These are my (Ally’s) parents, Benny and Jim. They’ve been together for 34 years and just celebrated their 31^st wedding anniversary. They met a bar in Toronto while my dad was playing in his band. My dad was a percussionist with big curly hair and a gold chain, and my mum was this bad ass British woman 6 years his senior. Three years later they were living together, engaged and were married in August of 1985.

Here are a few of our favourites from my parents New Forest anniversary session in Lyndhurst, England. Nicholas and I had the best time capturing these images. I believe love is beautiful no matter what age you are. I can honestly say I think love, relationships and couples only get more beautiful and sexy over time. That connection and that life experience is not only real, but it’s what we all strive and promise to each other on the day we decide to spend our lives with someone.

A little back story: I have spent 26 years admiring the love my parents share for each other. They are the true definition of a partnership and best friends. They put each other first…always. They have lived their life for each other and for our family. Both my sister and I have always wanted to find what they have; a rare, pure, genuine love and respect for one another. They laugh, joke, travel, have fun, but most importantly they have built a solid foundation and life together.

What they have accomplished in the 34 years they have been together is truly admirable. When my sister was just a baby my dad quit his job. He was unhappy with his work and realized he wanted to be his own boss. Being 26 years old, with a wife and new baby, he busted his ass learning marketing and advertising and eventually opened his own agency. My mother wanted to stay at home with my sister and I, so she left her position at Manulife and started an in home day care. Now being self-employed I can’t imagine the efforts, stress, sleepless nights and the turbulent emotions they both experienced starting a business and having a young family. They lived within their means, made great decisions and continued to work hard for their family. Now, after many different titles and businesses, my dad is part owner of the Barrie Colts OHL team and has been since 2008. I admire and appreciate everything my parents have done for us. They never missed a recital, a sports game, a birthday or any important moment.

When they said they wanted to do a session, Nick and I were over the moon about it! There was no better place to do it other than my mum’s hometown. My mum is from Hythe, Southampton, England. My parents actually had a second wedding party in England in the October of 1985. We were in England visiting my family this October (which was the best time ever), so it made perfect sense to do an anniversary shoot! We took my parents to the New Forest in Lyndhurst where donkeys and ponies roam free. The New Forest is about 10 minutes away from mum’s hometown. It is absolutely stunning. Wild landscapes, rolling hills, greenery, trees, ponies, donkeys, ponds and old thatched roof pubs make up the New Forest. I’m always finding ways to give back to my parents, and this was a perfect way to show my love. I will cherish these photos forever. I might make them do this every anniversary!

Everyone who meets Benny and Jim immediately loves them. I always tell them I wish I would shrink them and put them in my pocket. But, wouldn’t you?