THEN AND NOW: 12 high school sweethearts compare prom and wedding photos and share their secrets to making a relationship last

Talia LakritzFeb 14, 2021, 18:23 IST

Sydnie and Bailey in 2016 and 2019.Courtesy of Sydnie and Bailey Haag

High school sweethearts shared their prom-to-wedding transformations with Insider.
We asked for their secrets to making a relationship last.
Many couples cited their strong initial friendships and the importance of honest communication.

High school sweethearts don't always stay together forever. But some couples stick it out, weathering challenges beyond classrooms and corsages to build lives together.

Insider asked 12 married couples who have been together since high school to share their prom-to-wedding transformations - and their secrets for a lasting relationship. Here's how they do it.

Samantha and Cory went to prom together in 2007 and got married in 2018.

Samantha and Cory in 2007 and 2018. @samgrahamsmith/Twitter

Kelsey and Alexander were prom dates in 2013 and got married in 2018.

Kelsey and Alexander in 2013 and 2018. Courtesy of Kelsey and Alexander

Darby and Aaron went to prom together in 2015 and tied the knot in 2018.

Darby and Aaron in 2015 and 2018. Courtesy of Darby Sullivan Aaron Hobgood

Taylor and Rob went to prom together in 2012 and wed in 2018.

Taylor and Rob in 2012 and 2018. Courtesy of Taylor and Rob Dougherty

Tashley and Chad went to prom in 2009 and said "I do" in 2018.

Tashley and Chad in 2009 and 2018. Courtesy of Tashley and Chad Malgas

Ginelli and John posed for prom photos in 2009 and wedding photos in 2019.

Ginelli and John in prom 2009 and wedding 2019. @ginellidesu/Twitter

Melissa and Randy were prom dates in 1995 and married in 2002.

Melissa and Randy in 1995 and 2002. Courtesy of Melissa and Randy Boose

Sydnie and Bailey went to prom together in 2016 and walked down the aisle in 2019.

Sydnie and Bailey in 2016 and 2019. Courtesy of Sydnie and Bailey Haag

Alaina and Bruce were prom dates in 2015 and became husband and wife in 2018.

Alaina and Bruce in 2015 and 2018. Courtesy of Alaina and Bruce

Lauren and Joel went to prom together in 2010 and tied the knot in 2019.

Lauren and Joel in 2010 and 2019. Courtesy of Lauren and Joel Medina

Michelle and Kurtis were prom dates in 2010 and got married in 2018.

Michelle and Kurtis in 2010 and 2018. Courtesy of Michelle and Kurtis

Chelsea and Brayden posed for hilarious prom photos in 2013 and equally hilarious wedding photos in 2017.

Chelsea and Brayden in 2013 and 2017. Courtesy of Chelsea and Brayden

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