How to time travel with family photos, and why everyone should have a hallway like Toppie’s

In my grandmother’s house there was a long hallway that was covered in family photos, from my mother’s bridal portrait, to a picture of my great grandparents’ wedding ceremony, to other family milestones spanning four generations. That hallway was like a time machine, connecting me to people and places, many of whom I would otherwise have never known.

When it was time for my grandmother, who we called Mom Mom, to move into assisted living, the photos were dispersed among our family, and many ended up in the home of Mom Mom’s younger sister, who we call Toppie. And so even though my grandmother died years ago at the ripe old age of ninety-seven, her legacy lives on in the photos that now line Toppie’s hallway.

I am so grateful for this collection of family photos that gives our family the opportunity to connect with pieces of our history.

When I was a child, I didn’t give these pictures much thought. I would walk down the hallway from the kitchen to the living room on the way to watch TV, casually passing by the seemingly endless array of framed photos. But as I’ve matured, my perspective has shifted. Falling in love, losing loved ones, and feeling both heartbreak and joy have shaped how I view family and time, giving me an evolved sense of appreciation for both.

Now whenever I visit Toppie, I take time to look at these photos that line her hallway. I see each picture as a window into the past, and a chance to make new connections with some of the most important people in my life.

Some of these connections are to people I never met while they were alive. There is the portrait of my great grandparents, Aaron Toplitz and Sarah Kahn taken shortly after their wedding in 1916. Even though I never got to have a conversation with them, I still get a glimpse of the people they were, in a way that only photography can convey. A sense of strength, pride and dignity.

And some of the connections are to family members I grew up with, but never knew when they were young. Take the photo of Mom Mom when she was 23 years old sitting for her bridal portrait. Seeing my grandmother at such a young age allows me to appreciate her in a different way: instead of knowing her only as the doting older woman who always had sixty-plus years on me, I see her as the confident young woman she had only told me stories about.

After all, Mom Mom was much more than the grandmother who spoiled me rotten—she was an amazingly talented woman who excelled musically, passed that gift on to her daughters, traveled the world, and pretty much said whatever she was thinking.

Seeing her in the context of this picture lets me connect with all of the stories she shared with me from her days of courtship, marriage, and raising children.

And of course there is the bridal portrait of my mother taken a few months before her wedding.

I love being able to peek at what life was like for them at the beginning of their marriages.

And while I wouldn’t change a thing about these wedding portraits, it’s an interesting contrast to notice that everything is so formal and posed. Capturing unexpected moments is such a big part of what I do, and even though I know these images from the past are what was in vogue at the time, I would love to also see a photo capturing a natural moment of them laughing and having a good time.

A collection of family photos is sort of like a patchwork quilt—something to be passed down from generation to generation, and that offers both comfort and a unique understanding of the past.

I’m so grateful that I grew up seeing the photos in Mom Mom’s and Toppie’s hallways, and I’m even more grateful that my work documenting couples love stories may someday line similar walls. I’d love to help you create your own history of invaluable family photos.

Please explore the collections of photos that I am proud to have captured for my wonderful couples and their families >>

Lisa & John

I've been friends with John for a number of years. We met canoe camping on the Potomac river through mutual friends. There are a few spots on the river that we tend to go for a night or two. It's about is remote as one can get when you're just a matter of miles from the city.

It was after one of those overnights and on his way back to his car John met Lisa by chance in the parking lot as she was readying her kayak for a paddle on the river. They struck up a conversation but parted ways without exchanging numbers. On a whim John left a note on Lisa's windshield. After a week and a bit of phone tag they planned to go on a date and, as they say, the rest is history.

Photo by Alex Varga

Over the past three years I have gotten to know Lisa better and have enjoyed watching her relationship with John grow. Last summer things took a nice turn as John, Lisa and one of her best friends Alex spent a week backpacking in Maine. At the summit of Mt. Katahdin in Baxter State park John took a knee, totally surprised Lisa and Alex was prepared to capture the moment with her camera.

I was excited when John and Lisa asked if I would take their engagement pictures and we agreed immediately that we would go out on the river that we all love so much and revisit the place that they first met.

Will & Mike

Will and Mike got ready at their house in DC with about 20 close friends and family. It was a party from the get go. The wore matching suits from Hugo Boss and looked sharp. After a brief ceremony officiated by their friends it was on to cocktails, dinner and a lot of dancing.

Madhuri & Asim

Madhuri and Asim held an intimate Indian wedding ceremony with those near and dear to them at the St. Regis Hotel. The mandap was beautifully decorated with flowers and hanging tea lights. They opted to have a relaxing reception that allowed everyone to spend time together talking. It suited them perfectly.

Allison & Steve

Allison and Steve had the most amazing weather for their early spring Washington, DC wedding.  They got ready at the St. Regis Hotel and then were off to St. George's Episcopal Church in Arlington for the ceremony.  Before heading back to celebrate in the Astor Ballroom we stopped for a little portrait time at the US Marine Corps War Memorial.  It's always nice to give the couple a little alone time during the day.  After the party got into full swing, were were able to sneak away for a short walk to White House for a few more pictures of the Allison and Steve.

Michael & Chris

Michael and Chris were married at Woodend Sanctuary at dusk surrounded by their closest family and friends.  It was a beautiful ceremony which was followed by an amazing multi-course dinner with wine pairings and some very entertaining toasts.