IT’S MY HONOR
It’s such an honor when another photographer asks you to photograph their wedding. The story with Chelsey and me as that we went to the same school. That’s it. We were never in the same section (aka Class for all you traditional students.) We never ran in the same circles and we probably said two words to each other in passing but yet I find an email in my inbox from her saying she wants to talk to me about photographing her wedding. WOW! Someone who knows the craft, has the same education you have, could have pick any number of talented photographers in her area or other photographer friends and she wants to talk to me? Ummm ok.
ALL BY DESIGN
We talked and she booked me for her wedding. The sweat glands began heating up. There are no do-overs with weddings, you understand. You get ONE SHOT!! Just one! God places us around certain people by design. Why Chelsey and I never crossed paths at school is not for me to know but I’ve learned a great lesson from the time preparing for her wedding and meeting her fiance/husband Kurt) and family. There are wonderful people everywhere…far away and right under your nose. Chelsey is a wonderful person. Kurt is a wonderful guy. (Okay, cowboys might not like being called wonderful so I’ll say a “Cool” guy.) Her family are some of the kindest people I’ve met. Her parents, siblings and friends all are absolutely a joy to be around. These are the kind of people you thank God for bringing your way because you leave them being a little better than you were before. It makes me wonder how many other wonderful people I never met at school. Perhaps that’s not for me to know either. I can only hope that I provide that same experience to others I meet.
LESSONS LEARNED
Like weddings, there are no do-overs in life.
You get ONE SHOT!!! Just one.
People come your way by design.
There are no accidents.
So be kind to everyone you meet.
Generously give of yourself without respect to race, political views or religious beliefs.
Be the kind of person where when someone leaves your presence they can say that they are better for having met you.
Giggle a lot. (Chelsey understands this one)
I’M BETTER OFF
Thanks Chelsey and Kurt so much for inviting me into your lives. The love between you is apparent and I hope that the images we captured reminds you everyday of how special you are to each other and to those around you.
I’m a better person for being apart of your lives.
All this from photographing a wedding? Yep! That’s why I do what I do.
Love these shots of Kurt by Peter Odegaard
