They say if you don’t like the weather in the Blue Ridge Mountains, just wait five minutes. Usually, that’s an exaggeration—but for the Janecko family’s extended family session last August, it was the miracle we needed.

Trading the Tides for the Trails

For years, the Janeckos have spent their annual vacation with toes in the sand. In the summer of 2025, they decided to shake things up, trading the coast for the breathtaking elevations of Elkton, Virginia. Staying at a private property nestled right against the mountains, they swapped the sound of crashing waves for the quiet majesty of the peaks.

But the scenery wasn’t the only thing we were celebrating. This trip served as a massive milestone: the grandparents’ 50th Wedding Anniversary.

A Sentimental Touch: The Daisies

To honor five decades of marriage, the family brought along beautiful bouquets of daisies. Why daisies? They were the exact flowers used in the grandparents’ wedding fifty years ago! It was such a tender, intentional detail that tied the Janecko family history to this new mountain memory.

The Storm Before the Calm

As our session time approached that August afternoon, my heart was in my throat. Classic Virginia thunderstorms were rolling through Page County, and the radar looked grim. We debated canceling, but with the family only in town for that specific week, the window was closing fast. I took a deep breath and decided to take a chance.

I’ll be honest: as it poured rain while driving to the session, I wondered if I’d made a huge mistake. But then? The clouds parted. Not only did the rain stop, but halfway through the session, the sun broke through the mist, bathing the Janeckos in that iconic Blue Ridge golden light.

Capturing the “Real” Moments

While we made sure to get those beautiful formal portraits for the mantle, the Janeckos really wanted to capture the energy of the grandkids. We leaned into the candid side of things, and it was a blast! We captured:

• The kids charging full speed toward the camera.
• A “silly face” competition.
• The kids jumping for joy against the mountain backdrop.
• The classic, heartfelt shot of the whole crew walking together toward the lens.

Looking back on this session, I’m so glad we didn’t let the clouds scare us off. From the sentimental daisies to the post-storm glow, it was a perfect reminder that the best memories often happen just after the storm.

Planning a family milestone in the Blue Ridge?

Five decades of marriage deserves more than a quick smartphone snap. Whether you’re celebrating a 50th anniversary like the Janeckos or simply gathering the whole crew for a long-overdue reunion, I’m here to capture the legacy you’re building. Don’t let the mountain weather—or the stress of coordinating a large group—hold you back. Let’s create something beautiful together. Fill out my contact form so we can get started!