In a spilt-second that love captured for all time.
What a beautiful moment.
What a beautiful scene.
What joy love expresses in simplicity…
…in a spilt-second.
It takes a second to say I love you, but a lifetime to show it. ~ Anonymous
This is the love story of my niece and her new husband Zane. I am absolutely over the moon happy for her and very blessed to capture their special day.
If you enjoy spilt-second stories (via pictures) find more here.
In my former life, I was a professional photographer that got to capture many happy couples; engagements, weddings, and families.
Then, I retired.
No, really!
I think….
At least for now…….
And I guess it wasn’t really that much of a former life (last month). But whenever it was, this is what I did, and I share you with you three of my wonderful couples, which is the theme from Where’s my backpack? this week.
I hope you enjoy these glimmers and shimmers of romance.
Engaged couple: Sandi Jo and John
Wedding: Alison & Jay
Wedding: Rachel & Matt
It was fun. It was magical. It was everything that makes a heart pitter, patter, and pound.
Love is not just looking at each other, it’s looking in the same direction.
~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery ~
When I think of couples, I think of them, and what an honor it was to witness these incredible moments in their lives.
When I looked into your eyes for the first time……I saw a twinkle of merriment, a spark of surprise, and a life-time of safe keeping……There was never any doubt.
When I took your hand through the unmoving crowd during our first date……I knew we wouldn’t be separated…..I knew I could trust you wouldn’t let me get crushed……I held tightly to your hand……still do……There was never any doubt.
When I stepped into your arms for our first hug……I felt a blanket of protection……my heart surged with relief…..my life raft, tattered by so many storms, found its safe harbor……I let go of my fears……There was never any doubt.
When I kissed you for the first time……the world stopped……except for the hammering of my heart……I was surprised……I guess playing the Tuba in high school really does come in handy……There was never any doubt.
When you told me you loved me……the room didn’t spin……I didn’t head for the hills in a dead run……I sighed and nestled deeper into your arms……knowing this was a miracle……There was never any doubt.
When you held me up……and let my tears fall on your shoulder……as you helplessly watched me grieve over the casket of my father……There was never any doubt.
When the sadness of this loss struck my heart, deeper than I ever imagined……you did not turn away……you became my shield……you softened the blow……There was never any doubt.
When you saw my heart in pieces at his graveside……you carefully placed them in your pocket……silently mending them with your patience, your understanding, and your deep compassion……There was never any doubt.
When you were there for me in my time of greatest need……it meant everything to me……how could you have known I would lose my father in the first three months of dating……how could you have known you would have to hold me up so soon……you were the only thing that kept me from falling……You are, and will always be, my life-line……There was never any doubt.
When I watched two dark-haired little girls curl up into your lap……you held them gently……you hugged them tenderly……softly you kissed their silky hair……I knew your children were a treasure more precious than all the gifts of the world……There was never any doubt.
When you cracked open a Blue Nile box with the most beautiful engagement ring inside……you said the words……over the squeals of happy children……over the barks of two big dogs……over the cost of a future teen step-daughter……I said yes with no hesitation……There was never any doubt.
When I held your hand…….as your mom lay in ICU……not knowing what her future was……so close to the day of our future……I witnessed the most devastating days of your life……I prayed beside you and with you……There was never any doubt.
When I looked into your crystal blue eyes on our wedding day……and saw all the joy I could ever know…….all the love I could ever receive…..all the days I could ever wish for……There was never any doubt.
When hardships strike with their cruelty……when life shakes our foundation……when the world seems a dark and scary place……I always find the warm light of your precious heart of peace……and……There is never any doubt.
One year ago, I married the most amazing man in the world.
I remember how excited I was. It surprised me. I was convinced I’d be a bundle of nerves, or a crying hot mess (tears of joy, but sooo not pretty!).
Instead, I walked to that doorway and I was happy, no, thrilled. The day was finally here. And we fought hard for it. We made it happen despite many unpredictable heartbreaks.
My future mom lay in ICU.
My mother was MIA somewhere in the city of Dallas.
But despite it all, I looked at my four beautiful flower girls, and one handsome ring bearer, and I knew, I would never have this moment again.
My daughter, me, my childhood friend, & my sister
I think my sister was more nervous than me. Her eyes were full of tears and I wanted to smack her with my bouquet and say, “Do NOT make me cry!”
I laughed instead.
And then I walked down the aisle. I did not stumble on my dress. I did not fall, or slip. I didn’t walk too fast, or too slow. I looked straight ahead at the man I was to marry. And he looked sooooo good.
Our wedding ceremony began at about 3:10 (for the three ten’s).
I spoke my vows to him in front of God, our family, and our wonderful guests in the beautiful St. Matthews United Methodist Church.
It was more incredible than I could have imagined.
Then, we played Westside Music Ministry’s – Have a Little Faith in Me – as we poured three tubes of sand into one heart-shaped vase. Pink for the three girls, peach for Jason, and beige for me. We mixed them together symbolizing our new blended family. No matter what, these sands can never be separated. And knowing the difficult future we face, we vowed to have faith, no matter what. Faith in our life together.
In a blink, the ceremony was over and we were man and wife.
Then we played,It Takes Two, an 80’s hit, (also played on The Proposal movie) and did our cool exit.
We purposely did something fun to celebrate this last part of the wedding. I don’t think anyone will forget it, at least I won’t.
Our new family.
Our gorgeous wedding.
Our amazing family and friends.
And the most angelic girls in the world.
Our perfect 10 wedding.
A day I will remember forever.
We had a quite a first year.
These precious moments helped us through them.
Love…
Joy….
And marriage.
Now….it’s one year later.
Happy Anniversary Sweetheart!
Special thanks to Bella Lucia Photography for traveling from Oregon to Texas to photograph our wedding.
Living, Loving, Laughing.... 