Being in love is one of the most amazing feelings in the world. Love is without question the one thing that can stand the test of time. When two people commit their lives to one another, it is such a powerful and beautiful thing. To walk hand in hand in life with your true love is one of the greatest blessings we receive from God. My grandparents, Don and Renilda Mertens, recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary! Today, it seems so rare to find a couple whose marriage has lasted so long.
When I look at the portraits from my grandparents wedding, I can appreciate the legacy they started so many years ago. The images captured on their wedding day are proof that they lived and found love. Our family history began all because two people fell in love. As a photographer, I knew that I wanted to do something special to document their 60th Anniversary. We decided to put together a cute little setting at the Missouri capitol building. My grandparent’s thought they were only showing up to capture a simple portrait for the newspaper. We were so excited to surprise them with more than just a photo shoot. Sixty years of marriage is quite the accomplishment, so we planned an entire session devoted to celebrate this milestone year!
Over the past 60 years of marriage, my grandparents have built a life together. They share an unconditional love that is so special and so rare. In August of 1957, they vowed to walk this life together through the years in good times and in bad. Through all of the laughter and tears, they have managed to keep that promise they made to each other so many years ago.
They married sixty years ago, but their love story began years before. Don and Renilda met in the mid 1940s on a school bus heading to the first day of school. He was in third grade and she was in first grade. She was immediately captivated by the appearance of the neighbor boy on the bus; she recalls the moment like it happened yesterday. She talks of his black hair, brown eyes, and beautiful smile. She claims that his grin just lit up her world. She knew from that day forward that she was going to marry him. She refers to my grandpa as her first grade sweetheart- and she tells anyone who will listen about the moment they met.
During the session they read love letters to each other sharing their life story and what the sixty years has meant to them. They both teared up while sweet words were read to them. Their letters to each other are a true testament of how love continues to grow into a deeper love over the years.
Don and Renilda married on August 3, 1957 at St. Peter’s Church in Jefferson City, Missouri. Shortly after they tied the knot, they started a family. Together, they created a beautiful life with four children. Their legacy continues to live on. They have eight grandchildren and one great grandchild on the way. The love story that began more than sixty years ago has stood the test of time. I admire the love and commitment they have shared all these years. I hope they are blessed with many, many more years together. Enjoy some of our favorites from their anniversary session!
XOXO
Morgan
