After having shot many weddings over the past 18 years, I see couples stay together and couples break-up. Sometimes I have photographed a bride or groom a second time, at their second wedding. But this month I had the pleasure of photographing a grand 50th wedding celebration for Marianne and Steve at the Mallet Barn in Freeport Maine. Paula Cano of a Family Affair worked with Steve and Marianne's niece Penny to put on a truly terrific party. Penny herself doesn't have a daughter to marry off, but if she did she would be one lucky girl because Penny KNOWS how to through a party, and I could only imagine her wedding! With so many thoughtful details, her and Paula with the help of Coco from Coco Design Co., they not only transformed the old barn at Wolfe Neck Farm, they THREW a party! It was clear everyone was having a really good time and they would have not wanted to be anywhere else that beautiful Saturday night in June. For me it was a nice change of pace to hang out with an older crowd, with those my parents age and watch how they have a good time. Us younger generation may think we have it better then them, but I am no so sure! The stories shared, the jokes the laughs, the sincerity expressed let me know they have their priorities about life in a good place. A 50th celebration is worthy of it. For me, my Dad who had heart surgery 11 years ago has said often, I just want to be able to celebrate our 50th with your mother. Well this past June 19th my parents celebrated their 49th, only 1 year away themselves from also having their 50th! It takes a lot of heart, wisdom and compromise to get to a 50th celebration and be happy like Steve and Marianne. Thank you Penny for throwing such a good party that all of us could enjoy and remember. Thank you Paula Cano for making sure I was a part of it.