The power of studies.

I've decided to create studies for each opening to put my games in. Overtime working to memorize as many lines as possible. This has become the critical point in my advancement in chess. Up unit now I've know very little in opening theories and even though people will have different experiences and advice about the importance of this I can comfortably say it is the next step for myself. I have played very few English games in my time and overnight I spent about 4 hours straight watching extensive video lessons with professional game examples, learning a lot about piece value controlling the light/dark squares answering threats without just defending but creating greater threats on top of them, and all around sharper play. Immediately after study I had to test this new knowledge, Ofcouce this could have gone either way the point isn't that I won the game but that I actually had half an idea of what I was doing in the opening and where I might capitalize on some advantages. Thanks everyone.

Good work man! I too did a similar thing, made an opening book for myself and try to keep myself to it, compare after each game whether I could stick to my prepared plans. I have yet to find a way to really practice though, I'm giving chessable a swing atm.
Re your game:
You could have prevented double e-pawns by 16. Nd5 or simply taking back with you knight at move 18. I haven't checked with the machine but the opposite color bishops aren't great (so I get you wanted to prevent that) but I expect doubled e-pawns to be harder to play with.

Keep up the good work and congrats on the game.