Celebrating 10 Years of Marriage: 10 Lessons Learned on Our Journey Together

This week, Will and I are celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary, and I can hardly believe how fast time has flown!

Planning a wedding is like riding a roller coaster – there are thrilling highs and some unexpected twists, but it's all part of the adventure. The big day arrives, and you're surrounded by friends and family, celebrating your love for that one special person. It's magical, and before you know it, the day is over in a whirlwind of joy and happy memories.

But here's the best part: the wedding is just the beginning.

The true adventure starts with marriage. It's about becoming a team with the person who makes you feel like you can conquer the world together. Over the past decade, we've experienced so much growth, laughter, and love. We've faced challenges and celebrated victories, and through it all, our bond has grown stronger. Of course, we're still learning about each other and ourselves, figuring out what it takes to make our marriage work. We’re both different people than we were 10 years ago, and it’s wonderful getting to know each other as we grow.

As we celebrate this milestone, I want to share with you 10 things I’ve learned in our 10 years of marriage. Whether you're planning your wedding, newly married, or a few years into your journey, I hope these insights inspire and connect with you. Marriage is an incredible journey, and I'm excited to share a bit of our story with you.

Thank you to my super talented friend Katherine & Her Camera for out recent couple session.

1. Communication is Key

Open and honest communication is the foundation of a strong relationship, but it's also about understanding each other's unique styles. I'm a verbal communicator, often saying what's on my mind without much editing. Will has learned to be patient with my "Tashisms," as he affectionately calls them. In contrast, Will is quieter, communicating through small actions like a quick cuddle, and his expressive face often says it all.

Over the years, I've come to respect his communication style, understanding his little actions and expressions. This has helped us connect more deeply and appreciate each other's perspectives, even when we don’t agree. Embracing our different communication styles has made our relationship stronger and more harmonious. Our styles balance each other out perfectly—like a well-choreographed dance of words and gestures.

2. Embrace Change Together

Life is full of changes, and growing together as a couple means embracing them hand in hand. Whether it's career shifts, moving homes, personal growth, or bringing home a chaos puppy (Pippin, I’m looking at you), these experiences have made us stronger. We bought our first home together—a never-ending project that's always under construction but filled with love and memories. Every step, from new jobs to puppy antics, has brought us closer and made us stronger.

3. Prioritise Quality Time

It's so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle and suddenly realise it's July when Christmas feels like just last week. That's why making time for each other is so important. We've found simple ways to connect, like our morning walks, a Skyjo night (our favorite card game), and fish and chips on the beach. We love being outside, paddleboarding, or walking our dog Pippin. Those little moments together mean the world to us and keep our bond strong and joyful

4. Support Each Other's Dreams

Encouraging and supporting each other's individual goals is vital, and it's something we've embraced wholeheartedly. I would never have had the courage to become a photographer without Will's continuous support. From his charming "stop moaning about it and just do it" to buying me my first professional camera, and even sacrificing weekends to assist me at weddings, I wouldn't be living my dream job if it wasn't for him. Will used to be my right-hand man in the business, but photography wasn't his passion. His decision to leave and pursue a job he truly loves was a testament to our commitment to each other's dreams.

Celebrating achievements together and being each other's biggest cheerleader is a cornerstone of our relationship. Watching Will run his marathons and seeing the look of pure joy on his face is amazing (even though running is a sport I'll never understand!). Watching him train and achieve his personal goals is incredibly inspiring. Just as he supports my passion for photography, I love cheering him on as he thrives in his own pursuits. Our shared enthusiasm for each other's successes has made our bond even stronger and filled our lives with so much joy and pride.

5. Keep the Romance Alive

Small gestures make a big difference. A surprise note, a spontaneous date, or even a heartfelt compliment can keep the romance alive. For us, it's those unexpected moments—like Will leaving a sweet note on my camera bag or planning a surprise date night—that keep the spark alive. Affection and intimacy are essential to maintaining a loving relationship, and these little acts of love remind us of why we fell for each other in the first place.

6. Be Each Other’s Biggest Cheerleader

Celebrating successes together and offering support during tough times has been a cornerstone of our relationship. Being each other's biggest cheerleader means standing by one another, no matter what life throws our way. We’ve faced some real lows together, including the loss of loved ones, and through those times, we’ve supported and uplifted each other. Just like I cheer Will on during his marathons, he's always been my rock, especially when I've faced challenges in my photography career. Our mutual support has strengthened our bond and kept us moving forward.

7. Face Challenges as a Team

Tackling obstacles together makes you stronger. Whether it's financial difficulties, health issues, or other challenges, facing them as a team solidifies your partnership and builds resilience. Our shared experiences of grief and loss have brought us closer and made us more resilient. We’ve faced tough times hand in hand, and each challenge has only made our partnership stronger.

8. Appreciate the Little Things

Finding joy in everyday moments and practicing gratitude can transform your relationship. It's the little things—like a shared laugh over a silly joke, a kind word when one of us needs it, or a comforting hug at the end of a long day—that create lasting memories. We've learned to cherish these small moments, as they truly are the building blocks of our happiness together.

9. Maintain a Sense of Humour

Laughing together and not taking life too seriously has made our marriage much more enjoyable. Humor is a powerful tool, helping us navigate tough times and savor the good ones. Some of our best memories are filled with laughter, like when Will tries to teach me running techniques, and we both end up in stitches. Keeping things lighthearted reminds us not to take life too seriously and to enjoy each moment we have together.

10. Never Stop Learning About Each Other

Continuing to grow and discover new things about your partner keeps the relationship dynamic and exciting. The journey of lifelong learning about each other is one of the greatest adventures of marriage. We've found that having our own interests and respecting each other's time is crucial. Will's passion for running and my love for photography are key elements in our lives, and supporting each other's hobbies has brought us even closer. There's always something new to learn about each other, and that keeps our bond fresh and exciting.

As I look back on the journey of the past 10 years, I am so grateful and excited for the future. Marriage is an incredible journey, filled with ups and downs, laughter and tears, and endless opportunities for growth and connection. I encourage all couples, whether just starting or years into their journey, to embrace the adventure and cherish every moment. Here's to many more decades of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories!

A small selection of professional photos we've had done through the years