It might sound corny, but I love marriage. Sure, I’m all in for the beautiful wedding days, but what really matters is everything that comes after. And when you’re deep in the chaos of wedding planning, it’s easy to forget that this is just the beginning of something even better.

I’m not here to hand out marriage advice—because let’s be real, what works for one couple isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. But I do believe in prioritizing each other every day, and I’m a big fan of wedding anniversaries.

My husband and I take a trip every year, even though with three kids, it’s so easy to say, Let’s just celebrate next year. But marriage deserves celebrating, even in the busiest seasons. (And don’t even get me started on marriage with kids—maybe that’s a different blog post. Or 100.)

For today, let’s talk about how to make your wedding anniversary one of the most special days of the year—without overcomplicating it. Here are six simple ways to bring back all the emotions, scents and little details of your wedding day, year after year.

 

1. Make a Wedding Shadow Box

Flat-lay wedding photos? Beautiful. But instead of just having those details in your gallery, why not display them in real life? A shadow box lets you see and hold pieces of your wedding day, every anniversary. I have ours hanging in our bedroom, and it’s such a special reminder of that season of life.

What to include:

• Your wedding invitation and vows
• A swatch of lace or fabric from your dress
• Your wax seal, ring box, or ribbon from your flat lays
• A dried flower from your bouquet
• A handwritten note from your wedding day
• Jewelry, pieces from your engagement/ bridal shower
• Cocktail napkins, menus, polaroids, ring box

Why it matters:
It’s an instant time capsule. Every time you open it, you’re right back in that season. The excitement, the anticipation, the meaning behind every little detail.

2. Flip Through Your Heirloom Wedding Album

I cannot say this enough. Having a physical wedding album is so important. My own wedding album is made with the same high-quality materials I offer my couples because I know firsthand how much of a difference it makes.

Growing up, I loved flipping through my parents’ wedding album. It was thick, textured and felt important. I wanted my own wedding photos (and my clients’ photos) to feel just as meaningful. Now, our kids love to look through these memories with us! It’s pretty magical getting to see our love story through their little eyes (and answer lots of questions, lol.)

Make it a tradition:
Every anniversary, sit down together, flip through your album, and share what stands out to you. Every year, you’ll notice new things—photos that mean even more now than they did before.

Why it matters:
Your wedding album makes those memories real again. No scrolling, no distractions, just the two of you, remembering why you started this journey in the first place.

3. Wear Your Wedding Perfume or Cologne Every Anniversary

Scent is one of the strongest memory triggers. I have certain smells that instantly take me back to specific seasons of my life, so I knew I wanted a perfume that would be just for my wedding and honeymoon.

If you haven’t picked one yet, make a date night out of it! Go to a perfume store, test different scents together and choose one that feels like this time in your life. Then, wear it on your wedding day, honeymoon and every anniversary after.

Why it matters:
The second you smell it, you’re right back in that moment—walking down the aisle, holding hands during your vows, feeling everything all over again.

4. Order a Small Cake from Your Wedding Bakery in Your Wedding Flavor

I love the tradition of freezing your top-tier wedding cake for your first anniversary, but after that? Order a fresh version of your wedding cake from your original bakery each year.

Ways to make it even better:

• Set up a cozy, candlelit dessert table at home to recreate the feeling of your reception. Heck, order your wedding dishes from your venue if that’s a possibility!
• Watch your wedding film or flip through your album while sharing a slice.
• Pair it with your wedding night drink or signature cocktail. (Spoiler alert: this is the next one!)

Why it matters:
It’s such an easy way to bring back the feeling of your wedding night. Plus, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love an excuse for cake?

5. Toast with Your Wedding Glassware

Those fancy champagne flutes you bought for your wedding toast? Let’s actually use them. Instead of letting them sit in a cabinet forever, bring them out every anniversary to celebrate another year together.

Make it personal:

• Champagne toast? Keep the tradition going.
• Signature cocktail? Recreate it at home.
• Had a fun, non-alcoholic drink? Pour a glass of that instead.

Why it matters:
It’s a small but meaningful way to bring your wedding day into every new year of your marriage.

6. Book an Anniversary Photo Session (or Family Session!)

Your wedding photos are just the beginning of your story together, but why not keep documenting it? You’re growing together, changing, building a life. Why not document this season, too? Anniversary sessions are such a fun way to celebrate another year, and honestly, they take all the pressure off—no wedding-day timelines, no stress, just the two of you, being you.

Why it’s worth it:

• You get updated, professional photos that aren’t just iPhone selfies.
• It’s a fun excuse to dress up and go on a date.
• It reminds you how much you’ve grown together since your wedding day.

Ways to make it personal:

• Revisit your wedding venue or a meaningful spot from your relationship.
• Bring little details from your wedding—your vow books, a bottle of your wedding champagne, or even your wedding shoes.
• Keep it laid-back—an in-home session, a cozy coffee shop, or a walk through your favorite park can be just as special as a formal shoot.

And if you’re in the newly expanding chapter of your marriage? (Cue: babies, dogs, or whatever life throws your way.) I also offer family portraits because I love keeping up with my couples after the wedding day. Watching your love story continue through anniversaries, growing families and everyday moments—is one of the best parts of what I do.

Whenever I deliver a wedding gallery to my couples, I always say, I wish you both a lifetime of happiness. And I mean it.

Because while wedding days are beautiful, it’s the marriage that keeps those moments alive.

I hope these simple anniversary traditions help you celebrate your relationship in a way that feels meaningful, personal and yours. Here’s to another year of choosing each other, again and again.