?
“Everyone tells you that communication is important, so you think you understand that going in. But, then you’re in, and you think, “Well dang! It’s a lot harder than it sounds!” One year in and communicating in a loving and respectful way is still something we are working to be intentional [in] on a daily basis.”
What’s one piece of advice that you’d give to newlyweds?
“Two things:
“First, don’t be hard on yourself! I remember getting into arguments our first year and getting so down and being hard on myself. Disagreements are going to happen, even fights. It’s how you move forward from those situations that will set the tone for any future disagreements.
“Second, humble yourself. Marriage is a very humbling thing. I find myself looking to Christ’s example a lot! When I don’t feel like putting my pride away I try to think of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. He died for me! I can humble myself and apologize for saying something unkind.”
Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Mussche!
Chad and LauraJane, it’s hard to believe it’s been a whole year since your gorgeous, dusty-blue wedding with some of my favorite bouquets EVER. But, at the same time, a lot has changed for you guys in just a year.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for trusting me to be your wedding photographer. I’ve so loved getting to hang out with you guys and having you in front of the camera so many times over the last couple years. (In addition to engagement and wedding photos, I also had the pleasure of taking family and graduation photos for the Mussche family!)
Happy anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. Mussche! I pray the life you share is full of blessings and that every trial brings you closer together and closer to Christ. Love you guys!
If you’re wondering, these are engagement/anniversary photo outfit goals! I highly recommend getting dressed up for photos as opposed to wearing jeans, because dresses, suits, slacks, and button-ups never go out of style and are a great way to keep your photos classic.
In case you didn’t read the section above, Chad proposed on this exact bridge at Coxhall Gardens! I’m so glad Chad and LauraJane chose to come back to this location for their anniversary shoot!
Want to see more of Chad and LauraJane? Check out their engagement and wedding photos!
