Last week, John and I flew to rural Illinois to spend some quality time with my family. My dad grew up in the middle of cornfields and lots of kids running around (seven siblings!). He comes from a big family and one that until now, I haven’t made a point to go out and visit. It’s been way too long since I last went to see everyone. But with two kiddos along the way, we thought that it was necessary to start pouring energy into my family, even the ones that live far away. It’s important to know where you came from, so you know where you are going.

One of the main reasons we went to Illinois was to photograph my grandparents. They have been married for 65 years! They met in high school and started dating when they wanted two of their friends to go to prom together. They thought if they went together, their friends would go together. After prom, my grandparents kept dating and at 19 got married. Seven kids later, hundreds of acres tended to, lots and lots of grandkids and great grandkids, my grandma and grandpa, have a lot to be proud of.

One of the things that have always impressed me about my relatives, on both sides of my family, is that they live for a really long time. Until a few days ago, both sets

of grandparents were all still alive. (My grandmother in England, just passed away at 92, only a few days ago. May she rest in peace.) With this in mind, I wanted to make sure that I photographed my grandparents, as a part of my families legacy and to pay homage to this incredible couple. They have made such an impression on all of us kids, as there is NO divorces amongst the whole family, including grandkids. Isn’t that amazing!?

So in the way I photograph other couples, I photographed my grandparents Beloved Style. I asked them all sorts of questions as we took pictures, asking them to look back and reflect on their 65 years of marriage. I was laughing so hard and touched by how they are so sweet with each other and still flirt like crazy. I pray that I was able to capture their timeless love and that these pictures are cherished by our family for years to come.

II have fond memories of my little brother getting John Deere tractors as Christmas gifts, so I had to photograph them in front of a big tractor. Your love is a inspiration to us all. Thanks for always loving me and inviting John and I into your lives for a brief moment in time. I wish we lived closer so I can wean lots of wisdom from you guys. I love you grandma and grandpa!