Did you know jclare studios can restore your aging or damaged photographs? It is a wonderful aspect of our business--and we often make a great connection with our clients that bring in aging photos for us to restore.

A great example is Mrs. Judy Sliwa. She brought in her wedding photo--they had taken snapshots when they married in 1968. Judy brought in one that she wanted restored (faded colors and UV damage had changed the photograph). We were so happy with the results, and so was Judy.

A great bonus for us was the warm connection we made together as she told me about how she and her husband had met, courted, married, and about their life together. Times like this are wonderful bonding moments that make life truly special.

I asked Judy to write me a little story to put with their wedding photo on our blog, she did such a wonderful job. I wish you could just hear her talk. She is a great storyteller and oh, there are such stories to tell about the adventures of this amazing couple!!! :)  (Judy even baked cookies and brought some in to the studio for Carolanne and Kristen!!! ~thank you Judy!~)

John and Judy Sliwa

John and Judy were born and raised in Chicago. They lived in the same neighborhood but did not meet until 1959 at the age of 15! After graduation from high school, they both got jobs. John received his draft notice and served int he U.S. Army from 1965-1967. They married in April 1968 in Judy's family's apartment (that's her mother's photo in the background!). The couple bought their first house in the fall of 1969 and lived there for over 29 years.

After retiring John and Judy moved to the Ozarks in 1998 and rented while making plans to build their home here. They moved into their new home in March 2000 and it was exactly what they wanted.

After a very long and very happy loving life together, John passed away in September 2010.

In Judy's words, "John was truly a wonderful gift to me--my husband, best friend, lover, parter and other half of my heart forever."

Thank you for sharing your heart, your love, your story and your light with me Judy. You have touched our lives forever, and so has John.

Carolanne