I photographed Carol and Walter in a session that may have been my favorite of all time.
Most of my couples are in their twenties or thirties and have known each other a few years. I meet them and see that they are completely smitten that they’ve found the partner who will be there for better or for worse for the next 50 years.
And then I get a call from Carol who wants an anniversary session with her husband, Walter. The difference here is that they have been married for 50 years (anniversary on January 12th). What is amazing, inspiring, and wonderful is that they are still completely smitten that they have found that partner in each other. They are so happy and still so in love.
They met when Walter was 30 and Carol was just a few years younger. Carol’s mother was the delivery nurse of a woman who knew Walter and the two were introduced to one another. Walter still remembers the first date – they saw The Balcony.
They dated long distance across New York for about a year. Carol still has the letters they wrote to one another.
It was early January when they decided to get married. And so they did the very next week in a ceremony with just them, the minister, and some rings. They told her parents the day before and his parents the day after. There is only one picture from their wedding day and it was by a friend. You see now why Carol thought it might be a good idea to finally get some professional pictures with her man.
I was quite eager to gather any tips for success. Their response: know who you are and don’t try to change the other person. Sure they have changed over the years but they consciously support each other’s’ interests and look for new adventures to have together.
They have one son and have moved around more times than I can follow.
It was such a joy to spend time with them in Wissahickon Creek Park and learn about their half-century-long relationship. I hope I am even half as fortunate as these lovebirds.
“Our wedding was many years ago. The celebration continues to this day.”
~Gene Perret
