You can celebrate your marriage with the Anniversary Experience anywhere in the world, even your own city. There’s certainly something to be said for celebrating your marriage in the place that it’s taken root. However, I think you’ll agree, there’s something extra magical about a destination anniversary session.

3 reasons to jump up & down for your destination anniversary session

1. Explore somewhere new together

I’m not sure what I love more- seeing your eyes light up while you point at a bread truck and exclaim to your husband that you need that back home or seeing that same expression a few days after your session light up your photographs.

And yes, there are bread trucks in Europe so you can have fresh baked bread delivered right to your doorstep every few days!

No matter what destination you choose you’re going to be experiencing an entirely new culture together. And whether you’re giggling to yourselves about an exchange you heard or are in awe discovering the culture together- it will shine through your photographs.

Capturing your love story in an entirely new place is simply magical. The moments in between that the excitement of being in a new place is still there, but you’re completely focused on one another so much that the destination becomes the background.

2. A well deserved vacation

Have you ever told each other you’re going on a date night this month then it fell through? Then you said it again the next month, and something came up? Or maybe planned a weekend staycation then got called into work?

If I told you the number of times Teylor and I pushed a date night or had canceled a trip, well, I’d be embarrassed! However, I have the feeling you’ve done it too. We all have!

No matter if it’s work, kids, or both constantly pulling your attention when you invest yourself in a destination anniversary session you’re committing to spending time with your husband and celebrating nothing but your marriage. Even if it’s for a few blissful days.

When you get on that plane you won’t be easy to get back. Of course, if there is a true emergency you’d be back home as soon as possible, but you’ll be amazed with how many ’emergencies’ don’t require your personal Olivia Pope skills to be dealt with.

When you go to a destination, you’re getting a well deserved vacation that won’t be interrupted lightly, and the perfect opportunity to celebrate your marriage!

3. Create an heirloom your great-great grandchildren won’t forget

Even though my son, Greyson, is only 2 years old I love telling him stories about his grandparents, great grandparents, and great great grandparents. Unfortunately, he will never meet his great great grandparents or know them the way I did, but he will know their stories.

Greyson will know that his great great grandmother bought her very own mobile home to have some ‘her space’ because his great great grandfather was stubborn and went to an uncles home every day at the same time no matter what.

The only thing I wish he had is photos to go along with the stories! That story is one of my favorites about those two. It shows off their personalities perfectly- both extremely stubborn!

Imagine your great grandchildren telling their children about your amazing experience during your destination anniversary session. Imagine them seeing the photos, getting to know your love story, and leaving a impression with them when they begin seeking their own love story.

Doesn’t that sound powerful?! In my family, heirlooms are powerful and I’m happy to have tangible heirlooms (even if there’s not a print of my great grandmother in her brand new mobile home) that helped shape me. I want the same for your future generations!

The Best Season for a Destination Anniversary Session

This question is a tough one to answer because it’s not black and white. There are a lot of factors to consider. Weather, your favorite color scheme, and travel costs are a few things to think about.

Weather and travel costs are pretty obvious. The weather will be the sunnies and least rainy in late Spring throughout the Summer. That same time frame will be when tourist season is gearing up and in full swing meaning more people around and higher travel costs.

Your favorite color scheme, however, might not seem so obvious. It’s my goal that you display your destination anniversary session photographs throughout your home. So planning ahead to at least compliment your home decor is crucial!

I know, I know- that sounds crazy, but let me use my home as an example. Every room is decorated in very happy, bright colors with the occasional accent of navy blue. So, while we do take photos in the Fall, they are displayed smaller in less statement areas because a very large canvas of us wearing Fall colors and sweaters doesn’t look right in our living room. However, our family photos from Spring and Summer add art to our home that stands out by blending in.

Generally speaking, your favorite season, your home decor, and what season you choose to celebrate your marriage with an anniversary session will all be the same. Usually people gravitate to one season, and it’s color palette, naturally and don’t have to over think it.

What to wear for your session?

The what to wear panic is easily my number one or two most asked question! It’s on up there with questions about location. Did you have an engagement session? Most likely your attire will be similar.

I encourage my couples to plan one dressy outfit and one casual. The dressy outfit can be as fancy as you’d like, but I strongly recommend your casual outfit not going below business casual.

Some of my couples want to take this opportunity to do it up and wear a ball gown and tux. Others opt for a maxi dress that’s not quite ball gown status. I say this often, but it’s because it’s true! the elements of your destination anniversary session should reflect you as a couple! This includes your attire.

If you feel genuinely uncomfortable in extremely dressy outfits, please don’t incorporate that into your session. Your comfort level shows through your photographs and you want these memories to be captured and look second nature.

A great rule of thumb is if you question anything about your outfit don’t wear it. Every time I have questioned the comfort or look of an outfit and worn it anyways, I’ve regretted it. So, if you’re asking yourself if a dress is too short after putting it on or if it’s too flashy and doesn’t feel 100% you- keep searching!

What does the Anniversary Experience look like?

You and I communicate via email and video chat months before your session. We get to know each other and plan the particulars of your destination anniversary session. I assist you with outfit selection, locations to fit your personalities, and answer any travel related questions you may have.

When we meet bright and early at your first location we’re already friends and we get right to the good stuff! We don’t waste sunlight chatting about how your session will go or look like- you already know all the details and about how I work!

Using my posing system, we get lots of variety and poses at each location! I use both digital and film during our time together.

After our first location we find a place for you two to change outfits (we usually pre determine where!), and then we’re off to location number two, and by that time you two are pros!

The Highlights:

– I offer 3 Anniversary Experience packages to fit your needs

– 1 or more outfit changes

– 2 or more locations

– Film and digital photographs

– Beautiful online gallery with print ordering

– Access to me throughout to assist in planning

What are the best locations for your Destination Anniversary Session?

I’ve had the opportunity to travel to some amazing international destinations and I’m excited to share them with you!

Grab my destination anniversary session location guide by entering your first name and email below!

It showcases great cities as well as specific location in each city! This guide will take the guesswork out of the ‘where panic’ and give you tangible destinations to consider and choose from.