Ok sorry about the pun, but that is exactly what a good photographer is. Just like the portrait painters from centuries gone by we create heirlooms for yours and future generations enjoyment. I am proud to say this is my profession but like you cherish images i have made of my family over years gone by. Interesting to note that although a photograph never changes the way we perceive it does. In short great images can be part of your interior design, a statement about your individuality and taste, but more importantly they become your most treasured possessions as time goes by......
Good portraiture is not cheap (its priceless) seriously, so please make sure even if you do not commission me that you do use a qualified professional photographer. It is a sad situation that in the UK there is no legislation governing true professionals. The news has reported over this last few years wedding nightmares where couples have hired cowboys in disguise as photographers. This is an issue very dear to my heart as i do not want to see our profession harmed by unqualified individuals who perhaps have good marketing knowledge and taken a few nice holiday snaps !
My advise especially when hiring a wedding photographer is check the photographer has indemnity insurance, is qualified with either or both of the following two organisations. These are our professional bodies in the UK and a benchmark of quality and assurance to anyone hiring a photographer. The organisations are abbreviated to BIPP or MPA just like solicitors and doctors etc have pre fix letters of L (Licenciateship) A (Associateship) or the highest qualification attainable in the UK, F (Fellow).........
BRITISH INSTITUTE OF PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY (BIPP)
MASTER PHOTOGRAPHER ASSOCIATION (MPA)
It is also perhaps worth mentioning here that it is not how many mega pixels, lenses, computers etc. That determines how good a photographer is. Although i only use the best kit available in the world (fruit based computers, and "explosive cameras") I often joke that I hate cameras and computers... in truth I am just excited about what I can do with them..... All that matters to me is that I make people happy, and create beautiful art... the final image is all important...
Lastly do not make the mistake i have heard so many times by using a friend to photograph your wedding... They may not be such a close friend when you see the pictures, and they in turn may experience a mild to extreme breakdown as a result !