Kimberly Van Der Beek said she felt like "the luckiest woman in the world" when she married James Van Der Beek, in an emotional tribute marking their first wedding anniversary since his death.

The Dawson's Creek actor lost his three-year battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer aged 48 on February 11, and on Saturday (01.08.26), Kimberly, 44, took to Instagram and reflected on 16 years since they married at the Kabbalah Center in Tel Aviv, Israel, and the family they built together.

The film producer posted sweet shots of herself and James over the years, as well as an adorable picture of the entertainer with their six children, daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, and Gwendolyn, seven, and sons Joshua, 13, and four-year-old Jeremiah.

Kimberly's caption read: "16 years ago I was the luckiest woman in the world to marry @vanderjames.

"The beauty of this marriage continues to unfold everyday with all these incredible children we have.

"He continues to be present and guide us. I'm eternally grateful."

Kimberly's followers reacted in the post's comments section, as one noted: "And he was the luckiest man!"

A second supporter penned: "The most beautiful love story, it will always be inspiring. You brought out the best in each other. Sending love always."

And a third fan typed: "The love you and James shared lives within so many of our hearts. Thank you!"

In June, Kimberly said "baby, love does not die. Death does not part" in a heartfelt tribute, four months after James' death.

In February, she announced the Varsity Blues alum's passing via social media.

Kimberly wrote: "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith and grace.

"There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. (sic)"

She has also been open about her bereavement journey, writing previously on Instagram: "Yesterday was three months since we lost @vanderjames.

"To say I'm heartbroken is a severe understatement. Words just don't capture what grief is. The comforts of shock have worn off. The reality is settling in … and I miss him. We all miss him. Yet, there is a different kind of magic in the air.

"I feel him. I know him more deeply. My conscious connection to God has deepened. The veils of the universe have thinned. And I trust that this is the path me and my family have always been intended to walk.

"The outpouring of support has been tremendous. It's held our family in the most beautiful of ways. (sic)"