A Bayside Celebration | Fairhope, AL

I love when I get to work with family friends. What I love even more is when they ask me to be in on a surprise! I love surprises! Well, at least I love being in on the planning of a surprise. 😉

When Traci contacted me about photographing a surprise anniversary party for her mother-in-law and father-in-law who are celebrating 50 years of marriage this year, it reminded me of when my family planned a 50th Anniversary celebration for my grandparents. Such special memories were created at the celebration for my grandparents. We still tell stories about that weekend when we all get together. It would be an honor to preserve such memories for another family.

Traci, her husband, and his siblings and their spouses were collaborating on the ultimate surprise for their sweet parents, Ed and Evelyn. The decoy…a family portrait session. How perfect, right?!

The party was to be held outside and with the bizarre winter weather we’ve been having, I was just praying we wouldn’t have to contend with rain or cold weather. As it turned out, we had the most perfect day for an outdoor party by the bay and Ed and Evelyn were completely shocked to see all their closest friends and relatives shouting, “SURPRISE!” when they rounded the corner of the house and walked into the backyard. Tears were flowing, as everyone ran over to greet them.

As soon as the initial shock wore off, we had some portrait time with Ed, Evelyn, their children and their grandchildren before everyone sat down to dinner.

I absolutely love photographing couples of all ages and wish more couples celebrated their wedding anniversaries with portraits. As important as wedding day photographs are, it’s just as important to take the time to be photographed with your spouse after wedding day. After all, the wedding day is just the beginning of your story together, not the end. <3

Celebrating your first, fifth, 10th or 20th anniversary? Don’t wait until 50 years to have an anniversary portrait session! Celebrate your marriage with a portrait session!

Contact me for details on making a reservation!