Legacy. It's a big word. As my dad's journey with cancer progresses (praising God for more clear scans!) I think more and more often of this word and what it means. Since my father's diagnosis a few years ago, it's been on my heart to reach out and help others that are affected by cancer and disease. That's when I started offering legacy sessions - an opportunity to capture life as it happens, amidst the grief.

Enter Chrissy.

Chrissy's grandmom has Alzheimer's, and has lived with Chrissy and her family for quite some time now. The past year has been difficult - watching someone you love slowly fade away is never an easy thing - but Chrissy and her family's joy, despite their grief, continues. While my family has yet to be affected by this specific heart-wrenching disease, Chrissy and I have connected in such a way that only two people who carry such grief can, and I'm humbled and challenged each time I interact with her and her family.

Chrissy invited me over to photograph and document a few hours of the life of her family and her grandmom, and the day was made so much sweeter by the presence of grandmom's sister and son who were both visiting from out of town.

Life is raw. I left with a heavy, but oh-so-full heart. The privilege was all mine.

A few years ago, my dad was diagnosed with cancer. Since then I've had the incredible privilege of being able to photograph him throughout his medical journey. Chemo, radiation, surgeries...  and many more precious family events. (If you want to see more, click here.) The result of those photos has been a legacy - captured. But I want to do more than just photograph my own family... To sit on the sidelines while other families are missing out. I want to reach more than just those closest to me; to be able to tell more stories than just my father's. The dream that started so small soon grew and grew... and now it's ready to burst out of my heart. :) I've been praying quite a bit about where to go from here... and the obvious answer God gave me was, "Keep shooting!"

So I am.

Last week I approached a sweet couple in our church - Larry + Lois. Would they be willing to allow me to photograph them? Not being "picture people", they hesitantly said yes... but warned me they might break my camera. I spent the afternoon with them yesterday listening to all of their memories. (Fact: Because of the war, in their first 3 years of marriage they were together for only 33 days.) They showed me their wedding pictures (including the one where Larry is kissing another girl... ahem... can you say ladies man??), let me cuddle with their dogs, and just talked about life in general.

I went away challenged, sobered and hopeful for my own marriage to turn out just as beautifully.

We started indoors at their dining room table...

And their dogs Lucy and Precious decided to join us for a few. :)

Because Larry has Parkinson's Disease and the weather was a bit chilly, we decided not to go too far...

So we stayed outside just long enough for them to cuddle... :)

Lois brought out their wedding album and they flipped through pictures reminiscing and remembering people... places... and that special day.

And of course... the time Larry kissed another girl. AT HIS OWN WEDDING. (Larry, I will NOT let you live that one down...)

We sat talking after we had finished, but the way they were looking at each other made me pull out my camera for one more shot.

Ok, so maybe two more. :)

Larry and Lois, thank you so much for allowing me into your home, trusting me with your memories, and giving me the huge privilege of documenting your beautiful marriage and amazing legacy. Much love to you both. :)