I believe in marriage and I think it’s one of the most selfless and beautiful acts of love. No matter what happens, you are making a commitment to love, cherish and honor another person, in good times and in bad. You make that vow to your partner not just on your wedding day, but everyday after that. This is why I love photographing Anniversary Sessions because even after you’ve said, “I do,” you still have to make that choice daily to continue choosing your spouse. In the way you communicate, in the plans you make, in everything you do and I love watching married couples choose their spouse over and over again. It’s so beautiful to see.

I was beyond honored to photograph Erin and Adam’s 11th year wedding anniversary session! Erin and Adam were married on January 22nd, 2005 and even after eleven years of marriage, they love each new day they get to spend together. Erin is a photographer and owns erin jean photography (she was sweet enough to let me use her Contax 645 to shoot film for part of this session!) Adam co-owns and second-shoots for the photography business plus works as a full-time physical therapist assistant. They have two daughters; Lucy (age 7) and Ruby (age 6) and their little angel baby, Molly, in heaven. They also have a cute and sassy French Bulldog named Moose who rules the house. Erin and Adam loving spending time with their family, whether they are enjoying their 1898 suburban farmhouse or spending time at their getaway home (a 1964 Airstream they fixed up) in Door County.

In honor of all the hard work, beautiful moments and wonderful times that come with marriage, Erin and Adam happily reminisced about their years together and offered helpful advice to engaged and newlywed couples everywhere!

What was your favorite part about your wedding day?
Erin says, “It was the biggest snowstorm of the year. Complete craziness. 120 of the 225 people attending, actually made it to our wedding! All flights were cancelled and the roads were so bad. The snow was beautiful though. Our ceremony was in a glass room, we loved every second of that blessing from God.”

Adam says, “Beautiful Erin. RED VELVET CAKE! Making people kiss (even random strangers) if they wanted to see us kiss. My grandma dancing to Lil Jon ‘Get Low.’ An interesting wedding video (courtesy of my dad’s friend); so bad it provides hours of entertainment for our friends 11 years later.”

Favorite thing about your husband/wife?
Erin says, “Oh my, that’s really hard. I guess I would have to say his heart. He is so loved by everyone around us. He would drop anything and do anything for anyone, without thinking about it. And, he is hysterically funny.”

Adam says, “Erin has the most beautiful plans; she is a planner by nature down the last detail and we are so blessed because of it. Her plans come from her dreams and her pure heart.”

What has brought you two closer together?
Raising kids and living life, much like most married couples. There have been extreme highs and dreams being reached, as well as, extreme lows and devastating losses. Every step, we walk together and continuously choose to love each other and not loose each other along the way.

Best part about being married?
Laughing and knowing, as long as we are here on earth, we will love each other.

Has anything surprised you about being married?
What hasn’t?! It’s HARD. Sometimes…really hard. You don’t just stay in love because you are ‘meant to be.’ It’s a daily choice to love another person and choose them.

Best advice for engaged couples or newlyweds?
Know that there will be such a road ahead of you. Like we said above…you have to choose to make it. Every day. Do something, even the smallest thing, every day, to make the other person’s life easier, it goes a long way. Keep dating (each other) after you’re married!