Sisters Share Results After Visiting the Same Photo Booth Every Year to Document Their Relationship (Exclusive)

In a viral TikTok, sisters Melissa De La Cruz and Aitza Yanelisse have turned a spontaneous photo booth session into a yearly situation, documenting how their bond has strengthened.

The tradition began in 2021 when the sisters decided to snap some photos at their local mall photo booth. “We kind of were just at the mall one day, and we decided to do a photo booth,” De La Cruz exclusively tells PEOPLE. “The following year, we were looking at the old photo booth and were like, ‘We should probably do it again to see how we have changed in a year.’ ”

Each year, the sisters return to the same photo booth, capturing not only their physical changes but the evolution of their relationship. Now, what started as a casual photo op has evolved into a cherished annual event.

Despite their six-year age gap, the sisters have found this tradition has brought them together. “Growing up, we weren’t that close, but when we got older, we started to see each other as friends,” Yanelisse explains of their sisterly dynamic. De La Cruz adds, “I think this tradition has made us closer. I feel like after the photo booth picture, we really grew as sisters.”

Related: Mom Has Family Sign Tablecloth Each Year to Create Special Holiday Keepsake. 25 Years Later, the Tradition Goes Viral (Exclusive)

Looking back at their earlier photos, both sisters feel emotional. De La Cruz shares, “It makes me really emotional because it makes me feel very grateful to have this relationship with her.” Yanelisse adds, “I also think it has shown our progress over the years. It gives a glimpse of how we felt throughout that entire year.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

De La Cruz reflects on how in the early days of their tradition, Yanelisse appeared uncomfortable but has gradually warmed up to her big sister. “You can see how uncomfortable it is in the first one,” De La Cruz shares. “Then in the most recent 2024 one, you can see that she’s much more comfortable, not only with herself but also with me.”

One of the most touching aspects of their tradition is the hugging photo. De La Cruz, whose love language is physical touch, cherishes recreating this moment each year. “I love doing the hug because it’s like my one time a year that I get to hug her, and she’s okay with it,” she notes.

Related: Sisters Go Viral for Intricate, Edible Gingerbread House Designs — Here’s Their Secret for Keeping Them Intact (Exclusive)

Since posting the story on TikTok, the sisters' tradition has resonated with many people who felt inspired to start their own traditions with their siblings and loved ones. Others reflected how lucky they are to have each other to which Yanelisse agrees, calling De La Cruz her “built-in best friend.”

For De La Cruz and Yanelisse, this yearly ritual has become more than a photo opportunity but a celebration of sisterhood. As Yanelisse beautifully puts it, “It’s like a red string theory… There’s always something that’s tying us back together. We always go back to each other.”

As they look to the future, both sisters are committed to continuing this tradition, regardless of where life takes them. They plan to return to the same mall, the same photo booth, year after year. “It feels very nostalgic,” De La Cruz says. “We have family who live here so hopefully this will always be here and we’re able to just come back to it.”

Read the original article on People