Family

Meet Corbin and Stephanie. Newlyweds. Also some of my favorite people in the whole world.

Corbin is one of my best friends in the entire world. He is the absolute perfect combination of an intelligent, attractive man with a kind, caring soul. We've become so close, and being able to capture his union to Stephanie was a highlight of my life FOR SURE.

See, we're more like brothers and sisters than we are cousins. For those who don't know us, the boy on the left is my little brother, and the girl to my right is my twin/triplet sister. The little girl is the apple of my eye and also my sister's oldest child. The groom and his sister are our 1st cousins on our Mom's side, but I don't like the idea of "cousins" with these people. They are deeper to my heart than I can place into words.

I can't try to lie. I was a basketcase the day of the wedding. I cried so many times, but I absolutely lost it when Stephanie was about to walk down the aisle. Watching Riley come down the aisle as the flower girl, all I could imagine was how happy my mom would've been to see it. I wept. Deeply. (maintaining my camera on auto-focus, of course) Then, the thought of Corbin seeing his bride for the first time brought more tears. I actually stepped back and allowed my talented, sweet, fun friend Kelly of Spindle Photography to shoot some of the ceremony. Just so I could enjoy the moment.

I've always wanted to shoot an entire wedding in black-and-white. I didn't with this one, but these all happened to be black-and-white. Enjoy. I'm incredibly proud of these images.




















I love this next image. While my heart is lost in seeing my family with missing people, I am overwhelmed with joy. The happiness we are enjoying lately is a perfect manifestation of the sacrifice my dear mother put into each one of us. I'm proud to recreate our family as life goes on, all in honor of my dearest Mom.

A Story...

Kelly and I showed up in the girls' hotel room to document Stephanie getting ready with her bridesmaids. Her talented cousin did her hair, and we got the veil situated. Without even thinking much about it, she thought she wanted simple curls with a veil on top. She turned around, and everyone (including me) was obviously impressed!

But, then we started thinking. Stephanie and her cousin, Whitney, kept talking about this hairstyle they did as a "trial run" and said that they really liked it. We all debated it, really encouraging Stephanie to at least try the other one. What I love about her is that her laid-back attitude. She really didn't care... UNTIL she thought about what Corbin likes. She said that he likes her hair up, and wham! The decision was made. Just shows how much she loves him, and I love seeing that!

She looked pretty good, huh?



And, something tells me he's pretty happy himself!

Pinch Me!

Am I old enough to have Corbin get married? It doesn't seem right! Well, he married a BEAUTIFUL bride, and it was the greatest, most perfect wedding day... Let's not talk about how I am barefoot in this image. Ahh! How did I forget shoes? Ok, I know how - I was shooting on a chair for family photos and then hopped in this one. But, still!!!

I shed many tears. Look at this venue. Mom would have LOVED this place. The picture they had in memory of Mom? I cried. Watching my niece, Riley, walk down the aisle? I cried. Watching Corbin say his vows to Stephanie? I cried. Watching my aunt dance with her son? I cried.

All in all, though, it was beautiful. So, the "airplane couple" tied the knot! I tried to do a little imitation of their engagement picture and adore how it came out:

The new Mr. and Mrs. Corbin and Stephanie Clouser...

A Big Week!

I read a book this past week of grief. One of the things I agreed with is how grief changes with time. The author speaks about how 2-3 months after someone passes away, the tears become less. He says it's because the grief becomes deeper than tears - that you don't cry as much because there aren't actions that humans can do to express their depth of sorrow.
I agree. It's been 3 months since Mom passed away, and the sadness seems unbearable at times. This week reminds me so much of her. Yesterday, my precious nephew turned 2. I remember Mom holding him as a newborn, loving him every moment she got to see him, and enjoying his 1st birthday party so much. She would love this one just as much, and I hate that she's not here.

Then there's her favorite nephew, Corbin, who has also become one of my greatest friends. In 5 days, he marries the girl he's been smitten with for almost 2 years now. I couldn't be happier for the 2 of them. Of course we all wish his "Aunt B" was going to be there, but we're going to enjoy each moment for her. If I knew his "Aunt B," I know there will be a lot of tears. She would've wept, watching him marry his bride!


I can't wait for this weekend! A good friend of mine, Kelly (with Spindle Photography) will be joining me to document the occasion. Look out for some sneak peaks early next week. It's going to be fun!!!