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Didn’t know Jen was so good at karaoke or that she could sing a mean “Proud Mary”…Didn’t know Matt and his family were such serious West Virginia fans that “Almost Heaven” would close the wedding almost as an anthem. Didn’t know they liked traveling so much that they would jet off halfway around the world to French Polynesia, yes Bora Bora, for their honeymoon. What I DO know is that their wedding day was wonderful and filled with special moments. From their rehearsal dinner onboard The Patriot to their reception setting along the Miles River at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, it was completely obvious how much care and thought had gone into their wedding day. How much their family and friends enrich their lives! What an experience it was for me, someone who witnesses so many weddings, to see the love and support they have from all who were there.
Thanks so much for allowing me to be a small part of your day, Jen and Matt!
I’ve given a lot of thought to what I wanted to write about Dana and Mac. I know this is because I’ve known Mac and his family for many years and they are some of my dearest friends. It meant so much to me when I was asked to photograph his wedding. I am always honored to be a part of a couple’s wedding day, no matter how small, but this one was extra special. Mac and one of my sons grew up together. I have dozens of memories for their young years- play dates, movies, birthday parties, walking to the Candy Box for Twizzlers, and more. Needless to say, to think of him as “married” was going to be a challenge for me. Really bittersweet. Letting go of childhood, etc., etc. But, I know Mac’s already done that, given that he’s a big, handsome Marine who’s just finished a tour in Afghanistan! So, I guess it was really ME who had to move forward.
As the wedding drew closer, I “met” Dana online and on the phone and got a true sense of why they love each other. She’s sweet, kind, smart and lovely and I’m beyond thrilled that Mac found such a wonderful woman to be his wife. (Rumor has it that eventually they’ll move to Maryland and I harbor a not-so-secret wish that they do since I’ll see them more often and get to know Dana even more.)
Florida was lush and lovely, just as I always think of it. I enjoyed the Jupiter Beach Club in every way. I work at a lot of venues in the mid-Atlantic and I could see that the folks there definitely knew their stuff! And the setting for the ceremony? Looking out at the Atlantic Ocean? What’s better than that?? Dana was radiant in her pretty gown as she entered the sandy walkway and saw Mac waiting for her. How did she feel at that moment? I can only imagine. I only know how I felt- sentimental, proud, happy and yes, a little tearful. And, I couldn’t help but look over at Mac’s mom and dad, Cathy and Tom, who I’ve known forever and catch my breath in all honesty, at how my feelings were reflected in their faces- perhaps even more so. I literally had to take a deep breath!
When all is said and done, two wonderful, caring people stood before the most important folks in their lives and publicly declared their love and commitment to each other. Thank you Dana and Mac for having me as your photographer. I’m so lucky that I got to tell the story of this most special of days!
