High school sweethearts’ 18-year cherry tree tradition captivates millions online

A cherry tree planted by teenage sweethearts in 2007 has become the centerpiece of a love story that’s now reaching millions on social media. Kelsey Dixon and her husband Wes Dixon began the tradition nearly two decades ago, taking a photo with the tree every year since they were high school students.“It’s a good tradition and 17 million or so people on Instagram seem to think so too,” Kelsey said, after a post sharing their story was viewed around 48 million times.

The couple married and later moved 3,000 miles away, but returned each year to continue the ritual. Their photo series now includes milestones like Kelsey’s baby bump and, most recently, a moment that left them stunned.

This year, Kelsey’s mother-in-law sent a picture of the cherry tree showing a clutch of basal sprouts, or suckers, growing from one of its roots. The new growth appeared in the same year Kelsey gave birth to two children.Inspired by the tradition, Kelsey has authored a children’s book titled Roots and Wings, which draws from the family’s yearly photos and the tree’s symbolic growth. She has also partnered with The Sill, a plant and vivarium company, on a line of trees meant for families to plant for similar celebrations.

What began as a simple act between two teenagers has grown into a living record of their life together, marked by seasons, milestones, and now, new branches.