See what I did there? If our 4th wedding anniversary were a movie sequel I’m sure that’s how the title would be treated on the movie posters (and yes, it would be dubbed a blatant rip off of Scream 4). Anyways, as is the tradition, we’re dropping in with our little rundown about how we celebrated four years of marriage last Thursday (see our three year anniversary post here and our two & one year anniversary post here). This year it kicked off, as most days do, with breakfast.
I made this particular breakfast (Strawberry-Orange Stuffed French Toast with Raspberry Butter) as an homage to our so-good-we-took-my-picture-with-it (here) favorite meal during our Alaskan honeymoon. Of course, what I lacked in food presentation (do I get points for my strawberry hearts?) I made up for in flowers in our wedding colors.
We agreed not to do gifts this year (our new laundry project was going to be a joint gift to ourselves), but I broke the rules when I spotted a bunch of bee-themed stationery from Smock Paper. Since Sherry’s an epic list maker and our wedding invite had bees on it, I just couldn’t stop myself from shelling out my credit card digits for a few items. And yes, Smock Paper is a sponsor of ours but no, they didn’t have any part in me buying these. They’re probably finding out about my purchase via this post, actually.
They sadly didn’t have any bee themed big sticky pads, but I got one in the closest color scheme since I knew Sherry was low on office notepads (small sticky notes went unused in our junk drawer, but these big guys are already getting a workout). We appreciate how eco-conscious these wares are in general, but we particularly loved this simple request printed on the bottom: use this to do good.
What I spent in dollars, Sherry matched in thoughtfulness – writing a homemade card listing thirty things she, Clara, and Burger love about me (each of them got ten). I told you, the girl loves lists. And it sure beat the “Love, John” in my card. Oops.
But the day wasn’t about exchanging paper products. It was about doing fun stuff together. So after working the morning away, we ducked out for lunch at one of our favorite casual spots: Sticks Kebob Shop. Yum. And we had a $10 off Groupon for it too. Aw, cheap lovebirds. Or should I say cheep? (Bird joke for the win).
From there we popped over to a local art place called Crossroad Art Center, which we’ve heard lots about but never managed to visit in five years of being Richmonders. It’s basically a massive gallery featuring of lots of local artists, though sadly we couldn’t take pictures inside for ya. One of our favorites was Morgan E. McKinney, but we didn’t find anything in our current price range. Someday.
We did get giddy over these $4 paintings-turned-notecards by Sherri Conley that we thought (once framed with big generous mats) would make for a great little “zen moment” in our master bathroom. So we took them home.
How could we pass up buying something that said “I Love You” on our anniversary? And the photographer’s name is Sherri, so that counts for something too, right? Sherry and I were actually standing in different areas of her booth and each said “this is sweet” at the same time. We reconvened to see what each other had found and we were both holding the I Love You airplane card.
From there it was time to take our annual corny anniversary photo. We’ve got a little tradition of snapping (and later framing) a family pic each year on 7/7…
… and this year definitely proved the hardest. Apparently a 14 month old can’t grasp the concept of “hey, look at the beeping black thing on the funny three-legged stick… and oh yeah, smile while you’re at it.” Guess we didn’t know the blessing we got last year when her 8-week old self slept through the entire thing. But we did eventually manage to get this one. Stacked heads = maximum cheesiness.
Apparently we pressed our luck by trying to get Burger in the picture. This was our most successful attempt. Hey, at least the adults are looking!
Then we headed off to grab our anniversary photobooth picture (more on that tradition here). The place we always go (New York Deli here in Richmond) has an authentic 50-year-old booth that actually develops film strips (not digital prints, like a lot of the others out there). Sadly the booth was having an off day, so the results were especially smeary (note the fourth frame in particular). We were having a bit of an off moment too, apparently. Yes, Clara cried the entire first strip.
Well, that was actually the second strip because we didn’t even keep the first one. During our first attempt the thing started going off prematurely with only me in the booth, so half of the strip is me looking perplexed and calling for Sherry to hurry inside with the bean. But we got some happy squeals during the third attempt from Clara. Good nuff.
After some in-the-car blog tending (what did people do before iPhones?) it was dinner time.
We ate at Brio Tuscan Grille because it was the site of our rehearsal dinner back in 2007 and, well, we hadn’t been back since celebrating our second anniversary. Meaning it was this little lady’s first trip.
Is it just us or is there something hilarious about a sippy cup, some Goldfish crackers, and a Dr. Seuss book on a carrera marble table? Thankfully those magic items (plus her very own pasta meal) were enough to keep Beansie happy and entertained – even after a long day of celebrating.
