Actress Candace Cameron Bure recently found herself in the spotlight—not for a new TV role or red carpet appearance—but for a playful and affectionate photo she shared with her husband, former professional hockey player Valeri Bure. The photo, which quickly went viral on social media, showed the couple sharing a light-hearted moment in which Valeri’s hand was placed over Candace’s chest as he gave her a kiss on the cheek. While many fans appreciated the image as a sweet and candid expression of love between longtime spouses, a vocal group of critics—especially within the Christian community—took issue with what they perceived as an inappropriate gesture.

Candace, however, wasn’t about to let the backlash ruin the celebration of her 24-year wedding anniversary. In true confident fashion, she took to her Instagram stories to address the controversy head-on. Speaking directly to her followers, and particularly to those within her faith community, Candace explained that the photo was a moment of genuine fun between her and her husband, not something meant to offend or shock.

“For those of you who are questioning my post with Val,” she said, “let me just be clear—we enjoy each other. That’s what makes a marriage strong. That’s what makes a relationship last. You’ve got to have fun, laugh together, and be affectionate.”

Candace and Valeri, who tied the knot in 1996, have built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. Together, they share three children and have weathered the highs and lows that come with more than two decades of marriage in the public eye. Through it all, they’ve maintained a close, affectionate relationship that continues to grow stronger.

“I’m sorry if it offended you,” Candace added in her message. “I’m not really sorry. He can touch me all day long and I’m still going to feel proud that after 24 years of marriage, we still like each other, we still enjoy one another, and we still have fun together.”

That unapologetic stance struck a chord with many fans who praised her for celebrating her marriage openly and without shame. Her message wasn’t just about defending a single photo—it was a reminder that a loving, healthy marriage is something to be cherished and expressed, not hidden away because of outdated expectations or public judgment.

Candace also made it clear that maintaining intimacy and a sense of humor is essential in long-term relationships. “Playfulness is key,” she said. “Love isn’t always just about serious conversations and structured routines. It’s about finding joy in the little things and continuing to grow together, even when life gets busy and complicated.”

While some critics continued to voice disapproval, claiming that as a public figure in the Christian community Candace should set a more “modest” example, many others rallied behind her, saying she was showing a realistic, positive representation of what marriage can and should be.

“This is what a real marriage looks like,” one follower commented. “It’s about affection, respect, fun, and staying connected—physically and emotionally—over the years.”

Candace’s openness about the photo and her marriage stands in contrast to the polished, filtered images often shared on social media. Her authenticity reminded fans that no relationship is perfect, but that love, commitment, and mutual respect are what keep a marriage thriving for decades.

In an industry where celebrity marriages often make headlines for their failures, Candace and Valeri’s enduring relationship is a breath of fresh air. They’ve built a life together out of the spotlight’s glare and remained grounded in their values, showing that it is possible to blend fame with family life without losing sight of what truly matters.

As Candace reflected on 24 years of marriage, she encouraged others to remember the importance of not taking each other too seriously, being affectionate, and continuing to date your spouse—even if that just means being silly for a moment in the kitchen or sharing a goofy photo online.

In the end, the buzz surrounding the viral photo only highlighted the couple’s real achievement: nearly a quarter-century of marriage filled with love, laughter, and a willingness to grow together. And if a little hand placement stirred up some controversy? So be it.

After all, as Candace so eloquently put it, “We’re still having fun. And that, to me, is something worth celebrating.”