Grandma’s Tree

Back in July, I shot a wedding at the Elgin Country Club. My grandpa used to be a member there and he started telling me about this tree out on the golfcourse I had to go see. He would get all excited telling me exactly where it was, what it looked like, etc so I wouldn’t miss it. You see this is a very special tree. After my grandma passed away, he planted this tree in her name with a plaque on it. It now grows on the golf course in her memory. Since his health hasn’t been so good lately, it has been years since he was able to go and see the tree. I knew I had to get a picture for him. Yesterday I printed and framed the picture and was so excited to give it to him because he had no idea I had a picture. I told him I just had seen it. It was such a emtional moment to see him open his gift. I lost it when he held the picture to his chest with tears in his eyes and told me how much he missed her. I have never seen him like that and it was so special. This shows the power of photographs. It brings so many memories and tugs on our heartstrings. I love how my job is to capture those memories and emotions. I also love how a simple picture of a tree can mean so much. I just wanted to share this little story with you all today because I love the moment I had with my grandpa.

Special thanks to Mr. Pfortmiller for researching the tree location and bringing me there! He was the father of the bride and took time during the wedding day to sneak me over to the tree. I am so grateful for you!