And as if we hadn’t shoved in enough anniversary bid-ness already, Sherry followed up this July 7th just like she did four years ago after our wedding: by chopping off a bunch of her hair (you can actually see her with short hair waay back in the 2007 archives here).
Yep, say “goodbye” to the honorary fifth member of the YHL team: Sherry’s ponytail.
Though I’d say it’s a fond farewell, since I think my lady looks mighty sexy this way. Note that she was too shy to pose for photos by me, so she snuck off and took pictures in the mirror because “I made her nervous.” Aw yeah, four years later, I still got it.
Oh and Sherry wants me to add that all is right with the world – she can still pull her hair back into a tiny pony when we paint. How would she know? Let’s just say we’re working on the laundry room rightthissecond. More details tomorrow.
Anyway, as much fun as we had this seven-seven, we must admit that our minds have already kinda skipped ahead to next year’s big five year anniversary. In honor of our Alaskan honeymoon, we thought it’d be perfect to celebrate the big 0-5 by going to Hawaii (since it’s sort of Alaska’s non-contiguous partner in crime). We haven’t really planned much at all, but we figure if we keep saying it out loud it’ll force us to actually make it happen next year. Since we haven’t actually flown anywhere on vacation since our honeymoon in 2007. Better make it happen.
Elaine says
That’s weird… The pictures aren’t showing up for me. :-(
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no! Maybe it’s a momentary glitch? We see them on our end. Hope they’re back soon!
xo,
s
Britny says
You guys are so sweet! I love the haircut, Sherry! I also wanted to give you guys a heads up about this new site I just signed up for called Heartsy. It’s a deal site like Groupon but it’s for Etsy shops! If you sign up through this link:
http://heartsy.me/users/158621/referral?c=plink
you will get a $5 credit towards your first purchase! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah we’ve been meaning to check that out!
xo,
s
Jessicah says
Happy anniversary! I like Sherry’s haircut! And aren’t goldfish crackers magical silencers sometimes? They are well-loved in our house too!
Ane says
My hubby has been lacking creativity for our wedding anniversaries, and I was so jealous of the little simple touches you put on this special celebration day. And did I mention that I also recently had a haircut very similar to Sherry’s (and I feel much sexier).
Anyhow… I will leave this page open on my husband’s computer. I hope he can get inspired for our (also) 4th wedding anniversary that is coming up in few weeks.
Molly says
Happy 4nniversary!!! (Am I the only one that giggled and thought…fournniversary sounds kinda like fornicate?? Anyone??)
I love that you both get so into the meaning and tradition of your wedding – the flowers in your wedding colors, the photo tradition, recreating moments from your wedding… it’s awesome!! And of course, love the hair!
So the first time I went to read this post, there were no pictures except for the anniversary re-cap one… I was so confused by the end of the post. But hitting reload made it all make sense…
YoungHouseLove says
So sorry for those picture problems guys. We have no idea what’s going on- and weirdly enough we can see them on our end (from Safari and Firefox). So strange. Can anyone else chime in if they’re back again for them? We’d love to know if the issue is still going on or if it’s solved!
xo,
s
Ane says
I use Google Chrome and I can see the pictures just fine.
YoungHouseLove says
So glad- I think they must be back! Whew.
xo,
s
Carly says
That french toast looks beautiful and delicious and I LOVE the new hairdo! Looking good!
YoungHouseLove says
Hooray – so you guys can see the pics? Are they back? Anyone having issues seeing them anymore?
xo,
s
Catharine @ Your Modern Couple says
Congrats you guys!! That shrimp risotto looks ah-mazing, my stomach is actually growling right now. Sherry your hair looks fab! I thought you looked really familiar and everyone is right! Angelina Jolie fo sho.
PS: Clara is looking more and more like her momma! Especially in the 2nd to last photo of her. Adorable :)
pippin says
Great hair cut. I think you look like Rachel Mcadams. I just got married two weeks ago, and i was the one who won the wedding invites from you guys. The invites turned out great! Thanks again.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so great to hear- I bet they were amazing! Congrats!!!
xo,
s
Carrie @ DreamGreenDIY says
WOW! Look at you!!! LOVE those last couple of pictures – At first I thought it was a picture of Rachel McAdams or something!
And congrats on your anniversary =) You guys celebrated it so nicely – Can’t wait to hear about your Hawaii trip next year. At least you know your readers will hold you to it!!!
Daniella says
Sweet post! I vote Kauai island!
Liliana says
Happy anniversary!! You guys are the cutest couple! Sherry, your hair looks so lovely…very nice! I love long hair but I don’t think it suits everyone. It did you as does that new style your sporting. Great choice! and how cool that you look good with either long or short hair?! = )
~ L.
Leigh Anne says
I bet you’re going to see your haircut on Pinterest:) It looks great on you – and my “look-alike” vote is for Rachel McAdams!
