In case you don't know, my photography business is just getting started. Which means I have another job that pays the bills, while this passion of mine grows into something that can support my family. So, back in November (2013)- I'm at work one day, and I get this phone call out of nowhere from Miss McKenna- she was referred to me by a friend of hers (who I haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet, but hope to soon!) who follows me on Facebook. She's been looking for someone to take photos at her dear Aunt's wedding, as a surprise- in TWO WEEKS.
Yeah, after I got over the initial "Holy crap, I just got my first word-of-mouth referral", I started to get nervous- and excited- at the possibility of photographing a wedding (with only two weeks to prepare). I've only done one other wedding so far, for a friend of mine, and it was fun, but as a perfectionist, I always wonder what would happen if the images didn't turn out how they wanted them...?
But as McKenna and I chatted on the phone, I felt an instant connection not just to her, but to the wonderful people she was wanting to bless. I knew I had to do this, and that it was going to be SO fun. As soon as I heard about the bride's non-traditional dress (I'll let you scroll through the images to see how amazing it is), and their shared love for baseball, I knew that this was exactly my kind of wedding.
So over the next two weeks, McKenna and I conspired together on Facebook, and got together a shot list (with the bride-to-be's input); and I have to say, I have NEVER felt such a fast connection as I did with these wonderful people. Seriously. Michelle, the bride-to-be, was McKenna's mom's best friend, and part of a very special group of people that McKenna's shared with me as having a huge impact on her life. I grew up with the same type of support network so I know what a special relationship this is- these are truly wonderful people.
Well the day "finally" came, and as I pulled up to the restaurant the wedding was to take place at, McKenna, Michelle, her sister & mom pulled up as well. I got out of my car, and as soon as McKenna saw me, she ran over and gave me a big hug! (I'm a hug person- I'm telling you, we're meant to be friends!) And of course then Michelle came over with a welcome hug as well- and we headed inside to meet the groom!
Brian struck me as the quiet type, and I liked him straight away! I could see his love for Michelle in every look, and saw how much he had been waiting for this day to come. His calm demeanor was refreshing amid all the hustle, and then after some last details were laid out by the bride & groom, I was able to sneak the whole wedding party off for some portraits before the wedding.
The ceremony was beautiful- simple, small, but packed with more love than you can imagine, with tears all around! Words escape me; the looks shared are more expressive than I could ever be.
(AREN'T THEY CUTE??? Hehe. Told ya I'd say it!)
After the ceremony, again I whisked off just the bride and groom this time for some more portraits before the sun disappeared. It was a gorgeous sunset, over too soon, and then they returned to the reception and awaiting family & friends, and I turned to go back home.
The whole drive home, I thought about my own wedding almost 2 years ago now, compared it to Michelle & Brian's wedding, and realized how all you really need to make a wedding beautiful is the passionate love between you and your future life partner- that best friend, the one you confide all in, and helps you through all the struggles and hard times. I am extremely lucky to have found my best friend so early in life. I know Michelle & Brian both consider the wait in finding each other well worth it. I can't wait to meet with them both again in the future, to capture their love as it blossoms further in their beautiful marriage.
Congratulations you two, I wish you all the happiness in the world! <3
All images are © Felicia Sinclair Photography. Share this post freely, but do not download, edit, or print any images you have not purchased.
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