My wedding dress. It was everything I dreamed of – the classic princess look, a sweetheart neckline, an A-line silhouette, and a hoop skirt that added just the right amount of drama. It was the perfect dress for the perfect day, but our wedding day wasn’t just a single moment in time; it was the beginning of a beautiful journey, and I wanted my dress to reflect that.

Photography: Charissa Magno

So, on our honeymoon I decided to start a tradition: on every odd year, I’d alter my wedding dress, each change symbolizing a new chapter in our lives. This year, year nine, marks the culmination of that tradition.

Year 1: Settling In

We were settling into married life, building our home together. The hoop skirt felt a bit too formal for our everyday, so I took it out, embracing a more casual, comfortable look. We celebrated in La Jolla, San Diego, the perfect relaxed start to our adventure.

Photography: Charissa Magno

Year 3: Sophistication

As we grew as a couple, I wanted a more sophisticated look. The straps were removed, and an illusion top was added to the bodice. Our trip to Point Reyes that year was equally sophisticated and beautiful.

Photography: Charissa Magno

Year 5: High/Low

We were halfway through the decade, and we were finally deciding to try for babies. I actually got pregnant with our first son the following month! The dress reflected the dramatic change with the biggest change yet, a high/low skirt and a ribbon at the waist. Our trip to New York was definitely a high!

Photography: Kylee Yee

Year 7: Short and Sweet

Life was getting busier with a little one, and we were finding joy in the simple things. Off came the ribbon, and the train was cut to create a short length all around. Our trip to San Francisco was short and sweet, just like the dress.

Photography: Scott and Dana

Year 9: Motherhood

This year, the final year of the tradition, was all about family. After having our second son I transformed the dress into a top and brought back the sweetheart neckline. A neutral color ribbon was added to the back and I had our boys’ names printed on the tails. This symbolized my journey into motherhood, the most beautiful change of all. We celebrated with an overnight in Calistoga, a perfect, peaceful ending to this chapter.

Photography: Liz Zimbelman

Why Odd Years?

Why only odd years? First, I’ve always loved odd numbers. Second, there’s only so much you can do with a dress! I wanted to make it to year nine so I could do something completely different for year 10. Lastly, these shoots are a considerable expense, both in time and money. The planning, fittings, and location scouting are intense! Plus, each shoot was a fantastic excuse to take an anniversary trip, cementing the memories within the tradition.

Now that the tradition is complete, I’ll keep the top as a memento, something I can still wear if I choose. I never wanted my dress to sit in a closet. I loved our wedding day so much, and this was my way of reliving it, in a new way, every other year.

Preserving your dress is one option, but it’s not a rule. It’s your dress, to do with as you please. I certainly wasn’t planning on selling mine so this was my way of celebrating the gown.

This tradition has been a beautiful way to celebrate our love, growth, and the ever-changing journey of life. It’s a reminder that while things around us may change, the love we share remains constant, strong, and beautiful.

Photography: Charissa Magno