The truth is, I’ve always loved brides.
I always have.
And even though, in the world of photography, I’ve found that I don’t like weddings so much - I still love brides. And probably always will.
I love capturing their glow. Their joy. A pure, calm happiness that is unmatched. And unrivaled. I don’t get to do it often anymore.
But, I was able to spend yesterday afternoon with my darling friend, Crystal - who will be celebrating her three-year anniversary tomorrow. And, as it turned out, it was a time I wouldn’t have traded for anything in the world.
What started out as a should-we-could-we situation - quickly turned into a reality. And ‘Operation Stuffed Sausage’ - as she would nickname it - was in full-force. Getting her into her original wedding dress proved comical. But it was done in the end - rigged together in a way that made us proud to be industrious and creative women. Of course my ‘wedding curse’ prevailed - giving us a true Alabamian rain shower. Where it’s flooding on one end of the street and dry as bones on the other.
Despite a million and one safety pins and chasing the rain and the sweltering heat - this has to be my favorite session to date. Which is a something.
Maybe it was the laughs we had. Maybe it’s because she rocked her TOMS. Maybe it’s because she didn’t mind shooting in the rain. Maybe it’s because she brought Sunkist for a prop. Maybe it’s because of the Congratulations and So pretty she kept hearing from passersby on the street. Maybe it’s because she is such a dear friend to me.
Truth: I learned yesterday that some three-year old brides still carry with them that same glow and joy and purity that they had on their wedding day. They still have it.
And it’s even better.
I’m reminded:
Oh, they say when you marry in June,
you're a bride all your life.
And the bridegroom who marries in June,
gets a sweetheart for a wife.
Winter weddings can be gay -
like a Christmas holiday.
But the June bride hears the song
of the spring that lasts all summer long.
By the light of the silvery moon -
home you ride, side by side.
With the echo of Mendelssohn's tune
in your hearts as you ride.
For they say when you marry in June,
you will always -
always -
always be a bride.
Okay, so she wasn’t married in June. Close enough.
It’s all still true.
Thank you again, Crystal, for asking me to do this favor for you. Thank you, again, for the Sunkist. Thank you, always, for being my friend.
Happy Anniversary, Crystal and Jacob. Enjoy your Forever. I know it will be a lovely one.
A shout-out for our pal, Kristy. We love you:
Go Cats! :
And I have to thank this dear woman - Crystal’s mom, Debbie - for all of her help:
