Capturing important memories and milestones within our marriage is very important to me. I set this goal even before I knew Geoff. The reason being there is a lack of photographs of my childhood, family, and milestones post my mother's passing. Thankfully I do have some because my mother saw it as important. I'm glad I have those I can look back on. Now that I have my own family, I find it crucial to make time to celebrate the memories. I want our future children to have an abundance of memories to look through. I want to share the stories that coincide with the souvenirs of our growing up together. Hence, an anniversary in home session.
To humblebrag, I've done a great job thus far. I've tortured Geoff every year in the fall with anniversary pictures to commemorate our dating anniversary. I'll continue that tradition with our wedding anniversary. Whether I decide to continue doing Fall portraits or Spring, we will just have to wait and see. I knew that I wanted an anniversary in home session to celebrate our first year of marriage. I wanted to celebrate it in time for our actual May anniversary, but thanks to COVID we had to postpone our time together with our favs Tori of Tori Presutti Photography and Tay and Billy Kohls of Whole Heart Studios until it was safer to do so.
Our first year of marriage was so fun! There were lots of lessons on communication. We have unpacked a lot of baggage we both held due to our pasts. There have been times when Geoff or I have slept on the couch. But those times have been met with long pillow talk conversations about life, goals, dreams, and future. I feel so blessed being able to do life with Geoff. He's my number one supporter; a firm foundation I can depend on.
I am thankful we were able to capture these memories of our first home together. I am more excited to be able to create albums and heirlooms for our future generations. To my husband of one year, I thank you. You are the rock I've needed and wanted. A strong supporter in whatever idea that comes my way. The ultimate comforter when life gets extremely difficult. A great friend to rely on and share in the trials and accomplishments. Here's to you, to us, to our future together. I love you this much times everything I will ever have!
From Ebony:
"On July 16, 2022 my husband and I celebrated our one-year marriage anniversary, and because the 'anniversary shoots' were becoming so popular, we thought, 'Why don’t we do that?' The one-year anniversary gift to each other, according to tradition, is giving one another a paper gift. Other than doing the shoot, our gift to each other was prints of the shoot to hang in our home!
Leading up to the shoot, we stormed the house looking for different elements that would really stand out, from the plates to the cake. The cake we used was made with love from the same amazing baker who baked and designed our wedding cake! The flavor was red velvet, the same flavor as our original top layer to our wedding cake. Very yummy!!!
Our photographer met us at Crystal Cove Beach in Laguna Beach. We spent about two hours just being ourselves and having fun! We hope that other couples will be inspired to celebrate this milestone in their relationship. One year of marriage is a big accomplishment, and why not celebrate that moment? Cheers to many years to come!"
There are many possible romantic things you can do to celebrate the very important milestone that is the wedding anniversary. In order to offer a selection of ideas that will cater to almost any style and circumstance, we have listed a range of activities here for you to choose from. We would also love to hear any other ideas you have that our friends and readers might appreciate.
And Happy Anniversary!
1. Start your celebration early. The night before the big day, prepare a delicious breakfast in advance; perhaps pastries or fruit with champagne. Then get up early on the special day and go out together to view the sunrise before you enjoy a romantic early morning meal as a couple.
2. If a super early start to the day doesn't appeal to you, why not try spending the day in bed instead? Spend this special time together relaxing, chilling out, and taking the time to really talk to each other and enjoy each other's company for a change. Alternatively, treat your loved one to a special breakfast in bed, pampering them and letting them sleep in. This is a wonderful and thoughtful surprise for a partner who always has to be up early for work or to care for children. When s/he goes for a bathroom stop, place their anniversary gift under the pillow.
3. Enjoy a beautiful sunset together for a romantic end to the day. Pack a delicious picnic full of all your favorite foods and drinks, and journey to a place that is special to you both to appreciate the natural splendor.
4. Turn your home into a DIY massage parlor. Your bedroom is the ideal location to light some scented candles, dim the lights, turn on some relaxing music, and get out the luxurious massage oils to treat your partner to the gift of a sensual and pampering spa treatment in the comfort of your own home.
