WHAT IS THE BOOK ABOUT?

The book is a search and discovery about love and the human spirit. Jay Marroquin will travel to 30+ countries in search of amazing couples to photograph and interview, to answer one of life’s eternal questions…what is love? The goal is to find couples that have been together for at least 30 years. Diverse couples from different races; religions and even sexual orientations will be featured.

WHY A BOOK ABOUT LOVE?

Because this is something that relates to me personally and I believe the same question so many others have. Everyone still wants to believe in true love and I deeply believe it still exist. How do I know this? Because I see it every day with my parents and they’re my inspiration.

WHEN WILL THE BOOK BE AVAILABLE?

The book will be available in late 2014.

HEY, YOU JUST GOT BACK FROM <insert misc country here>, ARE YOU FINISHED WITH THE BOOK?

No, this project is just in it’s infancy and will be a year or longer project. The goal is to find really special couples to be featured in the book so only the best stories and interviews are going to make the cut!

WHAT KIND OF COUPLES ARE GOING TO BE FEATURED IN THE BOOK?

I’m a hopeless romantic at heart so naturally, I think older couples made up of a man and woman will attract my eye. Mainly because they remind me of my parents, but also what I’ve always envisioned when thinking of an old couple in love. I state in the project that I’m looking for diverse couples from different races, religions, faiths and even sexual orientations. This doesn’t mean the book is going to be an alternative lifestyle book, but I believe people from all different backgrounds should be featured. If I come across a couple who hasn’t been together quite 30 years but obviously in love they’ll be featured. If I come across a gay couple that has been together for a long time I think they’d have a great deal to contribute to the book as well.

HOW ARE YOU FINDING THE COUPLES TO INTERVIEW AND PHOTOGRAPH?

There are two ways in which I’m finding our special couples. The first way is simply ‘old school scouting’. I’m scouting for couples in everyday situations all around the world who you can simply look at and say “wow, those two are definitely in love”. Similar to how I would scout for a potential model. This style would be considered photo journalistic.

The second way is by readers and viewers just like you who might know of a couple with a really special or magical story. You’ll be able to submit their story by CLICKING HERE. Every story and lead is going to be researched, and if the couple has a great story, we’re going to be talking to them.

I KNOW A COUPLE THAT WOULD BE PERFECT FOR THIS BOOK! CAN I REFER THEM?

YES – This has probably been the most asked question since I launched the project and told people about it. Everyone from friends to perfect strangers told me they had a perfect couple in mind that I should interview and feature in my book. Before actually starting the project however, I didn’t know how to go about this. NOW I’m launching a new section called ‘SUBMIT YOUR STORY’. If a story sounds like something that’s perfect for the book, we’re going to make it happen. So if you have a romantic couple who’s totally in love and been together at least 20+ years, submit their story by CLICKING HERE.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED AND SUPPORT YOUR PROJECT

Pre-order one of the books, available for either $100 or with a behind-the-scenes DVD for $150. Of course I’m a working fashion photographer so I’m always available for hire. If you want to see my photography work, please visit my website at www.jaymarroquin.com.

ARE YOU TRYING TO RAISE FUNDS TO SIMPLY PUBLISH THE BOOK?

No, the goal is to help fund everything required to shoot the book. That includes traveling costs, lodging, and of course, printing costs which accounts for nearly 75% of the total project cost. With your support, amazing stories of love have been discovered and documented in South America and SE Asia. This is just the start, and your continued support will make this project a reality.

HOW’S THE PROGRESS OF THE BOOK COMING ALONG?

I can tell you that I’ve traveled to 4 countries so far and have interviewed 6 amazing couples so far. This is just the beginning and I can’t wait to bring more amazing couples to you from all around the world.