One of my most favorite new bands is called The Xx. I could pretty much listen to them everyday for a month and not get a headache. So when I heard they were playing in New York City this October, WOOOO, I was totally psyched and bought four tickets IMMEDIATELY for Scott and I and our BFF's. Nothing would stop me from seeing these guys...or so I thought.
Two weeks ago my phone rang. It was a guy named Chris. What he told me changed everything. Chris recently asked Amanda to marry him. To be his true love forever. Amanda said yes. They set their wedding date for October 2011. Then they received devastating news. Amanda's father was diagnosed with cancer and given three months to live. They did the most loving and logical thing they could-move their wedding date to this October. When you first meet them you know right away, Chris and Amanda are amazing people and of course many of their good friends stepped in to do whatever they could to help plan this fast approaching wedding. They explained to me that it is going to be a small and intimate affair set on the property of a log cabin with 2 horses, a barn, and a perfect fall atmosphere complete with bridesmaids walking down the hay baled aisles donning cowboy boots. Then, more devastating news strikes: her father dies suddenly a few weeks ago. Of course it doesn't stop there. The photographer they had chosen unprofessionally bails on them and with sudden swiftness left there hearts burdened in their outstretched palms, BUT, not for long. This is the part where Scott and I came in. When I heard the compassion and love in Chris' voice for Amanda and then talked with her I was quickly motivated to come to their rescue. Assured that there would be nothing stopping me from photographing their wedding I quickly hopped on board. How could I not be a part of these two most brilliant individuals who love each other so much and though they have experienced the worse possible loss still maintain amazing resilience and joy despite their recent devastation! Wedding vows include the words: "In sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as sorrow" and they have both certainly lived those words true. I can closely relate to Amanda because I too have lost my father at age 17 and the pain of his absence never goes away. Walking down that aisle without him was hard, however, one cannot give thought to the loss in that moment. You must embrace the man you walk towards and know that his arms and love will be there to carry you through the times when you miss your father the most. Amanda, I know Chris will do that for you.
I graciously thank you both for trusting your friends and family when they recommend you call us. And thank you for commissioning us to capture the beautiful memories that will record the precious celebration of your love for one another to all who join you on that day.
Below are a few shots of our engagement session we squeezed into our schedules in the historic town of Smithville, NJ so that they can have a "Be My Guest" Book for all of their close friends and family to sign on their wedding day.
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| Though near closing time, they ran the carousel just for us to get this shot. |
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| Yes, its true, Amanda's tongue accidentally touched the KISS record, but it was worth it right Amanda? |
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| This is the back of Smithville Inn, where they were going to be married next year. |
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| A stolen kiss by the docks at sunset in Smithville under the bridge. |