5. Revel in each other's company while taking a romantic shower together. You can be sensual in whichever way you choose, whether just washing each other's hair, rubbing shower gel into your partner's back, or something a little more physical.
6. Take a romantic bath together by candlelight. Use luxurious bubble bath and bodywash products with gorgeous aromas, and enjoy a glass of champagne or wine while you relax together in the warm water.
7. Turn your home into a picnic spot. If you are celebrating a winter anniversary, it may not be the perfect weather to enjoy a romantic meal al fresco. Instead, set up a rug indoors by the fireplace or by candlelight, and unpack a hamper filled with all your favorite foods. Feast on gourmet delights and wash them down with a glass or two of wine knowing that you won't have to worry about how you're going to get home!
8. Make out! It may sound silly, but sometimes you can forget how much you enjoyed kissing your partner when you were first together. Relive those early exciting days with a romantic make-out session.
9. Surprise your partner with a romantic meal for two. Cook their favorite meal, or rustle up an unexpected gourmet delight. Alternatively, why not prepare a special dinner that you have enjoyed together, perhaps for your first date or at your wedding reception?
10. Take a trip to the movies, but don't go to watch the screen! Choose a movie at an off-peak time which has been in the theaters for a while. If you are lucky, you'll find that you're the only people at the screening, so you can enjoy the privacy of a virtual home cinema where you can hold hands, kiss and enjoy the movie in your own way.
11. If going to the movies isn't your thing, why not have a movie night at home? Pick something you'll both enjoy, perhaps a fun comedy, and chill out together.
12. Flowers are the perfect romantic gift, so why not buy a bouquet for your partner with a note attached expressing how much you love them? For a special romantic touch, for either him or her, hide single blossoms around your home for them to discover, each with its own love letter or note, or scatter rose petals on your bed for a truly romantic feel.
13. Spice up your love life by trying a few different sexual positions. If boring missionary has become standard in your relationship, have a look at the kama sutra and discover some exciting new ideas that will liven things up in the bedroom.
14. If you want to liven up your sex life, why not try having sex somewhere unexpected and different? Give the boring bedroom a rest and try out somewhere a little more unusual to bring some excitement to your special day.
16. Relive your wedding day by revisiting all your old wedding photo albums, or perhaps by watching your wedding video. Enjoy remembering your big day with the accompaniment of a bottle of champagne and some delicious sweet or savory treats.
17. Create a new treasured memento of your anniversary by booking a couples photo session with a local photographer. You can display your beautiful new pictures around your home for years to come, or perhaps keep a private collection of boudoir shots as a romantic treat to enjoy together.
18. Book a night in a hotel. You don't need to go far from home; simply reserve a room at a local venue and send an invitation for your partner to meet you there. When they arrive, have the room beautifully decorated with candles, rose petals and a hot bubble bath for two.
19. For those who love the great outdoors, take some time to go camping together. Enjoy each other's company under the stars and revel in the glory of nature while rekindling your passion.
20. Find an activity that both of you would enjoy, and book yourselves into a class together. Perhaps you'd like to try cooking, dancing, or learning a musical instrument? Whichever you choose, developing a new skill together is a wonderful way to rekindle intimacy and spend time in each other's company.
21. If you are going for a special meal at a restaurant, or even if you are just staying at home, arrange for a special piece of music to be played so that you can dance romantically together. You could select the track used for your first dance at your wedding, a song that you have sung together, or perhaps a tune that was playing when you met. It is sure to surprise your partner and make the evening memorable.
22. Use your special day as an opportunity to enjoy a new and exciting experience with your partner. If you are both intrigued by adventure and love the thrill of a challenge, try skydiving, parachuting, or skiing as a couple.
23. For a less adrenaline-filled activity, try something unusual but romantic instead. Why not book a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, a special wine tasting experience, or a gourmet meal at an exotic restaurant?
24. If you have been married for a long time, why not consider having a renewal of vows ceremony to strengthen your bond and rekindle your love for each other?
