Justin and Ashley's real life fairy began back in 2011 when Ashley met her very own Prince Charming while working a concert at Stage AE in Pittsburgh. But it wasn't until the next year that they started dating. Justin drove from Pittsburgh to Cleveland (where Ashley was interning at the time) to take Ashley out to a Pirates/Indians ball game for their first date. While they both share a deep love for the great American sport of baseball, they spent more time talking than actually watching the game. And it was there, at Progressive Field, that their love story officially began.
They tied the knot one year ago today - in the exact same church where Ashley's parents were married in 1989. They danced the night away with their amazing family and friends, then jetted off to Hawaii for the dream Honeymoon. Upon their return to the main land, they uprooted their life and relocated to North Carolina to begin their adventure as husband and wife!
They say nothing is permanent except for change, and I don't think anything could more perfectly describe this past year for Justin and Ashley. On top of the transition of being married, they relocated to a new state, both started new jobs, bought a new home, and added the cutest addition to their family.
To celebrate their first year as a married duo, they ventured to Jacksonville to share in the wedding celebration of good friends. On their way home, they extended their getaway by adding a stop in Savannah! They also graciously took the time to reflect on this past year of change and share what they have learned in the process.
They have offered a generous glimpse into their personal experience as newlyweds that you do not want to miss - whether you're preparing for marriage, or you've been married for years! Read below for everything from their favorite date night to their thoughtful advice gleaned from a busy and challenging, albeit very fun year.
Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Anthony on all of these monumental life events! We could not be happier for you two and wish you the happiest anniversary celebration!
What has been the best part of your first year?
Starting our lives together, we changed everything two weeks after we got married and moved south. We started new jobs, bought a house, and adopted a dog. Our lives have changed so much going from living in an apartment that we moved into right out of college, to buying our first home. It has been a lot of fun building a life together.
What has the most surprising thing about marriage?
It's a good surprise, but being married really makes you a package deal. With families in two different states, we used to split up for holidays so that we could each spend time with our families. Now we have to strategize and split time between families, which makes our holidays extra busy but lots of fun. What has been the most difficult part of being married?
Realizing that we both can't always be right and have our way! What has helped you to overcome or work through said difficulty? We work hard to communicate as best as possible and compromise. What's your favorite (or go to) date night?
We love trying new restaurants. Since moving to the Charlotte area, there are a ton of restaurant options all around town. We love to venture out of our comfort zone and try somewhere new. How have you continued to pursue each other since your wedding? We try to do things to help each other, like starting dinner when one of us works late, or loading the dishwasher and cleaning up if we know the other has had a long day.
What has been the most helpful thing you've implemented or consistently do to help you stay connected?
We try to have dinner together every night. It gives us a chance to unwind and spend some time together and talk about our day without any distractions. We also enjoy taking walks around our neighborhood. It's nice to leave our phones behind and disconnect. Is there anything that you wish you would have known before going into marriage?
Doing little gestures without even asking helps one another to feel appreciated. Doing things like baking Justin's favorite cookies just because, or cleaning Ashley's car, makes the other person feel appreciated. Anything else (advice/insight/encouragement) you can share with other couples entering into marriage or already married?
Have fun. Life is very stressful, and we sometimes get in caught up in long work days, busy weekends, and tasks on a to-do list. Try to remember why you married one another in the first place, and enjoy spending time together!
What is something Justin and Ashley have shared that stands out to you?
Is there anything they've done that you'd like to try in your own relationship?
What little gestures do you and your spouse do for one another that mean the most to you?
Ceremony Venue: St. Irenaeus Catholic Church, Oakmont PA Reception Venue: Pittsburgh Marriott City Center Florist: Alex's East End Floral Shoppe Hair: Brooke Rockwell Hair Design MakeUp: Shelby Dines Makeup Cake: Oakmont Bakery, Inc DJ: Otto Productions Limosine: A Tortorice Limousine Photographer: Smyklo Photo Cinematographer: Dorosh Documentaries