Silver Spring, Maryland Anniversary Party - Newlywed Inspiration

As wedding photographers, so much of our focus is on the very first day of the marriage. We're completely enamored by wedding day details (rings, flowers, cakes, dresses, shoes).  If we had an infinite amount of time, there's no limit to how creative we could get in capturing our brides primping and prepping and capturing every magical moment of them stepping into their wedding dress.  The exchanging of the vows so poignant, that it transports us back to that very day we exchanged vows with our own beaus.  And even as we're nearing exhaustion, there's nothing quite as fun as the celebratory vibe of a great wedding reception.

BUT...every now and then...every so often... (even for the brides-to-be who are still in the planning phase) it helps to remember the goal...to remember there's life (i.e. a roller coaster ride) after the wedding day...to remember THE COVENANT- "for better or for worse...til death do us part...in sickness and health" (we don't want to call anybody out, Kim Kardashian, but we're just sayin'...).

We had the pleasure and the honor of shooting the surprise anniversary party of a beautiful (and I do mean beautiful...check out the purple dress below) couple that epitomizes "the goal" and the covenant of marriage, and they've got the 50 years experience to prove it.  That's right...50 years of marriage.  50 years may seem unobtainable, but then you meet James and Eudelle Bolden and you're all of a sudden inspired.

You'll see below that this party was complete! Guests of honor who were completely surprised, lots of friends and family who came from far and wide including groomsmen and bridesmaids from their wedding party, and beautiful liturgical dance tribute to Eudelle  who LOVES to dance and directs in her church's dance ministry.

The love of James and Eudelle permeated the place and it reminds us that although marriage is a difficult journey, it is obtainable and it can be ours.  Who wouldn't want that? After all, there is nothing sweeter than lasting love.

Enjoy!

Janna and Staci