25. Although it may not seem a particularly romantic idea, your partner will truly appreciate it if you take the effort to help with tasks that you never normally do around the house. Perhaps take over with cooking the dinner, helping out with the kids, or doing the laundry. Your partner will love it!
26. Write a romantic love letter and hide it somewhere in your home where your partner is sure to find it. They will be surprised and touched by your thoughtfulness.
27. Buy the special lady in your life some beautiful, sexy lingerie as an anniversary gift, and enclose a note promising a special evening together. Or why not buy her a gorgeous new outfit and arrange for her to meet you for a romantic meal together?
28. Telephone a radio station that you know your partner listens to and ask them to play a special romantic love song for your anniversary.
29. The unexpected is always romantic. Why not learn how to play a special song on a musical instrument, or take a dance class, and then surprise your partner with your wonderful new skills?
30. There are several romantic board games designed to be played in the bedroom. Buy one and spend the evening playing together (eg, twister or strip chocolate / chess / checkers).
31. Plan a special weekend away from home as a surprise for your partner. Make sure that you have everything in place so that you can both just jump in the car and drive away. If you are short of money, don't worry about booking an expensive exotic trip. Simply reserve a room at a local B&B and walk there together. Your partner will be amazed when you arrive at your destination.
33. Recreate your first date together. Even if you live in a different town, you can still keep to similar themes and relive the same activities that you enjoyed that day. However you spent that first evening, you can recapture the fun and excitement of those moments by eating fast food, watching a silly movie or going ten pin bowling. In whatever way you spent that day, you can conjure up old sentimental feelings by reliving similar experiences.
34. Theme your gift to the anniversary that you are celebrating. Each year has its own symbol, for example, paper for the first anniversary, silver for the 25th and gold for the 50th. Customize a special gift for your partner around this theme. For a comprehensive overview on anniversary gift ideas for each anniversary celebration, see our footer heading: Anniversary Gifts by Year.
35. Use window markers and decorate your partner's car with love messages and pictures, or cover it with flowers for a sweet and unexpected way to mark your anniversary.
What better way to celebrate your FIRST WEDDING ANNIVERSARY than with a photo session?! You get to dress up, get you hair and makeup done, and go over all the special memories of the day you married the love of your life!
I've known Melissa for six years now. We used to work together when I was a corporate Interior Designer. I remember when she started dating Frank. They met through an online dating site. Their first date was the same week as her birthday, which is on Cinco De Mayo. So, what better way to win over a LOVE interest than with a live Mariachi band to serenade you at work!!! (Cue the ahhhhhh's and then the side eye over to your partner for not being this romantic and thoughtful…just kidding hunny, I still love you). Fast forward 2.5 years of dating, Melissa and Frank took a romantictrip to Yosemite where Frank SURPRISED Melissa with a proposal! Frank originally wanted to propose in Sequoia because one of Melissa's profile photos from the dating site that caught his eye was taken in Sequoia National Park. There was a fire in Sequoia at the time so he found a trail in Yosemite, full of Sequoia trees to propose to the love of his life!!! Ahhhhh, swooon! Melissa + Frank's love for the outdoors and wild adventures, mixed with their absolute LOVE for food (a couple after my own heart) make the two of them perfect for one another. During their session. their giggles and talks about their favorite foods had me smiling.
Frank + Melissa are about to celebrate their ONE YEAR WEDDING anniversary this month! Congratulations you two on your first year as husband and wife, and cheers to a hundred more! I wish you continued happiness, love, and delicious meals.
Florals | Megan Brynes // Lovestruck Blooms
MUA | Aubri Marquez
Hair | Christine Hardaway // OC Hair Artistry
One-year wedding anniversaries are underrated. Sure, a year isn't a long time in the scheme of things. But the adjustments a couple has to make in that first year of marriage are huge, and getting through them is an accomplishment worth celebrating.
Besides, there's something about a new marriage that's simply precious. It's this special time that a couple will look back on for many years to come. In fact, it's bound to be one of the things they reminisce about when they reach those major milestone anniversaries later on.
