Happy Memorial Day

What a weekend!  Memorial Day weekend for most people means going to the lake, or decorating graves, or having a BBQ.  For us, it usually means at least 2 weddings, last year it was 3...yes, 3 in one weekend.  This year, we had the pleasure of working with 2 great smalltown couples.  It was really ironic that both days we were headed to the Stockton area too; well, one was actually Jerico Springs, a tad further than Stockton.  From a photography standpoint, we always look forward to ornate ceremonies and receptions, and love the Tower Club, Highland Springs Country Club, Big Cedar, Chateau on the Lake, Wellington Place, and the Grand Ballroom.  But in the all the grandness of those larger venues, sometimes the feeling can get lost. I do have to say there is something so special about the intimate family oriented weddings we were asked to be a part of this last weekend.  Saturday brought us to Stockton, to a small Baptist church and the Stockton Expo Center.  Our bride and groom were High School sweethearts, and their entire day was sweet, personal, simple and meaningful.  These two were married by the groom's father, who really worked their stories into the ceremony, and broke down himself during the vows.  I, without fail, CRY!  I don't think there has been a wedding that I have been to yet, that didn't make me get all teary at some point.  There is something so special about the family members coming together to bless the couple with their heartfelt words and kindness.  I am always amazed by the outpouring from friends and family during these special days.  Everyone works together to get along, even though most families at least have one side that is divorced.  Everyone is happy to be photographed, happy to smile, and devote their time and energy to making the day special for the couple.  Matrons of Honor, and Best Men are precious folks with their toasting and roasting.  There is a reason the bride and groom pick these sweet people to stand up for them.  This wedding was complete with a miniature bride/flower girl, who was decked out head to toe with a little veil and all.  We were taking a picture of her and the bride together at Stockton lake and I was so happy thinking of that little girl's wedding day...someday.  She will look back on that precious photo and see herself as the bride in years to come. *cue tear-filled eyes about to spill*  Our job is special to me because I realize the importance in these photos that are treasures for the family for years to come.  We are creating moments of reflection, and capturing those frozen moments in time.  There will never be another wedding day (hopefully - ha), and we are chosen to capture priceless memories.  It's a big job, we take very seriously; it's as important to David and I, as it is to the couple.
Wedding number 2 on Sunday brought us to our couple's family farm, 900 picturesque acres in Jerico Springs, complete with big red barn, reception tent, the best BBQ ever, and an Amish colony next door.  This couple, too, had been together for 8 years and were High School sweethearts, and drove back to Missouri from where they lived in Pennsylvania to exchange vows.  The groom grew up hunting on the farm, and recalled it as his favorite place as a child, I loved that they were tying the knot somewhere so close to the groom's heart.  The simplicity of the entire day was totally refreshing, all the flowers used were wildflowers from around the property, and they were gorgeous!  I thought they had gone to the florist!  No diva moments, no fussing over hair, and makeup, no worrying about getting the dress dirty for a cool photo op (which of course, we didn't, the bride even picked up a tick in the weeds, but that didn't phase her, she just picked it off the dress and moved on); just relaxed, REAL fun.  Mason jars with lemon, lime, and orange slices in water were coupled with candles for the centerpieces.  We waited for the festivities to begin in Grandma's house, complete with cozy furniture and quilts and afghans galore; so universal, made me miss being a little girl at my Grandma's, and those treasured memories.  The ceremony was in the middle of a mowed field, with hay bale seats, with God shining his goodness down upon the whole bunch.  The best part was the Best Man literally sobbed through his entire toast...not a dry eye in the house, including mine, of course.  The family was so kind to David and I, kept offering us water because it was hot in the sun and we were all sweating, and literally MADE us sit down and eat their prizewinning BBQ, which was great with us!  Sometimes people just view us as paid, hired help and never think to offer us anything (which is ok, we are there to do a job), but these folks made us feel like we were part of their family.  The genuine sincerity was refreshing, and it was neat to be around a functional, loving family...even if it was just for the day.  I teared up again watching the father-daughter dance, so precious and real.  Weddings like these make our job so fun, and make me look forward to the rest of the Summer!
 We are both so blessed to be able to share these moments with each other, working with your spouse is special, and not for everyone.  I am so proud of David and his work, he is always working to improve, and try new things.  I love being the voice of D-Co-Pho, and creating a relationship between us and our clients, and helping people determine what suits them best, what a perfect job.  Sometimes God allows us to feel the calm and contentment that gives us the peace to know we are exactly where we are supposed to be.
To finish up our Memorial Day weekend, we are hanging with the kiddos, and going to a BBQ with some treasured friends later.  Life is good.  Happy Memorial Day to all. Take a moment of silence and remember your loved ones lost today, alive or past.  God Bless.