A Second Wedding and 200 Years of Friendship

 

Trish and Brian's wedding wasn't just a marriage of two people, but the union of two loving families and a celebration for the 200 years of intimate friendships among the wedding party of eight. "I'm not a typical young bride," Trish called and said, "nor is it our first time. It's important that everyone has a good time and the pictures capture it." It's the second marriage for the both of them and the love they had for each other's friends and families as well as one another's children from previous marriages were just magical. I didn't expect this to be one of the weddings that made me tear up and laugh along the most. Each and every speech in the wedding evening was genuinely touching and Brian's crew of groomsmen was beyond hilarious. I witnessed the over 100 years of friendship between the guys and said to myself this's what friendship's about. At the dance floor, Trish's maid of honour came up to me and told me in tears that one of their long time friend was diagnosed with cancer and told me to please take a few pictures of him enjoying himself. I took a look at this man. He's laughing and dancing the entire night celebrating this special day with Trish and Brian and their best friends. I didn't mean to mention this incident to make it a sad story. But rather, Trish and Brian's wedding was and will be a reminder for myself how to give and to love and to embrace what life brings us.

When we honestly ask ourselves
which person in our lives mean the most to us,
we often find that it is those who,
instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures,
have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds
with a warm and tender hand.
The friend who can be silent with us
in a moment of despair or confusion,
who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement,
who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing
and face with us the reality of our powerlessness,
that is a friend who cares.” 

― Henri J.M. Nouwen

Trish and Brian left me some kind words on Google review

"Ally captured the soul and spirit in our wedding, 200 cumulative years of friendship among the bridal party, a lifetime of girlfriends, the joy of stepdaughters and new families, the sparkle in our eyes because we love, we eat and we throw amazing parties. She was there, in the apparent right place all the time and found moments on film we will cherish forever. She has a very unique talent, was a joy to work with, and is a true artist."

For this and for everything, thank you Trish and Brian. You're amazing. Your friends are amazing. You made life look amazing.

xx,

Ally

 

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