John and Shirley // LeDuc Historic Estate in Hastings, MN

It's not every day you get an email in your inbox of a wife asking to do a portrait session with her hubby because he is turning 80 years old the next month (a month and a day away, John!). In fact, when we received an email from Shirley asking this very thing Lindsay’s initial thought was, “Spam.” Yes, photographers receive spam too. In fact, tons of it. Not the Algerian princes handing out millions of dollars spam or the IRS is going to sue you spam but spam none the least. So, thankfully, when Lindsay received this email and initially thought it might be spam, she showed it to Mark who told her to reply what we’d normally share with all of our awesome family photo clients. Thankfully this led to Lindsay spending time with John and Shirley at a fun new spot, LeDuc Historic Estates in Hastings, Minnesota.

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 ​We shoot a lot of family portrait sessions in Hastings, Minnesota – in fact, it’s typically our go-to! Between Lake Rebecca Park, Spring Lake Park Reserve, Vermillion Falls Park, Old Mill Park, and the Little Log House Pioneer Village in Hastings, the options for amazing family photos are almost endless! So, Lindsay was quite surprised to find a new spot that we drive by all the time but have never noticed before in that of the LeDuc Historic Estates. Talk about gorgeous vines, beautiful details, and a super fun setting for sure! What made it even better though was spending time with John and Shirley. Their love after 54 years of marriage was infectious! I couldn’t help but keep thinking during their couple photo session and even when I was editing later, “How cute are they?”
 
John and Shirley, thank you! You two were beyond a blessing to photograph. A couple who still wants to snuggle and kiss, who naturally walk and hold hands, who still giggle together easily and look deeply into each other’s eyes when you talk was refreshing in this day and age. You two are priceless. You left Mark and I both hopeful for the future and grateful for something to strive for in our own relationship. We wish you both the best and we wish you a happy birthday in a month, John!