There are few accomplishments in life as impressive to me as marking 50 years of marriage. This milestone is a testimony of the hard work, love and dedication required to build a life and a legacy that has stood the test of time. We recently had the privilege of creating a special collection of photos to celebrate Esther and Allen’s 50th anniversary. At this Calgary family photo session we not only captured the story of their lasting relationship, but also the family they have created together. They were joined by their daughter and son as well as their spouses and grandchildren. It was a beautiful reminder that the love between two people can blossom into something so much bigger—a family filled with love, joy, and countless memories.

The Setting: Griffith Woods

We are blessed to live a short walk away from one of Calgary’s hidden gems, Griffith Woods. I have been photographing in these woods for over a decade and they never lose their magic for me. From the winding paths, to the tall trees and picturesque bridges there is no shortage of locations. Given the way the light plays differently in every location, there is always something special going on to help bring the story to life. This photoshoot started about an hour before golden hour so we could still capture the streams of light coming through the trees.

The Shot List: Telling the story

From a wide shot of the entire family gathered together to more intimate portraits of Esther and Allen, each photograph tells a piece of their story. There is a great photo of the anniversary couple walking hand in hand down a winding path symbolizing the path they have been walking together for 50 years. Another pose has Esther and Allen with their hands clasped, back to the camera looking at their grandchildren. Their hands form the bottom of a heart capturing all of the love that brought this family together and created this next generation. A family favorite was the great portrait that Aiden captured of the family dog, Bingo, who was an excited participant in the photoshoot as well. The sweet bond that the cousins displayed when posing with each other and their grandparents spoke to the special relationship this family has with each other.

Closing Thoughts

Thank you to their wonderful daughter, Peggy, who was the organizer of this sweet gift to her parents. Also, thank you to the entire family for allowing us the opportunity to create this collection of photos for your family that we hope will be enjoyed and treasured for years to come.

f you’re looking to capture a special moment in your life, whether it’s a milestone anniversary or a simple family gathering, I’d be honoured to help you tell your story. Please feel free to reach out here, and let’s create memories that will last a lifetime.