My favorite sessions to shoot? Anniversary sessions for VRP brides and grooms! (All wedding packages include a complimentary mini anniversary shoot to celebrate one year of marriage.)
These sessions allow me to catch up with couples, like Grant and Kiersten Tomlin who are one of the sweetest VRP couples of all time AND have blessed me by sending quite a few referrals my way since their wedding. I mean, I get to have Kiersten in front of the camera again as a bridesmaid for Hannah and Alex’s wedding in just a couple weeks!
Grant and Kiersten’s wedding day was joy-filled and Christ-centered, and I think it’s safe to say that their first year of marriage has been the same. And, I’m so excited to share their Fairfield Lakes Park anniversary photos in Lafayette, Indiana on the blog!
A Few Thoughts on Year One According to the Tomlins
After their shoot, I sent Grant and Kiersten a few questions about their first year of marriage. I do this for all anniversary shoots, but I’m excited to share Grant and Kiersten’s responses, because they’re so honest and real.
What have been the highlights of year one of marriage?
“There are so many little things—sharing in each other’s hobbies like video games or crafting; coffee and snuggles in the morning; having our own place to host people; going on different trips together; specific silly things like rearranging all the furniture in our living room to build a fort and watching movies in it (haha); doing special things for each other’s birthdays like making their favorite food or putting together a scavenger hunt. Some of the key highlights for us in general, though, were just how quickly being married felt normal—almost like it had always been this way. Not to say that there are never any problems, but just that it felt right so quickly. That and just getting to continue to grow in intimacy together.”
What’s the best part about being married?
“One of the best things is definitely not having to say goodbye as much. Just getting to be together and grow together as a new family unit.”
What’s something that’s been more difficult about being married than you expected?
“Ensuring we spend quality time together has probably been harder than we’d anticipated. It’s kind of like you have twice the schedule/friends/family in the same amount of time, so you need to be really intentional to have weekends without plans. Learning to say no to family and friends is definitely something we’ve had to grow in (and are still working on).”
What’s one piece of advice that you’d give to newlyweds?
“Keep prioritizing communication. Seriously talk about everything. If you’re having a bad day, just say it. Even if the other person isn’t causing it, let them know. ‘If I seem aggravated at dinner, it’s because this happened today/this is on my mind/etc.’ If something irritates you, communicate that. Keep learning about each other. And it’s really hard for the other person to learn you if you’re not telling them what’s going on in your head. Don’t assume they should just know (haha). And with prioritizing communication, include God in that. Make prayer a regular part of your relationship. Pray for each other and pray together. Not only is prayer powerful and growing to your faith and relationship with God, but praying together helps you grow closer together and opens space to be vulnerable with each other. We don’t always do this as much as we’d like, but we’ve definitely seen the positive impact it can have in our marriage.”
Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Tomlin!
Grant and Kiersten, I can’t believe it’s been a year since your wedding day. I have so loved getting to know the two of you since our first coffee date. (Our coffee date will forever be the last thing I remember doing “normally” before the world shut down in 2020!)
You’re both such kind, genuine people, and the two of you and your marriage are an incredible example of how God wants us to love and treat others. Basically, I’m so thankful to know you both, and it was such an honor to be your wedding photographer and to have you in front of the camera again for your anniversary shoot.
Happy first anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. Tomlin! I hope you love these previews from your Fairfield Lakes Park anniversary Photos in Lafayette, Indiana!
In case you’re wondering, these are engagement/anniversary photo outfit goals! Grant and Kiersten are always so well dressed, and this time, they even brought a bottle of wine that matched Grant’s shirt perfectly. The wine was a gift for me. Not only are these two well dressed, but they’re so thoughtful!
Want to see more of Grant and Kiersten? Check out their engagement and wedding photos!
