Flood On The Floor

"Don't forget the way she pushed the water inside
Waded through the spirits like a flood on the floor
Don't forget, forget
Don't forget, forget
Don't forget, forget
Don't forget, forget
I'll miss keeping you
I hope you're sleeping too."

- Purity Ring

Régine + Jeremy | Engagement Session at Home

Whoaaaaa buddy. I looked back and realized just how many sessions and weddings I haven't blogged over the past few months. Needless to say, things got a little bit non-stop crazybusy over here and it's just starting to level out. Busy is always good - especially when it's with work - but it's fantastic to be creating images that feel fresh and new and so goooood. 

When I met with Régine and Jeremy over a beer, something instantly clicked. Like, cartoon-lightbulb-over-the-head-clicked. I adore both of their personalities and styles, so it's not a big surprise that I absolutely loved shooting their engagement session in their home this weekend. (And meeting their 3 cats.) I'm beyond excited for their wedding next year simply because, after 5 years of being together, these two are still in love. Crazyinlove love. Snugglycuddlylaughingallthetime love. Comfyandathomewitheachother love. Also, they're gorgeous together. So, really, what's not to like?

Also, anyone who is rockin the coffee mug that Régine is instantly and automatically becomes my new favorite person. Because yeah.

xx,
S.

J + J | Denton Courthouse Lawn Wedding

Today was a good day for numerous reasons. A week and a half ago, I thought I'd be spending the morning at our church with my family and our friends, watching as my daughter made a new commitment in her spiritual walk. A week and a half ago, however, our plans were temporarily put on hold...for a very good reason. Today was not only John and Janet's one year anniversary, it was also their wedding day. I can't say that I know either of them incredibly well, as I only met them both today about an hour before their ceremony. But after speaking with one of their close friends who was helping to plan their wedding day, I knew where I needed to be.

I'm not able to tell their story perfectly, but I learned during their ceremony that they met when Janet taught a gardening class. They share a love of the outdoors (and John quickly caught Janet's eye)...but things clicked and they went out on a date. Again, I can't tell their story perfectly (and I don't always hear every word being shared by the officiant during a ceremony because I'm focused on the light or waiting for the next reaction), but several things stood out today. The first thing that stuck with me was that John took Janet to chemo on their second date. And then he helped her with moving some mulch for her garden. And knowing what little I know about their story and their life together, that's unlike anything I have ever heard over the course of photographing many weddings and getting to hear countless love stories.

When John went to read his vows to Janet, he pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket and started reading. "Bread. Milk. Eggs..." We all roared with laughter. When they exchanged their real vows, they were...real. 

Oddly enough, wedding photographers don't always get to work with couples who stand by each other like that from day one. We don't always meet people who find new ways to make their partner laugh. It's a simple concept, and it's one that we as a society have come to almost expect as a given - it's such a simple thing, but it's not always there. 

When I spoke with their friend a week and a half ago and learned about what both John and Janet are walking through again in regards to their health, I felt like I needed to be there today. I'm thankful I was, because I had the privilege of another little window into a place where the light of selfless, real love and shared laughter exists - something that truly refreshes me, feeds my soul, and gives me renewed hope in the midst of a world that is often dark.

Whether or not you live in Denton and regardless of whether or not you know either John or Janet, I wanted to share this link to a gofundme in hopes that some of my friends might feel led to contribute as the burden of medical bills can quickly get overwhelming.

Their officiant happened to share one of my favorite passages from a book that has brought me great peace almost-daily (yes, I read the entire book over and over again and have for years) and I wanted to share a portion of that here. 

"...And let your best be for your friend.
If he must know the ebb of your tide, let him know its flood also.
For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill?
Seek him always with hours to live.
For it is his to fill your need, but not your emptiness.
And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.
For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed."
- Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

Today was a good day, indeed. Here are a few of my favorite shots.

xx,
S.

A + R | Kill Devil Hills, NC Destination Wedding

I pretty much adore these two. And when they first showed me photos of where they'd be having their destination wedding, I knew I would love Kill Devil Hills, as well. There's something really awesome about having the opportunity to stay with and get to know a couple and their guests before and during the wedding because of the opportunity it provides to get to know everyone so much better. I gotta say...when staying with a couple involves an absolutely stunning and super fancy beach house literally located on the edge of America (Outer Banks)...it is all so. much. better.

We visited Bodie Island Lighthouse the day before the wedding and did some exploring, which was gorgeous - but the real highlight of the trip was A + R's wedding day. About 15 minutes before they started seating guests for the ceremony on the beach, it started raining. I ran back inside to grab some protective covers for my gear but after a quick shower, we were graced with some stellar skies and a stunning rainbow. It was truly one of the loveliest and most emotionally moving ceremonies I've ever photographed. Surrounded by some of the warmest and most hilarious people I've met, A + R promised to continue to love and respect each other for the rest of their lives in a beautifully unique ceremony.

I still haven't even gone through all of the images (and I've already got over 600 loaded in a gallery), but here's a sneak peek of some of my favorite moments from the trip to North Carolina.

A + R:
Thanks so much for having Chris and myself there with you for a few days. It was truly one of the loveliest weddings ever. Much love to both of you and your amazing families and friends.

xx,
S.

Max's Shower

The Briggle family hired me several years ago for family portraits during the holidays. I'd known who Adam and Amber were just because of the strong and active presence they have had in our community for quite some time. I've always admired them because of how they stand up for and champion the things they believe in.

This past weekend, they hosted a "re-do" baby shower in honor of their son, Max, celebrating his name change and the fact that his birth certificate now shows all of his correct information - and it was such an honor to be there with their family and all of their loved ones. Here are a few of my favorites from the afternoon.

Congratulations to Max and to the entire Briggle family! You guys are some of the most genuine people I have ever met and it was such a privilege to be able to celebrate your victories with you. Visiting your home was such a treat.

xx.