Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert Celebrate First Wedding Anniversary: 'I Love You More Than Words Can Express'

Mar. 15, 2025

From Left: Hayley Erbert and Derek Hough on April 5, 2024.Photo:Frank Micelotta/Disney via Getty

Frank Micelotta/Disney via Getty

In the post’s caption, Derek, 39, reflected on the ups and downs that he and his “beautiful wife” Erbert, 29, have faced over the past year since she underwent anemergency craniectomyin December 2023 after being hospitalized with a cranial hematoma.

“This past year has been a journey filled with so many challenges, blessings, difficulties and triumphs,” Derek wrote to his wife. “Through it all, your grace and beauty have shone brightly, reminding me every day of how blessed I am to walk this path with you.”

“But above all, this year has been a testament to the power of love — our love. Love truly conquers all,” he continued. “Here’s to many more years of facing life together, with love leading the way.”

Derek concluded his sweet anniversary message: “I love you more than words can express. Happy Anniversary ❤️.”

From Left: Hayley Erbert and Derek Hough on June 10, 2024.Monica Schipper/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty

Monica Schipper/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty

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The pair’s friends and family members left their well-wishes in the comment section, including Derek’s sister,Julianne Hough. “I love your love ❤️,” she wrote.

Emmanuel Achocommented, “Happy Anniversary y’all! Thanks for being a great depiction of love in action,” whileSarah Hylandsimply expressed her adortation with series of emojis: “❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.”

From Left: Hayley Erbert and Derek Hough on April 5, 2024.Frank Micelotta/Disney via Getty

Amid Erbert’s recovery from her brain surgery, Derek dedicated his 2024 Creative Arts Emmy Award (for outstanding choreography for variety or reality programming for his work onDWTS) to his wife in an emotional moment.

“Exactly a month ago, I was in the hospital,” he said during his acceptance speech at the Jan. 4 awards ceremony, while fighting back tears. “A month ago was a life-changing moment that reminded me to really cherish and savor every moment.”

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“I want to dedicate this to my beautiful wife,” Derek continued. “Your strength and your courage this whole month has been unbelievable. You inspire me every single day.”

In July, the couple enjoyeda vacation in Icelandtogether, which Derek told PEOPLE was like a “second honeymoon” for them.

“We really went from being married to being on tour rehearsals, and then on tour and then in a hospital, and then basically back in the rehearsal studio and then back on tour,” he explained. “For us, it was like, ‘Okay, we need a time to really just go on an adventure and to get out.’ I’ve been telling [Erbert] this really feels like our second honeymoon.”

source: people.com