We love seeing anniversary shoots in our inboxes, and this sesh Hannah Merritt captured of BTTRCRM owner Erika + her guy Austin in their second year of marriage is extra sweet (hint, hint). Hannah documented them at home, and Erika shared her thoughts on marriage + merging styles in the house that Austin had already been working on for years before they said I Do + moved in:
Can you describe your home’s style? Thankfully, Austin didn’t have a particularly defined style when we both found ourselves living here. He was certainly drawn towards the detail-saturated elements of furniture, artwork, even textiles. While I do love detail, I am naturally enamored with the more minimal design that brings you back to basics. In all honesty, I was given full reign over the home as far as decor is concerned. While I certainly considered Austin’s preferences, it more so comes down to a matter of how we prefer to work as a team. As much of our space is items Austin has crafted, it’s often me offering a design or concept and him executing it.
…We were most concerned about each person who walked through our door feeling welcome and known. After two years of collecting, curating, and building, I would like to say our home offers a warm environment peppered with storied pieces that often boast floral accents. Masculine architecture with soft details. Hints of French inspiration can be found in the installation of our clawfoot tub or vintage Roger Estate wine opener while farmhouse is represented by our drop sink and encased kitchen window (created with reclaimed materials on the property!).
How have you merged both of your styles into your home? Thankfully, Austin didn’t have a particularly defined style when we both found ourselves living here. He was certainly drawn towards the detail-saturated elements of furniture, artwork, even textiles. While I do love detail, I am naturally enamored with the more minimal design that brings you back to basics. In all honesty, I was given full reign over the home as far as decor is concerned. While I certainly considered Austin’s preferences, it’s more so comes down to a matter of how we prefer to work as a team. As much of our space is items Austin has crafted, it’s often me offering a design or concept and him executing it.
How would you describe your second year of marriage? Occupied. We always seem to be scurrying to the next project, event, meeting, celebration. It’s a blast, but we do our best to take a rest from Friday evening-Saturday evening to help realign, reevaluate, and gain our footing. Some days it feels like we’re veterans of marriage, and others we’re stumbling our way through new territory. Each being self-employed plays a significant role in the structure of our marriage, too, as the word ‘schedule’ is more of a myth than it is a timeline. In this shoot, we aimed to be capture it honestly… Hannah was instrumental in the moments captured; while Austin isn’t phased by the lens nearby, I’m incredibly uncomfortable in front of the camera. She couldn’t have done her job with any more excellence. I feel we were portrayed with total transparency in this shoot.
Lastly, any tips or advice for our brides + grooms about those first two years? Have patience. Even if you’ve lived together for years, you’re entering a season of transition and marriage will in fact change the dynamic of who you are as a couple. You will be challenged and stretched and pruned and you will see so much growth. Growth in areas you weren’t aware needed tending to! That to say, you chose to spend your life with someone who values you so much they’re committing themselves to you too. How very special. This is just the first two years of (hopefully) dozens more to come. For every tough day there are ten beautiful days. Marriage is absolutely worth any struggle a couple may need to overcome. Offer grace, have a little humility, and wine is always a good idea.
Happy two years, E + A!
Photographer: Hannah Merritt / Location: Cottonwood, California / Florals: North Bloom / Makeup: Gild Beauty Bar / Cake: BTTRCRM / Couple: Erika + Austin / Jewelry: Hadley Frances
