I find the paths that lead us through life to be incredible. What is more incredible is how some of those paths can reconnect after many years twisting in opposite directions. I recently photographed the wedding of an old elementary school best friend. In fact, we went to school together all the way through high school.
I was sort of dazed when Emily approached me and asked me to photograph her wedding. It had been some nine years since I had seen her, and when we talked on the phone to hash out details it felt sort of surreal to hear her voice after so long!
I don’t remember when Emily and I went our separate ways as best friends, but I do remember lots of sleep overs at her house. I remember her adorable little West Highland Terrier. I remember singing county music songs together, and her sister’s giant Reba McIntyre poster in her bedroom. I remember running around on the playground of Rockwell Elementary, shouting Red Rover Red Rover holding hands, while we giggled across the field at our latest crushes.
Boy do we look so different! This is in our Elementary school days!
I’m a true believer that each friendship that you have throughout life serves a wonderful purpose. Those purposes may change as you grow, and learn more about yourself. Even if those friendships fade, they were exactly what you needed at that time. Emily was a great friend to me, and I have many fond moments to think back on. It means a lot to me that Emily and I were able to reconnect after so many years, and for her to think of me to photograph such an important moment in her life. I am so happy for her and her husband!
Before the wedding, I asked Emily and Jason to fill out a little wedding questionnaire. This is to help me get an understanding of what is important to them for images, as well as to get an idea of the type of couple they are. One of the questions was to describe their relationship in three words:
Emily: strong, genuine, love
Jason: awesome, real, beautiful
Their love was indeed all of those. At this point in life I have been to many weddings, and I am always moved by the different types of love that I witness. Emily and Jason have a love that is also deeply spiritual. It was easy to photograph these two, because when they were together every moment and interaction was intertwined with this deep connection. Their vows were raw and emotional. I found myself fogging up my viewfinder as I shed a few tears while photographing. These are two people who have a lot of room for love in their hearts, as do their families.
I had a blast photographing this wedding. It was great to see old friends, meet new wonderful people, and watch Jason’s very talented friends and family dance their hearts out on the dance floor. 🙂 Every part of this day was beautiful. Enjoy the images! There are a lot, but I couldn’t stop!
Charlene Champion Photography 