If there were a song to mark my 20th wedding anniversary, it would be Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Clearly, it helps that the song begins— “It was 20 years ago today…”—but it is much more than that.
This song was pivotal for The Beatles, marking their transition from the frenzy of Beatlemania to the more adventurous, experimental years. It was Paul McCartney’s way of allowing the band to break free from their own mold, to explore new musical territories they’d long been wanting to dive into.
In many ways, this mirrors our first 20 years of marriage. Don’t get me wrong—they’ve been amazing. Traditional: Marriage, kids, picket fences, dogs, cats, family vacations—the full picture of a storied life. But like the Beatles, we never rested on tradition, always striving toward something more. And we’ve genuinely enjoyed it all.
I once heard someone—a skeptic, the kind of person who sees the glass half empty—say that marriage shouldn’t be a "till death do us part" arrangement. He argued it should be more like a 20-year contract with the option to renegotiate. At the time, I laughed it off as I was only a few years into marriage.
Now, though, at the 20-year mark, I’ve thought about his "terms"—and let me tell you, I got the better end of the deal, and I am glad Katie does not have the out clause! Thankfully, we’re locked into that “till death do us part” contract, and I couldn’t be happier about it.
But back to Sgt. Pepper. That album marked a turning point in music history, widely regarded as one of the first true concept albums. It freed The Beatles to experiment with new sounds, lyrics, and innovative techniques. Much like how our 20 years together allowed us to evolve—not by changing who we are at our core, but by deepening our connection and building an incredible life together.
Like the Beatles, I want to preserve all that was great about the early years, while also wanting us to keep growing, making it even better because let’s be honest—who doesn’t want better?
Katie, thank you for these incredible 20 years together. Your love and support are the foundation for the lasting endurance of our family. I, the kids, and everything we’ve built would be nothing without you.
Paul McCartney may have wanted an alter ego for the band, and the skeptic may have wanted an out clause—but me? I wouldn’t change a thing. Given the choice for an alter ego or an escape hatch, I’d decline, happily, and keep building this life with you. Here’s to the next 20 and beyond.
Dane Czaplicki is CEO of Members’ Wealth, a boutique wealth management firm that offers a comprehensive approach to serving individuals, families, business owners, and institutions. The firm’s goal is to preserve and grow its clients’ wealth to endure over time, while thoughtfully evolving its strategy to suit an ever-changing world. With over 20 years of wealth management experience, Dane and the Members' Wealth team thrive on bringing clarity and confidence to clients' unique situations. He believes everyone needs sound financial advice from someone whose interests are aligned with theirs, and is determined to put service before all else.
Dane received his MBA from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and his bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University. Outside work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, hiking and camping, reading, running, and playing with his dog. To learn more about Dane, connect with him on LinkedIn.
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