Claire says
John you get serious points just for making breakfast. The strawberry hearts put you over the top! It’s nice that you guys go all out to celebrate for your anniversary. :)
Sherry – wowza!
Jenny says
You guys really know how to celebrate and honor your lives together in an amazing way. I actually like that head stacking attempt with all 4 of you the best.
Also love the new haircut, Sherry!
Karen says
Sherry I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE your hair! Oh, and if you do go to Hawaii (you TOTALLY should) and end up in Maui make sure that you do some Pacific Whale Foundation whale/ dolphin watch type cruises- they are great trips with food and drinks provided AND the proceeds go towards saving the whales. I love the idea of having a good time for a good cause! They also have some awesome snorkel trips, but if you take Clara that may not work out so well! Happy anniversary!
YoungHouseLove says
That sounds like so much fun! Thanks for the tips!
xo,
s
Jenn Sloat says
Happy Anniversary! I love, LOVE the new short do Sherry! I just chopped 6 inches off my own head as well. Very empowering :)
karen says
so so nice!! thanks for sharing :)
yeah girl..let your hair down!! your skin is FLAWLESS!! whats your secret?!
excited for your trip!! is that weird?!?!
YoungHouseLove says
My secret is having a baby and forgetting to put on makeup all the time! Haha. I do use organic stuff (Organic Wear sold by Target). Just bronzer, eye shadow, and mascara, all from that line.
xo,
s
Meaghan says
Your new hairdo makes you look like Neve Campbell – gorgeous!
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh that’s a new one. Never got that until today! I see it though. Maybe I just have super generic features. Haha.
xo,
s
Jessica says
Happy Anniversary!
Sherry – such a nice haircut for you! I know some people commented that you look like Angelina Jolie here – but to me you always look like the super adorable Rachel McAdams!! Either way – beautiful style.
Ana Silva says
Happy Anniversary! You guys are great. Sherry you are so beautiful, the hair cut seems to emphasize your beauty…or maybe it’s just the fact that your hair is down. Regardless, lucky John! haha. I always like to do shared, needed kind of gifts. I am a cheapo though but it makes sense. BTW, Hawaii would be awesome! I still have to make my way there.
Sara says
aaaaawwwhhh you guys are tooo cute.. and Sherry is GORGEOUS! :D
Angela says
Sherry, did you use that Sandra Bullock photo as hair inspiraton that you posted on Pinterest? How much did you get cut off? I am thinking of doing the same! Looks great on you! How do you like it?
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! I just printed it out, took it with me, sat down and she chopped away. It was fun! In the end it was about 6″ (not enough to donate- sad face). Oh well, next time! I love it though- it’s great for the summer. i usually chop off my hair like this every few years so it was time to “reboot.”
xo,
s
Jennie says
Confession time: I’ve been reading your blog for YEARS now… and this is my first comment.
I hope you make it to Hawaii for your 5th anniversary! My hubby and I celebrated the big 5 last year with an epically gorgeous and fun-filled trip to Hawaii. It was absolutely amazing!
Oh, and I chopped off a Locks-of-Love-donation-worth of my hair days before we went. Big changes are definitely the way to go. Your hair looks fabulous! :)
celestte says
Wow – love the haircut Sherry! Very pretty! And John, props on the breakfast – especially the heart strawberries. Congratulations and happy anniversary!
Coletta (rhymes With Velveeta) says
just don’t get the “mom” hairdo!
you know…where they get it all cut off and look like a dude or a tired mom!
Aubrey says
Sherry, you hair looks amazing!!! Happy 4th Anniversary YHL! :)
Emily says
Yes! Come to Hawaii! I’m already looking forward to your posts from here!
Sherry looks GREAT with the new haircut and the stacked head anniversary photos are awesome. You guys always make me smile!
Lisa says
Happy Anniversary! I pray you continue to be blessed with many many more.
Torey says
Saw these and thought I’d pass them along (since they have bees on them).
http://www.darlybird.com/darl76.html
YoungHouseLove says
Cute!
xo,
s
Drea says
Sherry I think you resemble Neve Campbell
veryyy pretty!
YoungHouseLove says
Now that is a new one! Love it!
xo,
s
Amanda says
Congrats on four years! Btw, I LOVE Snow City Cafe (in true creeper fashion, I totally stalked your photo link). I spent about a month in Anchorage for my old job, and would frequent them for breakfast or lunch multiple times a week.
And Sherry, you’re lovely! Do you not wear any makeup? If so, my pale blonde self envies you!
YoungHouseLove says
I wear light stuff. Some bronzer and eye shadow and mascara (all by Organic Wear sold at Target). Except when I forget. Haha.
xo,
s
Paige says
Congrats on 4 years! The hubs and I are about to celebrate 2 on the 25th.
You should DEFINITELY go to Hawaii. We went there for our honeymoon and it was awesome! There are a zillion things to do just on Oahu, and I feel like we didn’t even scratch the surface.
Also, love the hair, $herdog!
Janette@The2Seasons says
The hair is SO much better. As I was looking at your photos, I thought that you would look so nice with an updated hair style. And then, there it was. We should all pay as much attention to our appearance as we do to our house’s appearance.
Kelly D says
If you guys want any help with planning your trip to Hawaii just email me. My MIL is a travel agent, is great with staying within a budget, and doesn’t charge her customers any additional fees. BTW…cute pics and I love the new hair! Happy belated anniversary!
YoungHouseLove says
Amazing! Thanks for the tip!
xo,
s
Mai says
Love Sherry’s new haircut!
Devon @ Green House, Good Life says
What a great anniversary! Congrats on four jam-packed years!
I’m super-excited for your Hawaii trip. I grew up on Oahu and got married there (on a sailboat off of Waikiki) in 2002. I’ve blogged about various aspects of Hawaii, and I’m here for you if you have any questions about different islands, trip planning, etc.
YoungHouseLove says
Off to check it out…
xo,
s
Mika Anna says
You should be a model, Sherry. No joke! Classic beauty.
YoungHouseLove says
Shucks you guys are killing me tonight. Totally blushing. Thanks for the sweetness!
xo,
s
Jen says
Happy Anniversary to my favorite blog couple! Such a sweet family day, LOVE Smock paper and your hair is seriously INCREDIBLE!
xoxo,
Jen
Angela says
The new haircut looks great. Did you get it highlighted too?
YoungHouseLove says
Nah, I’m too cheap for that. Haha.
xo,
s
Wrenaria says
WOW Sherry you’re a total stunner. I love the new hair! What island are you considering going to in Hawaii? If it’s Oahu, I’m happy to pitch in some travel advice as I’ve been there several times, and once to the big island. I’m sure many of your readers are happy to share their travel knowledge with you guys should you need or desire it. ;)
Oh, and happy anniversary!
YoungHouseLove says
Not sure yet (John has already been a few places and we hear Maui is awesome for kids). We’ll keep you guys posted! Thanks for the info if we need it!
xo,
s
Victoria says
love love love the short hair, i chopped mine off on my birthday and am now torn between loving it short and growing it back out… eeek on a totally separate note though, did no one else thing Hawaii 5-0 when you said you were going there next year? it was the first thought in my head, apparently i’m a nerd, oh well, happy anniversary!!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- someone else said that too. You’re not the only one!
xo,
s
SYD says
Happy Anniversary! This is my first visit to your blog but I absolutely love it! The meal pics made my mouth water. I’m a new fan!
Jill says
Love the new hair, Sherry! Very striking!
Ali says
Such a great post – re: #4 – does Sherry not drive? Just being SUPER nosy :)
YoungHouseLove says
I only drove for 6 months when I lived in Jersey and then I went off to college in NYC, where I lived for 6 years (and didn’t drive at all since it was all subway and taxis). Then we moved here and let’s just say I’m very slow on the whole driving thing. I have my license and can do it under duress, but John is the driver in our relationship. Haha.
xo,
s
Jordan says
I loooove the hair! Being a hairstylist, I have got to say it looks PERFECT on you, but even with the long hair, you can pull it ALL off! :)
Happy Anniversary! Your daughter gets more and more beautiful each post haha.
Janelle says
Those are *definitely* some sexy pictures, Sherry!!
Megan says
Do you two read Fresh Home magazine? There’s a laundry room that reminded me of yours and how you have a very small space in between the stacked w/d and the wall. They had some drawer unit thing (not built in) but above that they had a small hook to hang up clothes. Cute, simple idea. It made me think of you, so I thought I’d share. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip! I’ll have to check it out!
xo,
s
Shannon Hoving says
Daaaaang, girl! How is that man of yours supposed to concentrate on blogging when you look like that?
Meghan says
You guys are adorable! Your haircut looks great Sherry..your such a natural beauty :)
laurie says
Three things:
Happy anniversary!
Absolutely LOVE the haircut!!!!!
and I don’t think I have ever seen the Bean crying. Usually she has a huge smile. I was starting to think she was never crabby!
Jac says
Yes, I think it makes us all feel slightly more human to see the Bean crying for once!!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- I promise she has her moments! Poor girl was primed for an afternoon nap at that point. It was a miracle that she bucked up for that last strip (after lots of talk about going home to see Burger the doggie- she loves him)!
xo,
s