It isn’t that often that we get to work with a couple who has been doing life together for more than just a few years (try a few decades!), and usually when we do, it is for family portrait sessions, so I was really excited to do this shoot with Nichole and Vince, just the two of them!

Sometimes (okay, a lot of times), I can tell guys aren’t the biggest fan of having their pictures taken. While being really nice when we first met, Vince still may have alluded to the fact that pictures were not his favorite thing. As the evening progressed, seeing both of them become more comfortable and start to laugh and have fun was pretty much my favorite part!

I loved seeing how “in love” this couple still is and even get a little romantic in front of my camera. I have been told that marriage is hard work and I have no doubt that a relationship like this doesn’t come easy. I’m pretty sure a sweet photo shoot like this is the perfect way to celebrate such a beautiful marriage!

Keep scrolling to read some Q & A with Nichole to learn more about their story + some really great advice for all our newly weds!

How did you meet?

We met in High School.

How long have you known each other?

Dated 5 yrs, and this November will be our 19th wedding anniversary, so 24 yrs.

Tell us a little about yourselves as individuals: What are your career/professions?

I’m a certified Dental Assistant, been doing that for almost 17 yrs. Vince is in management over a company that installs security systems. He has a total of about 18 yrs experience.

Who said I love you first?

Hummm, I can’t even remember.

Do you remember what you did on your first date?

Not really.

Favorite thing to do together

Go to the movies, go antique shopping, and of course, go out to eat.. lol

What is your favorite physical attribute

Mine would be his strong physique.

Vince’s would probably be my freckles😂

What is your favorite character trait

I love how Vince is such a helper. If someone needs him, he’s there! He has a hard time saying no!

Vince would probably say he loves how honest I can be😂 (maybe too honest at times).

Tell us about your family, how many children do you have?

We have two children, a girl and boy.

Can you think back to your wedding day and tell us if life has gone the way you pictured it? What(if anything) went the way you thought it would?

Definitely hasn’t went the way I pictured it. We’ve went through some hard times and some really good times. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. We have grown so much together and still continue to grow. I love doing life with him.

What turned out differently than you thought it would?

Everything! When you dream of getting married and spending a life with someone, you only picture the good times, you don’t picture arguing, struggling or anything else life throws at you. I think that’s why we have so many divorced couples today. No one wants to work through the tough times. They only picture a life full of good times, so when hard times strike, it’s easy to walk away.

What advice can you offer to our couples who are getting married this year?

Our advice would be... Never forget why you married your spouse! You are going to have some great times throughout your marriage, but you’re also going to have hard times, times that may even make you want to throw in the towel. Remember back to what made you fall in love with that person to begin with. Strive daily to be the best spouse you can be. Marriage isn’t 50/50, it’s 100/100 and God in the middle!!! Each person has to give 100% daily for it to work. It’s going to get mundane at times, but you have to keep it alive.. date your spouse, send them random text messages showing how much you appreciate them, take them out or just spend time with them, and the BIGGEST advice of all is keep God in your marriage, after all, what GOD has joined together, let NO man separate!!!

What was your favorite thing about this session with us?

First of all, We loved how you made us laugh from the time we met you until the time we left, by far the best photographer we’ve had. Most of all, I love how you made us stop and think, in that little bit of time, how thankful we are for each other. Sometimes you don’t really think about those things until you’re face to face with your forever. Having you photograph us made me so thankful that I have a life long spouse to laugh with and act silly with. Thank you for bringing out those qualities in us that we sometimes forget!!!❤

Vince & Nichole