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These are the weddings photographers live for… Not because they are beautiful, although it was, not because the brides dress looked amazing, although it did, and not because the groom was dressed in the time tradition tails which make everyman the perfect look of a gentleman. Not for any of these reasons… But for the amazing people in this wedding. So much hard work blended with family traditions that were so meaningful. I LOVE these weddings and the amazing stories that go behind them. This was one such wedding. Again, I hope I can remember everything. First I met Mom and Jane in my studio on a short planning visit as Jane the bride lives out of town. We talked about her big day and all the exciting things planned. Mom was the picture of pure Southern charm, friendly and warm. Oddly next I met Jane’s brother, Simon, doing a charity shoot where he and one of his employees were being featured in the Annual report for Step Up Ministries. And let’s just say Simon is PURE entertainment and can make his own party any where he goes. He had me cracking up the whole time. So next FINALLY Jane is flying in from Oklahoma for her bridal portrait. The weather was less than cooperative but instead of rescheduling the family opted to make it more personal and do it in the home and in a wooded clearing where they had played as children. This alone made the portrait very special. To top it off how sweet to find out she was wearing Mom’s wedding dress. So time goes by and finally the big day is here! To my amazement Mom has been Very busy. She sewed ALL the bridesmaids dresses and I think her own dress too, then I find out that it was actually Jane’s Grandmother who had sewn her mother’s wedding dress that Jane was wearing. All so touching! And for someone with NO sewing talent I was IMPRESSED! The groom was so sweet as they exchanged presents on either side of the door so they wouldn’t see each other before the wedding. Each with a meaning behind it-something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. I was impressed a groom would even know those little details! The best part about this family is their DEEP affection for each other, openess to love others unconditionally and MOSTLY their humor!!!!! They ALL have it and Matt has married well into it as it is VERY clear he can hang with this crew! Being that Dad handcuffed his son at the alter during the pre-ceremony pictures for fun I knew they were a match made in heaven. Matt is definitely a chip off the old block. What made them so funny? OH LORD I hope I remember it all! It could be when Matt’s Dad handcuffed him during the formal portraits, the brothers humming the tune of the Star Wars Death star theme as Jane came down the stairs for the first time in her dress, or maybe Simon and his brother SKIPPING down the aisle together after the bride and groom had exited? Oh wait, maybe it was the crazy dancing that involved some rather contorted dance moves on the floor and in general the silliness of them all. Jane and Matt smiled the WHOLE night. I didn’t ONCE see them without a smile. And as funny as this crew are they were as sweet and loving in the same manner. Somehow the guys managed to get Dad’s old tracker hidden and brought to the reception to take a picture with GrandDad as a surprise for Mom. She still doesn’t know we did it. I can’t WAIT till she sees this… But those crazy boys couldn’t let it end on a sweet note… As the limo drove away with friends and family waving on… much to my surprise the limo stops about 100 feet out and somebody jumps out of the limo and it is NOT Jane or Matt. One of the guys was hiding in the limo waiting for them to give them a little bible service before their wedding night. ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!! Seriously could this wedding have had more sweetness and humor combined? Loved it. I have been so fortunate to shoot many of the amazing families at this church and they are all SO GREAT. And now I know why… They are all such amazing people and hence why they are attracted as friends and I am grateful to you all for sharing your friends with me. Each time I see old and new faces it truly enriches my life to know you all… Thank you for your friendship and confidence.

Diane
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