Lauren and Shay: The Wedding

Theres a section in my bridal questionnaire where I ask about a story. It's a story of love, of fate, of two people coming together and the world stopping for a moment. The stories are always different - I have yet to read one story like another. These stories are what breathe life into my business. It's what helps me understand just how I'm going to capture two people in love with my camera. And it's one of my favorite things about being a wedding photographer.

Lauren and I first met at our very first Bridal Faire. It was a crazy overwhelming experience being in a room full of amazing wedding vendors and trying to stand out and grab your bride's attention. In all honesty, I left that experience vowing I would never attend a show as a vendor again and that I doubt one bride was going to remember me out of the slew. Little did I know that I was wrong. I went into the show experience asking that God allow us two brides...that was all I wanted. I thought if I at least could meet and develop a relationship with two, it would have made the show worth it. The funny ways that God works, we were given more than two great relationships. But Lauren was my first!

When Lauren contacted me after the show, I waited in eager anticipation for her story. And her story? Well, it brought me to tears. I remember after I read it, I ran to Andrew and gave him the biggest hug I could muster.

Lauren and Shay could not be more opposite. Shay enjoys the woods, hunting, getting dirty and wearing camo and boots. Lauren prefers the hunt of shopping and a good pair of heels and her heart swoons for a beautiful set of pearls. While opposites they may be, they fell head over heels {and boots} for one another. As the two grew closer and their love began to bloom, Shay discovered that he had a brain tumor. After intensive surgery and recovery, Shay proposed to Lauren as he realizing that life is short and precious and that he wanted to spend every moment of it with her.

So, on the white sands of the beautiful beaches in Destin, Lauren and Shay sealed their love for one another in front of their friends and family. Lauren, Shay, thank you two so much for the opportunity to share in your story. And thank you for the lesson that life is short and precious and to be thankful for every moment. Enjoy the moments!

Dwell in Possibility...
Cassie

Ruth and Daniel: The Wedding

You know how you encounter people in life and you remember them for various reasons? Like that girl in middle school that quoted Dinosaurs episodes to you every day because you werent allowed to watch it at home? Or the boy that made you laugh so hard you spewed milk out of your mouth? Or how about that teacher that blew his nose in a hankie over your shoulder every time you asked a question in class? You may never see them again but you remember those things?

Ruth, while I hope that I get to see you again and again throughout my life, you are one of those people who are now ingrained into my memory. Why? Harry & David's MooseMunch Coffee. Best. Coffee. EVAR! If for some reason you have to move to Antarctica, I will still, years from now remember that you introduced me to the best coffee on the planet. And while my hyper ravings when I'm on my fourth cup may drive Andrew a bit crazy, I will always love you for that!

Cloudy skies threatened the warmth of the day as an occasional drizzle reminded us that the torrential downpour was being held at bay just for us. As Ruth and Daniel exchanged their vows to eachother on the windy shores of a hazy day, I couldnt help but feel a sense of serenity and contentment. You know that scene in Forces of Nature with Ben Afleck and Sandra Bullock when the hurricane is swirling all around them and yet, they're all that exists? That feeling that no matter what happens, the love they have for one another is the only thing that makes any difference...That was the feeling that day. As Ruth scrunched her nose and giggled after kissing her groom I knew that love really is all that matters...no matter how cliche it seems.

Dwell in Possibility...
Cassie