We’ve reached another major milestone as a married couple—the completion of our first year of marriage. Monday, January 14, marks exactly 365 days since we jumped the broom and became husband and wife. It’s been an interesting journey and we’re thrilled that we could share some it with you.

The past year put us through the ringer. Mr. Rocque changed his surname in honor of his late grandfather. A week and a half later I joined him in the rename game as his Rocque Starr. A short while later I got laid off. But luckily I had someone—not just a lover but a partner—by my side to help pull me through. His work environment would soon change as well, but in his case it was by choice.

Only four months into our marriage we went from being diehard New Yorkers who would never dream of leaving the city to Midwest transplants moving to Chicago, when the hubs got recruited for a new gig. It was a major shift and a true test of our courage as a couple; but once again, having someone by your side make things all that much easier.

Shortly after we relocated, the Mr. and I were back on a plane to celebrate our delayed honeymoon and my, ahem, big “milestone” birthday. All my life I had dreamed of visiting Japan, but the reality was a million times better than what I had imagined, because, again, I got to experience it with my favorite person. I’ve literally followed him halfway around the world and I know he’d do the same in a heartbeat. It’s a feeling that I can’t put into words, but one of my greatest joys as his wife.

Sometimes it’s still hard to believe that I carry that title. I spent most of my early years concerned with being everything from a dancer to a singer to a writer to a nutritionist, but to be completely honest, I never gave much thought to being a wife. But now that I am, I couldn’t imagine myself being anything else. Our relationship is so innately loving that it’s hard recalling a time before. But I won’t lie: not everything has been all roses.

As with any relationship, we’ve had our bumps in the road, from miscommunication and annoying beatboxing habits to workaholic distractions and to the death of my father. It’s been an interesting first year to say the least, and I’m excited about the years ahead. But I won’t get ahead of myself; instead, I’ll just enjoy the moments as they come. Technically we’re still newlyweds, and these formative years are what will set the blueprint for our forever.

This weekend, we’ll be celebrating our day leaning how to fly a plane! Let the adventure continue.

Mr. and Mrs. Rocque are the couple formerly known as Anslem Samuel and Starrene Rhett, Chicago-based journalists who found love in between bylines. Follow the newlyweds’ musings of a marriage in progress here, on Twitter and via their joint blog.