Y’all. We threw a party. A big party for our 10th wedding anniversary. And it was one of the sweetest days of my life.
And yup, I wore my wedding dress. But that’s not all, oh no that’s not all…
So did these lovely ladies. It was a BYOWD event. My friends Rachael, Jen, Rebecca, and Cate all humored me by wearing their dresses from years past, too. And if you’ve read Something Other Than God, YES, that is Jennifer Fulwiler’s famous purple wedding dress!
Friends who wear their wedding dresses together stay together. Or something like that. We had sweet friends, not just from Waco, but from Austin and Belton drive in and we felt so loved.
I really can’t believe it’s been 10 years since we said our “I do”s and cut our wedding cake. 3 kids, 9 moves, and a lot of awesome. So much growing up together. We’ve been married for 1/3 of our lives!
Lucy told me that anniversary parties are more fun than weddings because your kids get to come, too. She’s totally right.
She’s also a big fan of snacking on sushi.
It was so great to be surrounded by friends celebrating this milestone with us. I feel so grateful to have come this far together, but also very conscious of the grace that has carried us here. We haven’t done this all by ourselves. We’ve made it 10 years by the support and encouragement of family and friends and the grace of God. And I’m just so grateful.
Me and Lucy’s godfather, Luke.
And this is my dearest friend Ellie with one of her TWO new baby boys. Rock star.
Speaking of boys, careful they don’t jump in the coolers.
But boy, they’re cute when they do. So refreshing.
Lucy and her bestie, Bryce.
Me and my bestie.
I still like him so much, y’all. And I’m proud of all the hard work we’ve put in the past decade and especially this past year to pursue some dreams and live the life we want.
I remember when we were engaged college students and so terribly poor thinking that I’d rather eat beans and rice with Daniel than live in a palace with anyone else.
I still feel that way. So much so, that I made a GIF of us dancing:
Sorry, I don’t know what got into me.
Happy 10 years, Daniel. Let’s throw another party for our 20th….not promises that my wedding dress will still fit for that one, though.
And a HUGE thanks to our generous friends Rebecca and Chris for hosting the party and to the lovely Holly Fish who brought her camera and incredible talent to the night resulting in the beautiful photos. You’re the best, Holly!
GiannaT says
I’m just about to celebrate my second anniversary, so I’ve got awhile yet before I reach my 10th, but if you don’t mind, I might totally steal wearing my wedding dress (assuming it fits…!!) and throwing a party. What a great idea! And beautiful pictures too. 🙂
Haley says
Steal away! I hope the idea takes off, haha. <3
Justina says
We celebrate #10 at the end of July! Much like you, we had our big Catholic wedding after my freshman year of college – and rice and beans it was! We are 3 kids in (oldest a boy then two sweet baby girls) and we’re the same stinkin’ age as ya’ll! Twinsies here in Mid-Mo! I am so happy for you both, what an amazing celebration—here’s to the next 10 , CHEERS and God Bless!
Haley says
Congrats, Justina! We ARE twins! <3
Kate M says
I love this!! We just had our 4th a couple of days ago but now I want to start planning our 10th:)
Haley says
Congrats!
Mary says
This post was so wonderful and heart-warming! Thank you for sharing your anniversary party with us. :o) Also, you get major props for looking so fantastic in your wedding dress after 10 years and three kiddos!
Haley says
My pleasure, Mary! And thanks 😉
Rachel says
Congratulations!!!! We celebrate our 10 year in a couple of weeks. 🙂 I LOVE the wedding dress idea. I’ve been telling people that I’m going to host a wedding dress party some day . . . sadly I don’t live near any of my besties at this point, but some day it’s going to happen!
Haley says
Do it! 🙂
Ashley says
This is so beautiful. What an amazing testament to the sacrament of marriage. And you guys still fit in your wedding dresses! Lucky!!
Haley says
Thanks, Ashley!
Desiree says
“I’d rather eat beans and rice with Daniel than live in a palace with anyone else.”
Melting, here. You two are adorable.
Haley says
<3
jeni says
Can’t get over how ridiculously adorable y’all are together. LOVE love LOVE love LOVED these photos. Happy 10th you guys. <3
Haley says
Thanks, friend!
Hannah says
Ummm…..what a FUN idea to have a wear your wedding dress anniversary party! We celebrated our anniversary this month too, and I put my wedding dress on, but it was just me and my hubs at home alone. 🙂
Haley says
Love it!
AnneMarie says
Happy anniversary! I’m all about this wedding dress celebration thing 🙂 Last summer, my husband and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary, and the weekend leading up to it (our anniversary was on a Monday) we got to speak about marriage at a conference-and by request, wore our wedding clothes! I think pulling out the wedding dress is a great way to celebrate and get in the spirit of things. Plus, what girl doesn’t want to re-wear her wedding dress?
Haley says
Oh that’s so great!!
Sarah says
I absolutely love this! Love, love, love it! Beyond brilliant and beautiful!
Living a Catholic Fairy Tale says
Wearing your wedding dress to your anniversary is such a fun idea – I think I’m going to do that for our next anniversary, too.
Happy anniversary!
Stephanie says
Dancing GIFs should be a regular part of everyday life. I think it would help all of us cope with the day to day grind:-)
Mary @ Better Than Eden says
I LOVE THIS!!! Happy anniversary! I remember after our wedding saying “I want to do this EVERY year!” All our friends and family from all over the country celebrating in one spot was phenomenal. What a great way to celebrate the beauty of marriage with everyone. We’re coming on our 14 year in a month but maybe 15 years merits a big party??? Maybe? I don’t want to wait til 20 🙂
Jenny says
Happy anniversary! What a great idea! I’d love to do this for our Sweet Sixteenth next year.
Wanda says
WOw I’m speechless 🙂 What a great idea for wedding dresses at your anniversary !!! (lucky girls it still fits) CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!!
Ronni says
Aww, I SOOO wanted to do this do for my 10th anniversary too! Wear my wedding dress and everything. I had all sorts of plans for an amazing 10th anniversary party, but life and finances worked out differently, sigh. Still, a 10th anniversary is such a wonderful thing to celebrate!
I wrote a post too about how much marriage changes for the better after 10 yrs. http://www.screenwriterswife.com/10-reasons-why-your-10th-anniversary-is-better-than-your-honeymoon.html
Happy 10th Anniversary to you both!
JMSalinas says
Congratulations Haley and Daniel! The love is tangible in your photos – it brought tears to my eyes! You are an inspiration!
Megan says
I got insanely excited when I saw this (and a tad bit jealous too, I’ll admit) — I told my husband not two months ago that I want to get pictures together in my dress for our 10 year because out of our whole wonderful wedding, that’s my only regret; not having better pictures. But the party and guest attire brings it to a whole new level! Congrats to you two…only two years to go for us!
Kirby says
This is so adorable! I love the idea of having everyone wear their wedding dresses! Give that big white beauty a little more love.
Glad to see I’m not the only one with sushi loving kids. 🙂
Rosalie Contrite says
Girl! Teach me your ways! There is NO way I could squeeze into my wedding dress >.<!
Tzippi Longstockings says
I happened to stop in today, which is my husband’s and my second wedding anniversary. Mazel tov!
KimT says
Happy 10th Anniversary! What a wonderful way to celebrate and kudos for fitting into your dress after 3 kids and 10 years– you rocked your dress twice!! We are about to celebrate our 35th Wedding Anniversary but no way can I fit into my dress BUT I’m going to rock my veil again! Thanks for inspiring me to wear “something old”.
Eve says
wow…beautiful! celebrating my 10th next year. I love the wedding dress idea but won’t fit into that. I see the love is still deep. CONGRATULATIONS!!!