Terri Irwin is forever grateful to have a love story with the late Steve Irwin.
“Today, 33 years ago, Steve and I were married in my grandmother’s church in Oregon,” Terri, 60, wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, June 3, when marking her wedding anniversary. “It was the first day of my happily ever after.”
In the throwback photo, the bride and groom — who later welcomed Bindi Irwin, 26, and Robert Irwin, 21 — posed in front of the altar as Terri sported a flower crown and beautiful white wedding dress with lace sleeves.
“Every day I wake up with beautiful memories, so much love in my heart and the promise of continuing his incredible legacy,” Terri continued in her tribute. “I am truly blessed❤️.”
In a separate social media post, Bindi also took time to honor her mom and dad’s love story.
“Happy anniversary to my beautiful mum and dad,” she wrote via her Instagram Story on Tuesday. “Soulmates.”
In 2006, the Irwin family experienced a tragic loss when Steve unexpectedly died following an unprovoked attack by a stingray. He was 44.
At the time, the wildlife conservationist was snorkeling alongside the sea creature while filming in the Batt Reef off the coast of Australia.
Although crew members attempted to revive The Crocodile Hunter host, the attack proved to be fatal.
Since Steve’s death, his legacy has been able to live on through the Wildlife Warriors conversation foundation and the Steve Irwin Gala. Before the annual event was held in May, Robert gave credit to his mom for keeping Steve’s passion for wildlife front and center.
“When you come in and do something like the gala here, it feels like dad’s still here,” he exclusively told Us Weekly from the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. “His legacy is still here and that’s what he would have wanted more than anything is that people remember what he was about and his legacy.”
The future Dancing With the Stars contestant added, “I think I echo everyone [that] it’s all thanks to mom keeping that legacy going. I couldn’t imagine how hard that would’ve been and is every day, but you’re just our pillar of strength through it all. We really have you to thank for that.”
Nearly 20 years after her husband’s passing, Terri continues to find joy in the memories she shared with her husband and the milestones she continues to reach with her extended family.
“My life is very full and very rich,” she told Us, “and every day I wish Steve was here but I’m so lucky.”
