Blessed to be in a business that brings wonderful clients who become dear friends, this particular delightful journey began with a chance meeting at the Women's Museum in Dallas.
Since that time, Genny and her family have traveled from Rockwall to be in front of our camera on several occasions. This past spring we had the joy of photographing her with her husband, Tom, as they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Traveling to Horseshoe Bay, we captured their milestone in many images as they celebrated with their children and grandchildren.
Following that memorable weekend, we set about creating an album to commemorate the event. Upon completion, we met with them in a Dallas restaurant to pass along the keepsake and to enjoy a post-celebration visit.
Tom, a retired successful business person, is a fun- loving, teasing man. I felt that I was a perfect target sitting across from him that day. I knew his heart was set upon having a beautiful book. He had ordered a top of the line album. I was hoping and praying it would meet his high expectations and of course, I expected a few teasing remarks to accompany it. That was assurance for all being good.
The excitement on Genny's face was indescribable, joyful, full of anticipation! Tom's face had a slight tone of hesitancy, unsure of what to expect. They asked that I show it to them page by page so as I opened the book to the first page, a burst of delight in the form of a loud squeal escaped Genny's mouth. She quickly threw her hand over it to hush her excitement. My eyes went to Tom. Turning slightly red in the face, he avoided eye contact.
I turned to the next page. Tears were forming in Tom's eyes and his face was full of color. The emotion was palpable. Genny squealed and again her hand rushed to cover her mouth. Page 3 brought tears rolling out of Tom's eyes. At the end, Genny was holding her mouth to keep from squealing and Tom's face was awash in tears.
Upon closing the book, Tom took out his handkerchief, wiped tears and sought composure. He had yet to look at me since the book had been opened. Softly, he uttered the words, "That was beyond anything I ever dreamed or expected. I can't speak." He hesitated another moment, stood, reached into his pocket and placed 5 gold coins in front of me. He said with heartfelt enthusiasm and emotion, "That is a 5-star book! If I had known what to expect, I would have paid double."
The gold coins reveal far more than one would know at a casual glance. They represent Genny's squeals of delight. They represent Tom's touching deeply felt emotion. They represent a renewal of purpose when energy is depleted. All reside where words don't exist. The discoveries that day are worth more than a king's ransom. They are a buried treasure.
To see their album, go to the Gallery page on our website, kayturner.com, and click on 50th wedding anniversary.