Meet the woman who puts her wedding dress back on EVERY YEAR on her anniversary
Samantha Burns has even worn her gown while playing golf and has a 'travel bucket list' of places she'd like to wear it in the future
A WOMAN who puts her wedding dress back on every year on her anniversary claims the tradition keeps the spark alive in her marriage.
Samantha Burns, a relationship coach who lives in Boston, US, says wearing the white strapless gown brings back memories of her special day and reminds her of the vows she exchanged.
So far she's worn it while playing golf, on a sunset cruise with her husband and eating pancakes.
Samantha explained: "When I pull out my wedding dress and put it on, it brings back the magic of that special day.
"It reminds me of the vows we exchanged, and the start of our married life together."
She told how she has a "travel bucket list" of destinations where she'd like to wear the dress she first donned on her wedding day in August 2014.
Samantha said: "Top of the list are Africa, Thailand and Australia.
"So maybe on a safari, riding an elephant or surfing would be good."
She admitted she does often get the odd weird look when she's wearing the bridal gown in public at an occasion that is very much not a wedding.
But in her mind, the yearly event is an important one.
She explained: "Though it may seem like a silly tradition, there's actually science to support why creating fun customs like this help you to keep a spark burning bright in your relationship.
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"While wearing my dress, I'm able to reminisce not only about the wedding, but of the new memories my partner and I will create, full of joy and adventure.
"Spontaneity, surprise, taking risks, and exploring the unknown - all of which happen when you have an adventure in your wedding gown - activate the reward centre in your brain.
"This burst of dopamine makes you feel excited, giddy, and gives you that loving feeling."
Samantha said new experiences and surprises generate mystery, desire and intimacy, while daily rituals and traditions help couples maintain their close bond.
Over the years Samantha's dress has got a bit tatty, but she said she still loves it more than ever.
She told : "When I first wore that dress, I committed to the love of my life, and celebrated with my closest friends and family.
"Though putting on my wedding dress is a fun and extravagant annual celebration, my husband and I prioritise each other every day and practice gratitude.
"This is certainly a formula for success in the long-term."
Samantha Burns is the dating coach behind . Follow her on here.