It’s rather hard to believe, but today marks my third wedding anniversary!

It all feels like only yesterday that I was sharing the whole wedding planning adventure with all of you. As I look at the photos I’m immediately transported back to that secluded Mexican beach where we exchanged our vows. And yet, it simultaneously feels like I’ve been married forever.

I have to confess, I was never one of those girls who imagined herself married. I didn’t play make-believe with a Barbie and Ken. I didn’t have my perfect wedding dress in my head or looming must-be-married by this age deadlines. It all just happened rather out of the blue. I met someone who enthralled me and challenged me all at the same time. And it’s been quite the adventure ever since. I suspect the biggest one I’ll take in my life.

I just read this article about how to flirt with your husband, which is always a good thing to remember to do. I’m certainly no marriage expert, but there are a few things I’ve learned these first three years and so I thought I’d share them with you!

– Never stop dating. It’s amazing the difference this makes in a relationship. Making the time and the effort to go out on actual date nights with your significant other staves off routine, sparks new conversations and reminds you of why you liked each other in first place! This can be as simple as a weekly date night, but you can mix it up too! Go for a hike, take a drive to see some beautiful scenery or try a new activity together.

– The little things do count. Probably the most. Helping one another out. Dividing chores. Giving each other undivided attention for 2 minutes before you leave and when you get home each day. Those little moments add up and up and up. Don’t underestimate them.

– Grand gestures count too. Everyone loves a big surprise. Send flowers for no reason. Cook an extravagant dinner. Send a flirty text and then follow through on it. Those big moments aren’t soon forgotten.

– Be honest, to a point beyond your comfort level. No one is going to stand up for you in your marriage except for you. Speaking up about what you want and need sounds like the simplest of ideas and is probably the hardest thing to do. I know it is for me!

– Say yes everyday. You don’t get asked “will you marry me” once in your life. You should be asked and be doing the asking every single day. Being in a marriage – an active, healthy, all-in type of marriage is a proactive decision that takes diligent maintenance. If you want your car to run smoothly you take care of it right? Your marriage is no different. If you tune it up regularly, it will remain a well-oiled machine that will see you over any bump in the road.

I for one have loved the first three years of being married. I can’t wait to see what we learn over the next three and 30 {gulp!}.

PS: You can look back on our Mexican destination wedding here, here and on Style Me Pretty right here.

our wedding photography by jose villa, quote via here