All because two people fell in love...
A few months ago, a post was made on the IKAGG page searching for a photographer. My phone started blowing up because so many of you tagged me in the comments. To be honest, I do my best to comment on them, but I know there’s a 90% chance they’re going to go with someone else. I’m not the cheapest, and by the time I see it, 287 folks have already reached out. (That doesn’t mean you shouldn't tag me...PLEASE DON’T STOP).
“Needing a photographer 10/27 starting at 11:30 am. My in-laws are renewing their vows for their 50th wedding anniversary. We will be having a small ceremony followed by family lunch. We would then like to do family photos if possible (or could possibly do them before lunch depending on timeframe).”
I have been dying to do a vow renewal like this. DYING. But, you never know what’s going to come your way. I HAD to be the one to do this. Little did I know the couple (and family) I would get to meet.
A few weeks later I made my way to St. Charles to meet a daughter in love and bride to be again at a small chapel. I was exhausted, to say the least, and it was late. I was nervous if 70 would be kind with traffic, but I made it.
Both ladies were sassy. And fun. What is normally a 20-minute consult, turned into over an hour. I learned of their story. A wedding that was 50 years in the making. I learned of a lady that was surely hiding her Super Woman cape. We laughed. I cried (I know you’re shocked). And I knew I was exactly who they needed to capture this. Thankfully Ms. Jan agreed!
Once upon a time, a young man named Steve went to pick up his friend Gary to head to Cuba, MO to buy fireworks. A beautiful 16-year-old girl named Jan came to see what the commotion was about and seemed to like the looks of her brother’s friend, and she asked to go. That was July 2, 1968.
Let’s fast forward a year, it was 1969, and Steve was in the Navy and stationed in Long Beach, CA. Jan flew out on a Friday, and on a Monday, they went to the courthouse with his Navy bestie and his wife, and they were married on October 27, 1969. There was no pomp and circumstance. No fancy reception. No speeches. Just two kids unbelievably in love with each other, and determined to be married before Steve went to Vietnam. Ms. Jan told me their witnesses offered to stop at McDonald's on the way back. “We didn’t really have the money for anything like that, so we said no thank you.”
These babies would soon be raising babies of their own.
Today Ms. Jan got the wedding she had waited 50 years for.
Their adult kiddos (by blood & marriage) came together and put together a beautiful day. Ashley lead the charge with such beautiful details. A simple ceremony saturated with their story and most favorite things.
Gary, their oldest, made the incredible lettered piece for the alter.
Shannon brought a precious gift of hand-painted stones and that infinity piece above. Cupcakes from a German chocolate recipe passed down to the bride from her mother were prepared by the couple of the hour. Cupcakes that were cut with a spatula that was hand-carved by their youngest son. Little details from other kids who love them so much. Rings passed by 7 grandbabies, ages 27-6, before handing them off to their grandparents.
Family quilts lined the pews to add comfort, and others remained folded just in case guests got cold.
There is nothing better than a couple who clearly adores each other. A couple who knows how to be silly together.
As Steve told me, this family was covered in love, fun, and a whole lot of Jesus. At the Salt & Smoke lunch (that they were insistent Jason and I join them at), I had fixed my plate and asked if we would pray. “Of course,” was the answer. Then I learned about their family tradition. Some families hold hands. This one holds pinkies. I might be stealing this because I loved it so.
For years I have said that the longer I am married the more I appreciate those who have made it 30…40...50 years. This is a couple who doesn’t have to offer advice because it exudes from their example. I definitely learned and was reminded of quite a few truths from the Schmitts today:
- Happy wife happy life.
- Never get too busy to hold hands.
- Things are better when sprinkled with laughter
- Love really does conquer all.
- The best things in life are homemade.
- Quilting is truly a beautiful, lost art. (I am so incredibly jealous of the quilt collection I saw today.)
- Military spouses are veterans, too. Thank you will never be enough for these families.
Today was such an honor. When I left St. Charles, my heart was even more full than my belly. You leave Salt & Smoke hungry, y’all, and that’s your fault.
There are few families who truly love like the Schmitts.
Thank you for including me (and my hubby) in capturing your love story today!