All that is worth keeping in mind as you think about how to wish someone a happy first wedding anniversary. Whether you're sending congrats to a couple you know, or a few loving words to your own spouse, the following list of first anniversary wishes can help you find the perfect message.
For Couples
Here are some one-year anniversary wishes for a couple.
• Happy 1st Anniversary, love birds! The two of you are proving to be pretty good at this whole marriage thing.
• One year down, many more to go. Happy Anniversary to a truly lovely couple!
• Happy 1st Wedding Anniversary! The love you have for each other couldn't be more obvious. Keep that shit up.
• Hope you enjoy the first of many, many wedding anniversaries. You two deserve the best, and you found it in each other.
• You guys have always made a great couple, and now you make a great married couple. Happy 1st Anniversary!
• One wonderful girl + one wonderful guy = one wonderful marriage. Happy One-Year Anniversary, you two!
• Happy 1st Anniversary, you two! They say the first year of marriage is the hardest, but you guys made it look easy.
• Happy 1st Wedding Anniversary to a beautiful couple. Keep making everyone jealous with your perfect relationship, guys.
• Happy Anniversary, you two! May the happiness of these early days of your marriage continue to grow in the years ahead.
• Happy One-Year Anniversary! You guys have always been, and will always be, the cutest couple.
For a Husband
• Happy 1st Anniversary to us! Being married to the most wonderful man in the world isn't a bad deal. In fact, I could get used to this.
• Happy Anniversary to my amazing husband. It's been a year since we walked down the aisle, and I'm still not sick of you! Love you, baby!
• In one year, you've given me a lifetime's worth of love and happiness. Happy 1st Anniversary to the most amazing husband ever.
• Happy One-Year Anniversary to my smart, kind, talented, and impossibly sexy husband! Being married to you is even more wonderful than I imagined.
• Happy Anniversary to my amazing husband. After being married to you for a year, I've decided I'm keeping you forever!
• Congrats on surviving me for a whole year. I'll give you your reward later.
• We've been married for 365 days, and I've loved every second of it. Happy Anniversary to my wonderful hubby!
• Happy 1st Anniversary, baby! After 365 days, I still can't get enough of you.
• Happy One-Year Anniversary to my wonderful husband. They say time flies when you're having fun. That must be why the last year has flown by so fast.
• The past year has been the most amazing year of my life. That's because I've been married to the most amazing man in the world. Happy 1st Anniversary, baby!
For a Wife
Finally, here are some first anniversary messages for a wife. For more sweet wording ideas for wifey, check out these love messages for her.
• Happy 1st Anniversary to my beautiful wife. Thank you for 365 days of pure bliss.
• Our first year of marriage has been full of adjustments, challenges, and even an argument or two. But I wouldn't trade my beautiful wife or my wonderful life for anything. Happy Anniversary, baby!
• Happy Anniversary to the lady who is making my dreams come true. After a year, I'm still pinching myself. I get to be married to this beautiful woman?
• Being married to you hasn't been as wonderful as I expected. It's been more wonderful! Happy Anniversary to my amazing wife!
• Our first year together has been amazing. I can't wait to see what we do for an encore. Happy 1st Anniversary to my showstopper of a wife!
• After one year of being married to you, I can confirm that you are, in fact, the most amazing wife ever. Happy Anniversary, beautiful!
• Could my wife be any more beautiful? Or kinder? Or smarter? Or more lovable? These are the questions I've been asking myself every day for the past 365 days. Happy 1st Anniversary to an all-around amazing wife.
• Happy Anniversary to the most amazing woman in the world. She has to be, in order to put up with me for a whole year!
• Happy One-Year Anniversary to my beautiful wife. I still can't believe you agreed to marry me. But we made a deal, and I'm holding you to it.
• Happy 1st Anniversary, sweetheart! Not only are you my best friend, but you're the best wife ever.
To add an extra-special touch to your first anniversary message, you could also include a famous quote. There are some good candidates in this list of quotes about time and love.