Ed Sheeran and his wife, Cherry Seaborn, are marking a significant milestone in their relationship, celebrating 11 years since their first date. Their romance began at a well-known gathering hosted by friend Taylor Swift during her annual Fourth of July party in 2015. This anniversary is particularly poignant, coinciding with Swift’s reported wedding weekend, as it has been announced that she will tie the knot with NFL star Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden in New York on July 3.
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Sheeran, 35, has fond memories of that pivotal day, which he recounted in a previous interview with PEOPLE. The singer, who rose to fame with hits like “Shape of You,” has had a long-standing friendship with Seaborn, having known her since childhood. Their paths crossed again in 2015 when Seaborn was working on Wall Street in New York, and Sheeran was in town for a series of performances.
In his reflection on their first date, Sheeran recalled that while texting Seaborn, he discovered they were both at Swift’s Rhode Island home for the same celebration. “I kinda said to Taylor, ‘Can I invite one of my old schoolmates?’ The rest is history,” he shared, highlighting the serendipitous nature of their reunion. This connection led to their budding relationship, which quickly blossomed during the course of the evening festivities.
Interestingly, the following summer, the couple returned to the same party to celebrate their one-year anniversary. In a charming nod to their relationship, Swift displayed a playful banner that read, “HAPPY 1ST ED-IVER-CHERRY!” exemplifying the close-knit camaraderie shared among the trio.
Sheeran expressed how the atmosphere at Swift’s annual July party is unique, with a blend of fascinating individuals coming together. He noted that Swift has a knack for attracting like-minded people, which creates an enjoyable and supportive environment. “Anyone that’s around her is very, very nice. It’s a fun party,” he stated, reminiscing about the vibrant gathering where familiar faces abound.
The couple’s relationship continued to develop beyond the party, culminating in a private wedding ceremony in December 2018. The event took place in Suffolk, England, attended by just 40 guests. Their family grew further with the arrival of their first child, daughter Lyra Antarctica, in August 2020, followed by another daughter, Jupiter, in May 2022.
Sheeran and Swift’s friendship has flourished over more than a decade, leading to multiple collaborations within the music industry. Swift invited Sheeran to be the opening act on her Red Tour in 2012. Their professional partnership has produced notable tracks, including “The Joker and the Queen,” “Everything Has Changed,” and the Red vault track “Run,” solidifying their artistic rapport.
As their friendship continues to thrive, Sheeran recently spoke about learning of Swift’s engagement to Kelce through social media, just as the public did. He recounted a catch-up session they had shortly after the announcement, where they spent several hours reconnecting. This interaction underscored the strength of their long-standing bond, with Sheeran stating, “I’m not self-conscious about my relationship with [Swift]. We’ve been friends for very, very many years.”
As Ed Sheeran and Cherry Seaborn celebrate their anniversary, they continue to navigate their personal lives amidst the backdrop of their friends’ significant milestones. Their journey began with a chance encounter at a friend’s party, evolving into a life filled with love, family, and a shared history rooted in friendship and music. With Swift’s upcoming nuptials, the intertwined narratives of these artists remain a source of intrigue and warmth for fans around the world.