Several times I have edited photos from a wedding or a photoshoot, and the emotion of the experience — combined with the photos have produced a lump in my throat and a feeling of almost wanting to cry.
But I don’t think I’ve ever actually cried — until having the experience of working on the 50-year love story of Alberto
and Rosalva Gutierrez. I mean… their love… and their pictures… they made me cry! Real tears! While they were renewing their vows, Rosalva got very emotional and broke down and wept. Then, Alberto instinctively reached out to comfort her and got emotional himself. It was one of my sweetest photographic moments ever!
I knew I felt an instant connection with their daughter, Cynthia, when she contacted me from her home in Indiana about doing this, but I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting my heart to be so overwhelmed with admiration! For the type of parents and grandparents they are — and for the unmistakable “realness” to their 50-year friendship and love! I think if God could give the love-world a model, theirs would be it.
There are so many amazing stories I was told during our day together — and — so many not said things that I still learned about this amazing family during our time together. It was one of the most special events I’ve ever had the pleasure of documenting. So much unbelievable — eternal love in that family! I am blessed to this day by them!

Cynthia’s husband, Stephen made a life-sized cut-out of one of their original 50-year old wedding photos
The boys insisted on cheerfully carrying my camera gear on our walk from La Villita to Biga on the Banks several blocks up the Riverwalk, and I don’t think I’ve ever had more stunningly beautiful kids be more cooperative as I delightedly snapped picture after picture of the 5 cousins at every stop along the way.
*SIGH* ’nuff said… Here is a very short version of what I experienced with my new and very much in love friends at their 50th year vow renewals and anniversary celebration.
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About Sandy
I'm Sandy Powers, full-time photographer, doing what I
love with my life! My passion is PEOPLE! There is such artistry in people, and I love capturing it. Naturally, portraiture is my passion, but I also love shooting for the art of photography for competitions or exhibit.
I once watched an interview with Kim Walker, a well-known Christian worship leader. What she said resonated with me and pretty much describes my own story. In the interview, she said she didn't have to force things to happen for herself. She didn't have to push. She didn't have to overly promote herself or call people and beg them to hire her. In fact, she didn't have to do
anything except keep her eyes on Jesus and watch Him bring her destiny to her. That's exactly how I feel. I walk each day by faith, and my eyes are on Him! I have watched in amazement as He has orchestrated circumstance to bring my destiny to me. I thank Him daily for allowing me to not only do what I love, but to use what I love to bless others!
So, how is "the destiny" unfolding? Well. . . . My work has been juried into temporary museum and art gallery exhibits, I have been featured in Outdoor Photographer Magazine, my portraiture and fine art have won several awards in national and international competitions, and one of my portraits was selected by an Adobe Lightroom blog as one of the top 50 most stunning black and white photos.
I'm a member of Professional Photographers of America and the Texas Photographic Society.
Anything else??? Send me a note (Sandy@SandyP.net) any time! I LOVE meeting new people, sharing stories, and best of all, changing the "ordinary" to extraordinary through photography!
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