A love story for the books
About a month ago, one of my best friends reached out and asked me something that immediately pulled at my heart: “Would you be willing to photograph my grandparents for their 65th wedding anniversary?”
She said, “I know it’s not something you typically do, but they were looking for a photographer, and I thought of you.”
Without hesitation, I said yes.
Love deserves to be celebrated at every stage of life—and 65 years of marriage? That’s something truly special.
I connected with her grandfather, Jake, and we began planning something comfortable and meaningful for him and his wife, Marilyn. With limited mobility, a traditional session didn’t feel right, so we decided to spend the evening with them in their home—documenting their love exactly as it is.
We started outside on their front porch, snapping a few sweet portraits before the rain rolled in. Then, we moved inside and slipped into the quiet rhythm of their evening routine. They showed me their wedding album and reminisced about their wedding day nearly 65 years ago. It was touching to hear the stories behind the black-and-white photos—of a day when they were just 22 years old, full of hope and excitement for the future.
As the evening went on, they settled into their recliners, books in hand, just like they do every night. They giggled like teenagers when I asked them to kiss or snuggle up close. They looked at each other the way newlyweds do—soft, playful, and full of history. Watching them interact was like seeing the blueprint for lasting love.
This session was incredibly humbling for me. I knew, deep down, that these might be the last professional photos they ever have taken together. And that made every frame feel even more important.
When I delivered the gallery, my friend told me she hadn’t seen her grandmother smile that much in years. That’s when it really hit me: you could feel the love in every photo. This is exactly why I do what I do—not for likes, not for trends, and not just to pay the bills. I do this to preserve the moments that matter most.
Jake and Marilyn will be celebrating with a small anniversary party in the coming weeks, and now they’ll have this collection of images—this tangible reminder of the life and love they’ve built over 65 years.
To Jake and Marilyn: thank you for letting me into your home and your story. You reminded me what enduring love really looks like, and I’ll carry that with me forever.
And to anyone wondering if it’s “too late” or “not the right time” for photos—please don’t wait. Your love story is always worth capturing.
