Jamie + Michelle Photography

To Allan and Andrea’s surprise, they renewed their vows for their 30th wedding anniversary!  Their daughter-in-law, Jackie, planned the entire day – vow renewal and a surprise party – without telling them anything!  She had been planning this day for so long – I think she asked me to be the photographer about a year ago.  : )  It started off in church, seeming like a normal church service, until Pastor talked about special things to celebrate, and then he called Allan and Andrea up to the front.  As soon as he did that, Andrea started tearing up, which was soooo sweet.   And they had no idea who I was, so you could tell Allan was really confused when this stranger with a big camera snuck some pictures of them.  

Then, Pastor made them renew their vows!  They seriously had no idea whatsoever!!

Isn’t the family nicely color coordinated?  Yep – all Jackie.  Oh, I should also mention, she planned everything and is 30 weeks pregnant!  So Jackie came up with this elaborate story to get everyone to dress similar – she told Allan and Andrea that she was being honored at an awards ceremony at Navy Pier for her work and that there would be a professional photographer there and she would like them all to wear purple.  (Andrea was so convinced with that story, she kept asking Jackie if they were for sure not going to Navy Pier, even during the party)

Then Jackie, her husband Matt (right) and Matt’s brother, Don (left), all took off to go set up a party in the church basement (still a surprise to the parents).  My job was to keep them busy for a little while so the kids could set up.   So we had a fun mini photo session!  Unfortunately, it was storming, so we couldn’t go to the park as originally planned, but it worked out really well to have a surprise party just downstairs and to take pictures inside.

During a break in the rain we stepped outside for a few.

This was actually Allan’s idea to go up to the church balcony and use these stained glass windows for some silhouette shots!

For some reason, I didn’t even notice this giant sign behind them with very appropriate wording.  : )

Andrea’s ring!  Allan can’t really wear his any more so he didn’t have it.  : )

Then….. SURPRISE!!

A lot of friends and family came to celebrate with Allan and Andrea!

Jackie’s mom and dad were also at the surprise party!  Jackie’s mom helped a lot with everything.  : )  It’s so awesome when in-laws get along!  Oh, Jackie’s parents’ 30th anniversary is in 2 years : )

Then and now : D

OH as one more final thing, Jackie arranged for the two of them to be off work for a couple days so they could have a getaway just the two of them!!  Allan and Andrea haven’t done that probably since their honeymoon 30 years ago!  I believe it was Matt’s aunt that took care of the reservations at the WaterBird Lakeside Inn in Chesterton.

~ by Michelle on July 7, 2010.