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Photographer Surprises Her Grandparents with Beautiful Photo Shoot for Their 60th Anniversary

By Kelly Richman-Abdou on July 2, 2019

With expertise spanning engagement photos to family portraits, Abigail Lydick of Abigail Gingerale Photography is no stranger to sentimental shots. While each and every love story that Lydick sees through her lens is special, one photo shoot has hit particularly close to home, as the series' subjects were her own grandparents.

George and Ginger Brown met at a restaurant on June 2, 1958. Exactly one year and four days later, the love birds were married, and now—”60 years, 4 kids, 18 grandkids, and 19 great- grandkids later”—they remain happy as can be. And, in order to help the pair properly celebrate six decades of love, Lydick decided to treat them to a surprise photo shoot.

“We knew we had to do something special,” Lydick explains, “because (and I may be biased) they are the best grandparents ever!” This “something special” turned out to be much more than a simple anniversary session; in fact, it more closely resembled a wedding shoot, with a white gown, elegant bouquet, and an entire team in tow.

“We contacted some of our vendor friends, including the ladies at Bridal Suite Boutique, Ivy On Main Florals, and Christine Swope (who provided not only hair and makeup, but a hair cut and style for Granddad, too!)” Lydick details. “Everyone pulled together to get all the details for their very own 60^th anniversary shoot.”

While all of this effort may sound like serious business, George and Ginger were able to be their playful selves while posing for the camera. “Almost the entirety of the shoot consisted of Granddad cracking jokes, which would in turn cause Grandmom to break out in laughter,” Lydick explains. “She would usually return with a coy comment as Grandad gave her a kiss on the cheek!”

This relaxed atmosphere and approach lent itself to the final product: a collection of stunning photographs and, above all else, a memorable experience. “All in all, it was a beautiful little shoot,” Lydick says. “It was such a joyful day, full of giggles and just plain cuteness, and I am so thankful to have spent all the time we did with them!”