There’s this difficult balance, being a photographer who captures precious moments in my couples’ lives: I know what my anniversary couples WANT, but then I also know what they’re doing to NEED.

After a few years in the business, though, I know what my Anniversary couples need are prints. Tangible, touchable proof of how they felt that day in front of my lens, visual evidence that it all began with just the two of them.

So I give them both. Their PASS gallery, which enables them to save the digital files for the future, but then I also send a set of 5″x7″ photographs. Because I want to know for sure that their time with me doesn’t end with their files living on computer, I want it to end with photographs in frames around their home- constant reminders that their marriage is worth fighting for.

You guys know my heart behind anniversaries. You all know why I love photographing married couples. The session itself is half of the experience- the photographs themselves are the other half! The prints are what serve as an everyday reminder of how you felt in that moment; for me and our anniversary photos, it was the chill of the November air, the warmth of his embrace, and the feeling that I’d never been so in love with him as I was at that exact moment in time.

These photos need to be printed, and I believe this so strongly that I decided to print them myself to make sure my couples don’t forget in the hustle and bustle of every day life!

I know there are some business models that would advocate keeping the files to myself, and charging my clients for each print in order to make sure they do, indeed, print their photographs. And as a result, I’d make a nice sum from the print sales. But I don’t want my couples to feel like I’m holding their images hostage, and I don’t want them to begrudgingly order prints at inflated prices. I want my couples to depart from me feeling well-loved and provided for! So I’ve taken the Shoot & Share business model of providing my couples with their files, and added in an extra dose of love with a full set of prints. It’s the best of both worlds!

The prints are delivered in gorgeous portrait boxes, handmade by Michael Chinn– I couldn’t be happier with them! They’re tied with a delicate silk, hand-dyed ribbon from FrouFrou Chic, and sent along with a handwritten note. I’ve come to love sending prints to my couples, because it’s the perfect way to complete their Anniversary Experience- on a sweet, sweet note.

Just a few Instas from some sweet friends who loved their prints!

To learn more about The Anniversary Experience with Abby Grace, go HERE!