She held the microphone softly in her hand. He stood proudly by her side. She was glowing. Maybe from the epic, cotton candy sunset we witnessed on the grounds of The Glen Club after a day of rain. Or maybe because she was just that happy. Whatever the reason, Olivia was as radiant as ever. She had a twinkle in her ocean blue eyes. And she wore the most genuine, happy smile on her face. She looked down at the note on her phone and grinned at Trevor as she began. Olivia and Trevor were giving their thank you speech. In a move quite unlike her, she interrupted herself by saying that she was going off script. And that's when she caught me off guard. Olivia mentioned me in her speech. I was so surprised that I may have actually blacked out for a second and missed what she was saying (okay, not really, but I need the drama to show you how surprised I really was!). She thanked me without ever saying the word. In front of all her loved ones, she mentioned the unruly rain that showered over their ceremony. She also mentioned how she was completely okay with said rain because her photographer (that's me!!) had told her that a wet knot can't be undone. So the rain was a very significant part of their day. Olivia was beaming. I was beaming. I was probably beet red and blushing because you guys, I'm behind the camera for a reason, I don't want that attention! But wow. What an honor. It was an unspoken moment of the bond we formed throughout our time together. And I'm clearly still not over it.
I say that this is an honor because that's what it is. I thought my commentary about rain on a wedding day was a small, simple moment of encouragement. Yet, Olivia thought of it in such a light that it changed her entire outlook on the happenings of the day. I love this for so many reasons. The first being that I don't really know why I was so surprised at the love she showed me on her big day. From the moment that I met Olivia and Trevor at their engagement session, I knew there was something special about them. We instantly clicked and I felt like I was with two old friends. Their welcoming personalities and their kind, generous hearts definitely make you feel at home. There's truly no other way to describe them other than delightful. Olivia and Trevor bring so much joy into the world around them, not even the rain can dampen their sunshine. This moment from her speech is the perfect nod to who both Olivia and Trevor are. They love each other endlessly and that overflow of love gets poured into everyone around them. They are easygoing especially when it comes to focusing on the things that they can control. And both of them always know just what to say. Whether it's a witty remark with a little bit of Southern Charm or a heartfelt thank you, they definitely have a way with words. And on the topic of words, that's the another thing I love about her speech. Olivia, in only a few words, reminded me of the importance of my job. Yes, I take pretty photos of your precious memories. But it's also so much more than that. I'm a support system. I'm a walking ball of wedding day experiences. I'm an extra set of hands. I'm a friend (I like to think that Olivia and Trevor consider me as such after all this time!). And with all the hats I wear as a photographer, Olivia showed me that there is power in the small moments. And it is important to be there for people even if the moment feels simple and insignificant compared to the bigger picture. Especially because you never know what someone is going to take away from it all. I love making people feel loved. So if I can speak some wisdom or comfort into your experiences on your wedding day, I'm a happy camper with both a full heart and a full memory card. And this was exactly one of those moments.
Olivia and Trevor, I obviously adore you two. I am forever grateful that you asked me to be a little part of your love story. Especially because it was a huge honor to photograph you two at a venue that holds a very special place in my heart. Thank you for showering me with your joy and kindness. Thank you for your unwavering trust in me from our first phone call to our goodbyes on the dance floor. Thank you for simply being you. Cheers to forever and then some, may you continue to giggle through life together while chasing those sunsets!
Vendor Team:
Venue: The Glen Club
Planner: Events By J.Design
DJ: Okyne Media Lab
Videographer: Last Decade Weddings
Florals: A Perfect Petal
Beauty: The Bridal Beauty Team
Gown: Lows Bridal
Suit: Mens Wearhouse
Rings: Cumberland Jewelry
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
Invitation Suite: Truly Engaging
Cake: Deerfields Bakery
Photo booth: Sweet Pea Photobooth
