I have been together with my partner for 20 years now. We married in 2023 and it did provide another layer to our relationship basicly in two ways:

1. Being together for 17 years (back then) also makes it completely normal to be there for eachother. I was having a difficult period at that time that also caused quite some stress on the family. Asking her to marry me when things were difficult also gave her an opportunity to reconsider if this is what she actually wanted in life or whether so would want to make different choices. Recommiting when I faced a difficult period is something that did deepen my love for her.

2. We have 2 daughters, that were old enough to actively have a role in the wedding, while aside from this being a life highlight, it also strenghtens our family connection.