Despite the many challenges that 2020 brought for our community and world, many couples decided that love would always win. Some exchanged vows at intimate ceremonies, some married elsewhere and are celebrating with a reception this year, others had their ceremony and reception at our venue last year while making adjustments to meet state-wide health restrictions. No matter how they said “I do,” we have many couples celebrating their first wedding anniversary this year. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite anniversary gift ideas to help our couples celebrate this marriage milestone!

1. Print of Wedding Venue – Turn your wedding venue into a piece of art that your spouse can treasure forever. You can find many artists on Etsy that will paint your wedding venue and add your names and wedding date. We have a few local artists that we love recommending for pieces like this including Art by Meredith Carter, Broadway Belles, Jillian Darville Art, or Art by Ashley Triggiano. The stunning watercolor featured below was by one of our 2019 brides! Can’t you just see something like this hanging on the wall of your home for you two to enjoy forever.

2. Painting of a Wedding Photo – Have you ever seen a live painter at wedding reception? We’ve had a few over the years, and they always entertain guests during the reception by turning a blank canvas into a precious wedding day moment. Tiffany L. Johnson captured Brittany Rawls Art at one of our couple’s receptions a few years ago, and the transformation is truly magical to see the Barn in acrylics! In July, Hannah Faith Creations joined us for a reception where she pained the bride and groom’s entrance into the venue as husband and wife. These artists aren’t limited to just your wedding day – you can send them a photo from your ceremony or reception that they’ll turn into a stunning, custom work of art!

3. Oakland Farm Candle, Hat or T-Shirt – Each couple married at Oakland Farm receives a custom Oakland candle on their wedding day. It has a scent unique to our venue, and when the candle burns out, the glass can be reused as a tumbler that has our logo on the side. We always have extra on hand for people to purchase as gifts along with Oakland Farm t-shirts and hats. Give your spouse a gift that’s practical but also reminds them of all the memories from their perfect wedding day at Oakland Farm!

4. Flowers or Pressed Florals – Love flowers? Reach out to your florist and have them recreate a floral arrangement using the same flowers from your bridal bouquet. Even if some of the flowers aren’t in season, you can use the same color palette from your wedding day that will have you reminiscing over all the beautiful details from your wedding celebration. If you’re still wedding planning and preparing for your big day, save your bridal bouquet, a bridesmaid’s bouquet or boutonniere to be preserved. Pine Pressed Flowers, a local company, can turn your flowers into an ornament, paperweight, or even a stunning piece of art!

5. One Year Anniversary Photo Session – If your spouse loves having milestones captured in photos, reach out to your wedding photographer to see if they offer mini-sessions. You could spend 30 minutes to an hour taking photos to mark your first year of marriage. If your wedding photographer doesn’t offer mini-sessions, we have a vendor list full of photographers that offer small services for anniversaries, family photos, maternity sessions and more. Over the years it would be so beautiful to see your relationship and family grow in framed photos!

6. Honeymoon, Round 2 – With so many travel restrictions in 2020, everyone is ready to get out of town and travel the world this year! Some of our 2020 couples enjoyed a staycation somewhere local, others took a mini-moon, and some traveled to other states or countries that were open for visitors with the proper testing and other precautions. Take this time to plan a trip somewhere you want to explore together whether it’s nearby or a plane ride away. One of our preferred planners, Nicole Smith with Vision Events, can also help couples arrange travel for honeymoons, anniversary trips or vacations. Check out her Facebook page, Caribbean Adventures with Nicole, to see all the places you can go and snag great discounts and perks! Plus, did you know Sandals gives you perks if you book another Sandals trip on your honeymoon?! Say no more, I’m ready to enjoy a pina colada somewhere in the Caribbean after surviving 2020!

7. Of course, CAKE! – Did you save the top of your wedding cake? If so, take it out a couple days before your anniversary to ensure it thaws completely before enjoying a slice together. Several bakers include a free fresh anniversary cake with your wedding cake order. Enchanted Moments Sweet Shop made our wedding cake, and we enjoyed her funfetti cake on our anniversary! Nothing brings back sweeter memories of wedding day!

No matter how you choose to celebrate, spending quality time with your spouse reflecting on your first year of marriage is the most important part of celebrating your one year anniversary. Even if it’s something as simple as dinner, slicing your anniversary cake or popping a cork, slow down for a few minutes to see how far your relationship has grown in the last year. You’ll be so thankful you get to spend such special moments creating memories with the love of your life!

Happy Anniversary to all those celebrating this year!