Last Friday, I photographed Jan and Len Konkel.  They currently live in Hot Springs Village and have been married for 62 years.  Photographing the Konkel’s was an assignment that I shot freelance for the Wall Street Journal. Never before has an editorial freelance assignment made me smile.  The WSJ profiled the Konkel’s and three other couples from around the country about their secrets to a lasting and happy marriage.  To read the full article from the WSJ, click here. There is also a slideshow featuring the other couples (my photo is number nine).  To see the slideshow, click here.

While taking their photo, I asked the Konkel’s to share a few fun stories and mostly what have they done to stay happily married for 62 years.

Len, who is now 88, told me that when he met Jan, now 84, she was working as a secretary for his boss.  From that point on … well it’s 62 years later so you can guess the rest of the story.  But through four children and countless grandchildren and a few great-grandchildren, they are still as funny and as witty as a couple half their age.  “I say ‘Yes ma’am’ and ‘No ma’am’ a lot,” Mr. Konkel shared with a laugh.  Mrs. Konkel agreed with the same laugh.  Also, they stressed they NEVER fought or argued in front of their children.   I asked what was their best piece of advice.  Mrs. Konkel said your marriage should NEVER be 50/50.  It should be 75/25 — always give more than you take.

I had only planned to stay about an hour, but nearly two-hours later, I realized how late it was and I had to get back to Little Rock.  They invited me to lunch and I really, REALLY wanted to go but my alter-ego day job was calling.  I just wanted to stay and visit and get to know them more.  Sadly, over half of the marriages today end in divorce so I knew the Konkel’s could share their thoughts and advice on how to make a marriage work.

So for all my clients, both current and past, take a look at the photos above and may we all end of like this….62 years later.

And one final photo below, the Konkel’s on their wedding day:

KES Weddings: Documentary Wedding Photography. Serving Little Rock, central Arkansas and beyond.

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