A 50th Anniversary Album

My in-laws (Don & Bev) celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this fall. They wanted a cozy and intimate gathering, so we had just the immediate family over for a barbecue in our backyard (the debut of the new back-patio awning).

The night before the party, I assembled an album that we could all contribute to during the festivities. My husband snapped everyone's picture, we printed the pictures immediately on the Epson Artisan 700, I adhered each picture to a pre-assembled card, and then everyone wrote a note on the back of one of the cards. Time commitment: 3.5 hours.

It was a hit! Here are the highlights:

I chose a paper line by Graphic 45 that suits Don and Bev's aesthetic. They love old trains, maps, advertisements, and vintage art. In fact, they just returned from a train-themed vacation that covered most of the Intermountain West.

The classic then-and-now page. These two are not just young-looking (for being 79 and 75), they're also at young at heart.

Don & Bev's first born, the lovely Karste.

The oldest grandson. Sorry young ladies, he's taken. (The handwriting you see is Karste's note, written on the back of her photo card.)

When I bought the coordinated papers, I also picked up a sheet of die-cut tags that I added as accents to the back of each card. I love this old phone! (p.s., this is the young lady who took that oldest grandson)

The classic teenager almost-smile from grandson number 3.

And another "I'm too teen to smile" shot of our own Jeremy (grandson number 4). You see a portion of my congratulatory note on the facing page.

In honor of their golden anniversary, I also assembled small packages of gold-foil candies, everything from Hershey's Nuggets to Rolos to Werther's candy. I recruited help from the hubby on this one. While I worked on the album, he filled candy bags and wielded the stapler like a pro. Nothing like teamwork!

For the one family that couldn't make it to the party (due to the fact that they live in Alaska), I mailed blank cards along with instructions to add photos and notes and return them directly to Beverly.

Have a milestone event happening in your family? Nothing beats a themed mini-album to commemorate the day.

Lucas out.

Comments

[April]

very sweet, Angie! Isn't this what our hobby is all about??

[Emily]

I love it, could you tell me the make of the album, you've inspired me to try something similar.

[Jude]

What a fantastic idea! Looks great, too :-)

[Brenda]

What a great album!! I can only imagine how much it meant to them.

[Fun Mama - Deanna]

What a great looking album! I did one last summer for my inlaws' 40th anniversary. When my sister-in-law sent out invitations to the party, she included a note and a card asking for people to bring well-wishes to the couple. At the party, my husband and made sure to get photos of each guest, and then I assembled an 8x8 album a few days later. It was a lot of work, but I think they enjoyed it. Thanks for showing us! (I think I like yours much better.)

[Yolanda B.]

Ah this album is so nice! Love it!

[Jennifer Larson]

Terrific album--and I love that line: I'm too teen to smile.

[Barb]

What an awesome album... I love the simplicity of the design and the vast amounts of love that went into it.

[Ashleigh B.]

I really love your album assembly process. It definitely makes it easier and more personal for the recipient of the gifts.

[Ann]

Love your album! What a wonderful gift.

[Fletch]

Wow - you make it all look so easy...and it really is..you just have to do it.
Congrats to the wedding couple and family...what great role models.

PS did you get the ribbon for your sister in law?

[Christina]

love Graphic 45 paper- great album, Angie!

[Kelli]

Love it, great idea!

[purpledaisy]

love the album! its great! sweet and simple! where did you get it? do u mind sharing?