Trista Sutter/instagram
RyanandTrista Sutterare celebrating their 22nd wedding anniversary! (If you remember when they met, it's time to start a retinol.)
The couple met during the first season ofThe Bachelorette,on which Trista starred after she competed on the first season ofThe Bachelorand finished as the runner-up. Ryan proposed during the season finale and the pair would get married on Dec. 6, 2003, in a televised special which aired on ABC.
The Sutters became parents when they welcomed son Maxwell on July 26, 2007. Two years later, they welcomed Blakesley to their family on April 3, 2009.
Below, see Ryan and Trista Sutter's family photos through the years.
Where It All Began
Trista Sutter/instagram
Ryan and Trista looked ecstatic on their wedding day. The couplereportedly were paid $1 millionfor ABC to broadcast their wedding, in addition to covering the costs of the nuptials.
"It was Dec. 6, 2003 and I didn't think I could be any happier. 🤍 As I look back to that incredibly special day, I recognize that I was in fact, insanely happy. Definitely the happiest I had ever been," Trisha wrote on their anniversary in 2024. "But throw a life woven together over 21 years with babies and fur babies, peaks and valleys, love and lots and lots of laughter - and I know a different happiness. A true, solid, faithful, happiness where I feel seen, known and deeply loved. I cherish them both. I cherish you,@ryansutter. Happy Anniversary, babe."
Early Days
Trista Sutter/instagram
The groom, a firefighter, and the bride, a physical therapist, posed with a four-legged friend in this sweet throwback photo.
Adding to the Family
Trista Sutter/instagram
Trista shared this sweet photo of Maxwell gently guiding his little sister as they took a walk.
Dad Duty
Trista Sutter/instagram
Ryan was on dad duty, holding hands with both Maxwell and Blakesley during a family excursion in the woods.
Cutie Patootie
Trista Sutter/instagram
How adorable was baby Max?
Smile!
Trista Sutter/instagram
While Ryan and Trista appeared to be having a great time, Maxwell and Blakesley gave this family outing some mixed reviews.
Peas in a Pod
Trista Sutter/instagram
The two tots looked ultra-adorable in their Sunday best in this throwback.
On Top of the World
Trista Sutter/instagram
Ryan was pictured letting his baby girl soar while on a family vacation.
Growing Up Fast
Trista Sutter/instagram
"If I forget to tell you later…it has been my truest honor and privilege to be your mom. 🥰" she wrote under this pic in 2022.
Suited Up
Trista Sutter/instagram
The boys were dressed to the nines for a night on the town.
Two of a Kind
Trista Sutter/instagram
Ryan and Blakesley were a lookalike pair while chasing waterfalls and backpacking in this pic the proud dad posted.
Son Appreciation
Trista Sutter/instagram
For National Son Day, Trista took a moment to celebrate her baby boy.
"Growing up way too fast, but always my baby boy (even if he's way taller than me and I'm in 2 inch heels!). Ily to the moon and back, bud and could not be more proud to be your mom," she wrote underneath this photo on Instagram.
The Outdoorsy Crew
Trista Sutter/instagram
Ryan and Blakesley tried a new venture. "Got my number one adventure buddy out to help me wrangle some bees!!!" the firefighter wrote in 2022. "She's one amazing girl and those are some unbelievable little animals…"
Starting Them Young
Trista Sutter/instagram
Ryan and Max spent some quality time working out. "Welcomed Max to the world of 'Murph,'" Stutter wrote, referring to the workout routine which honors the late Navy Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy. "A small amount of suffering in honor of those who've given all.#sothatothersmaylive. Nice work buddy!"
Special Moments
Trista Sutter/instagram
A seemingly emotional Ryan snapped a pic with his daughter as she headed out for homecoming 2024.
Mommy and Me
Trista Sutter/instagram
It was time for a mother-daughter selfie as Trista and Blakesley snapped this scenic photo.
Getting Real
Trista Sutter/instagram
On Mother's Day this year, Trista got real about the joys and challenges of motherhood.
"Even after almost 18 years, I still feel like I have no idea what I'm doing as a mom," she began. Some days, I could earn a gold medal…if medals were awarded for that sort of thing," Trista began.
She continued, "Most days, though, I'd probably earn the participation award. I put on my uniform of cozy sweats and messy bun hair and show up, thinking I'm ready to get on that field and play my heart out. To do all the things, wear all the hats, say all the right words. And then my brain doesn't work and the words don't come out right. And then I nag instead of nudge and I get impatient instead of being supportive."
Hard as it may be at times, the reality TV alum revealed she wouldn't have it any other way. "It's the best thing to ever happen to me and I will always be beyond grateful and proud of Max and Blakesley (and Kota!), but the struggle is real. If I left this earth tomorrow, though, that struggle would be my greatest achievement and I would happily, and proudly, accept my participation award."
Life Is a Beach
Trista Sutter/instagram
The Sutters took to Mexico for some sun and much-needed R & R in spring 2024.
Sky's the Limit
Ryan Sutter/Instagram
For their 20th anniversary,Ryan posted a photo with his wife, celebrating a difficult but rewarding year. "We struggled and we cried. We laughed and we loved. We did it all and we did it together, like we always have. You and me, hand in hand, heart to heart. It started in front of millions but today it's just us. No wedding special, no fanfare, no red carpet. Just Love. That's all we've ever needed," he wrote.
Read the original article onPeople
