Grandparents' anniversary photo shoot will melt your heart

A Texas photographer decided to celebrate her grandparents’ everlasting love and long marriage with a beautifully-staged photo shoot.

Billie Wanda and Joe Ray Johnson are proof that true love does exist.  

“They are without a doubt, the best people I know,” granddaughter Shalyn Nelson told FOX 5. “I call them my heroes.”

Nelson’s 86-year-old “Papaw” and 83-year-old “Mamaw” recently celebrated 65 years of marriage.

In honor of their love, Nelson released pictures from a heartwarming photo session two years ago for their 63rd anniversary. The photos were taken in November 2014 on their ranch in Jewett, Texas, where they’ve worked their entire lives.

It’s very clear from the playful images, that the light of their love hasn’t dimmed one bit in more than 60 years. And two years later, they’re still very much in love.

“This is simply a reminder to the world from the lens of a granddaughter who adores her grandparents and the love they share,” Nelson said. “My Mom tells me all the time how much that day meant to my grandparents. They talk about it all the time.”

Nelson gave her grandmother a total make-over, which included a new gown, professional make-up and hair-styling for the special occasion. She also had her grandparents write love letters to each other, which were incorporated into some of the photos.

“This right here is my heart. This right here is the most important thing I have ever been a part of and put together.”

Nelson said her grandparents have taught her the true meaning of marriage and that love is worth fighting for.

“They never gave up. They never let their vows down,” Nelson said. “Only love matters at the end of this life, when all is said and done. Love always wins.”

Nelson’s family photos are part of a passion project she calls “Love, The Nelsons Project.” She’s compiling a book of old love stories to show lovers around the world that true love is a real thing.

“I want to put hope and the true meaning of marriage back into the beating hearts around the globe,” Nelson said.

So far, she’s received more than 150 love stories from strangers around the world. If you have a love story you would like to share, send it to hello@lovethenelsons.com and put “LTN Project – Old Love” in the subject line. 

FOX News contributed to this article. Photos courtesy of Shalyn Nelson.