He pulled her close and whispered in her ear and she giggled with the enthusiasm and happiness of her 18 year old self. He looked at her like a soldier looked at home after a long time away with love, admiration, and longing. As they walked down the street of their hometown, Chatsworth, Georgia, Jud noticed the chill bumps on Sherri’s shoulders. He immediately took of his suit jacket and placed it around her shoulders. Then he pulled her in for a warm kiss and I melted right there in the street 30 yards away.

These two have been married 35 years and it amazes me how they still act like teenagers around each other. They laugh, they cuddle, and best of all they share a life together. My hope in marriage was restored when I met my husband and seeing these two makes me believe in it even more. I hope we have 1/10th of what Sherri and Jud have after 35 years. When I look at their family, including three children and 5 grandchildren, I think about that song “All because two people fell in love” and that will always make me smile.

I have known Sherri and Jud for more than 10 years. Rene, their daughter, and I became besties at Dalton State College in 2004 and while life has taken us in different directions we have always remained friends. Rene and I have one of those friendships that no matter how much time passes we know when we see each other it will be like no time has past at all. This is also how it feels with her family. They have always made me feel like I am welcome in their family and I’ve never forgotten that. I feel so blessed to have been asked to capture this special event for this very special family. I hope I get invited to their 40th and 50th and 60th anniversary parties!!!