I was looking through the sweet comments people have left on some of the most recent couples sessions I did. When I got to Christina and Sean’s anniversary session I came across one comment in particular that made my heart drop…. Ilagene G. wrote, Although you may lose your partner in death, true love never dies. These are awesome photos to treasure. I wish I had taken some throughout my 58 years of marriage.
I don’t know Ilagene but I’m assuming she is related to Christina and Sean. From her comment I’m also assuming that she lost her husband after 58 years of a beautiful marriage and I’m certain I would have loved to photograph her and Mr. G together. Ilagene is so right when she says true love never dies. Love is too powerful to ever really die and I’m so happy that she took the time to share a little bit of her heart with me even through only a few words. I’m certain she still loves her husband more than ever and I know he will love her just as much when they are reunited one day but what I want to call more attention to is the last part of her comment…I wish I had taken some(photos) throughout my 58 years of marriage.
Every time I try to explain the importance of taking time to be photographed with loved ones, THAT is exactly what I’m trying to say. After many years of marriage I’m positive couples will want to look back and remember. Not only their wedding day and engagement, but the IN BETWEEN moments as well. The anniversaries, the trips, the changes, the good and the bad. Of love. And of life. I’m sure the special moments remain in peoples hearts, of course, but sometimes people forget and other times, life doesn’t last as long as love.
It kills me when I hear couples say that they don’t have time to have their photos taken or that REAL PROFESSIONAL photography, especially wedding photography, is too expensive. That they’d rather buy new furniture or a new tv instead of a portrait session with their loved one. Or that paying so much for wedding photography is not worth it because they’re “only pictures.” I always think to myself, really? REALLY??? I don’t understand how $500 for a portrait session that will produce photos that will last FOREVER is less important than purchasing a $1,200 television. How is it ok to have your friend that “loves” photography, owns a DSLR camera and has NO experience photograph your WEDDING? Sure the $4,000+ you don’t have to pay for a professional wedding photographer seems great at the moment but years from now that won’t matter. They “money saved” doesn’t matter when you wish you had photos that captured your love.
I feel so strongly about this and not just because I’m a wedding photographer. In fact I haven’t always been a photographer but I’ve always tried to document the special moments and the not so special moments in my life through writing, calendars, pictures and anything else I could possibly get my hands on . And still, there are tons of moments that I wish I had recorded throughout my life, but I’m trying to get better at that. And I hope that this encourages others, engaged or married, to remember the things that matter and those that will last. Big price tag and all. It’s worth it. Even if I’m not you’re photographer of choice, that’s fine. As long as you find someone that really knows how to document love. Not just someone that knows how to use a dslr. I DOUBT that as you’re celebrating your 50th wedding anniversary you’ll say, “Honey we shouldn’t have spent so much money on our wedding photography and wedding album. And we shouldn’t have taken all of those portraits throughout the years. They weren’t worth it.”
I highly doubt you’ll say that. My hope is that you’ll be too busy loving and smiling to regret making the effort to document your love.
