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| J & B, First Dance |
He felt now that he was not simply close to her, but that he did not know where he ended and she began. ~Leo Tolstoy
Ah, dear Reader, is there a better example of how fine life can be than gathering to witness a real-life, honest-to-goodness love story being lived out among us every day?
Last month, my friend and co-worker, J, married her love & best friend, B, under a simple, gorgeous pergola in a lovely park on a warm June evening. The ceremony was simple and heart-felt. They were flanked on both sides by attentive relations, eager to do whatever it took to make their big day as perfect as possible.
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| All Gathered Here |
But, even if it hadn't been perfect, I don't think they would have noticed. They only had eyes--and knowing smiles--for each other, holding hands throughout the vows, the exchange of rings and even at times during the sand ceremony. When the pastor asked if anyone had a reason why the happy couple shouldn't be
married, the groom, best man and father-of-the-bride all looked around
protectively. Of course, no one said a word and the groom turned back
to his lovely bride. Later, J & B both laughed when B spilled some of his sand while trying to fill their new shared jar. They could hardly stand still as the pastor spoke of God's perspective on marriage. Then, finally! The kiss! Bride and groom threw their arms wide as they moved together, holding onto each other for dear life! Later came the festive reception, the couple's first dance, the bride's dance with her father and the groom's dance with his sister--so poignant! It was sweet and honest--the real-life story of two people who are meant to share this journey together.
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| B kisses his bride |
I felt blessed to be among so much happiness. J & B had asked me to shoot their wedding photos several months before and I was delighted to accept. So, there I stood, a bit behind where the guests sat, moving here and there, attempting to catch all the sweet little moments J & B will cherish in the years ahead. You will have to judge for yourself, dear Reader, if I was successful.
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| Laughing together during the Sand Ceremony |
You may recall from a previous post, this is the 2nd wedding I've had the pleasure to photograph in the last year. What I've discovered through both these joy-filled experiences is that I really enjoy doing this for people I know. True, it involves careful planning, hours of attentive shooting and many more hours of thoughtful, painstaking photo editing to capture just the right memories--the essence of the day. But seeing the finished results, every moment was worth it...and I would do it again in an instant. I love that. I love that the work really is a small, simple sacrifice that I can make for somebody else. Giving of what I've been given. Blessing another out of my blessings. It becomes a chance to experience just a glimmer of the kind of sacrifice Jesus made for me. And the results are exhilarating. Well, at least for me. See what you think.
My favorites from the ceremony:
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| My favorite bridal portrait |
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| Father of the Bride (FOB) |
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| Bride & Matron of Honor |
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| Bride & Ring Bearers |
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| Ceremony Venue: Romeoville, IL |
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| Bridal Party Processional |
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| Very serious Ring Bearer |
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| Bride & FOB |
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| Bride & FOB |
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| Ceremony |
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| Love |
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| Bride |
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| Groom |
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| She Does |
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| He Does |
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| Sand Ceremony |
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| Blending Lives |
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| Finally!!! |
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| Husband & Wife! |
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| Recessional |
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| Recessional |
Sometimes the shortest distance between two points is a winding path walked arm in arm. ~Robert Brault
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| Moment with Dad after ceremony |
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| J & B |
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| J & B |
My favorite shots from the reception:
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J's coworkers ring bells for a kiss
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| First Dance |
Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same. ~Emily Brontë
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| Josephine |
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| Love |
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| Good-looking Relations |
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| Dancing with Dad |
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| The Cake |
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| Boys & Grandparents (Groom's Parents) |
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| Dancing with Dad |
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| Daddy's Girl |
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| Groom & Sis Cutting a Rug |
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| Missing Mom & Dad |
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| Kissing |
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| More Kissing |
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| Wedding Guests! |
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| More Guests! |
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| We did it! |
The simple lack of her is more to me than others' presence. ~Edward Thomas
[W]hen
you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you
want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible. ~Nora Ephron
Come live in my heart and pay no rent. ~Samuel Lover
True love stories never have endings. ~Richard Bach
Love Quotes courtesy of The Quote Garden.
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