Live life with your eyes open: Destination Wedding Photographer
When I was younger I had always dreamed I would travel, a lot. I desperately wanted to study abroad. It was no uncommon to find me with leaflets of study programs in London, Paris, or Australia. But I was always too scared to go it alone. I still have yet to, and would content if I never had to, but I am always seeking out great opportunities to travel with others.
Every time I am away I come home feeling more excited about my business than when I left, and I had no doubt that a destination wedding in Jamaica (working with my pal Sara Wilde) would be any different. I have been working on a little secret project for some time now, and am so close to be able to announce it, that I knew that after this trip I would feel the same.
If you follow me on Instagram, you probably already know that it did not exactly turn out to be an inspiring experience like I had originally thought. We definitely had some fun, and made the most of it while we were being threatened by hurricane Matthew that was originally coming to hit us head on (luckily for us it veered off track). But sadly, it came to a screeching halt when the bride's beautiful sister, Jennifer passed away unexpectedly before the civil ceremony late Tuesday morning. It was such a sad time for us all, especially the family and close friends of Jennifer.
They decided to keep everyone together for the dinner that was planned for the evening, and turned the wedding reception into a memorial dinner to celebrate Jennifer's life, and be there to support the family. Which we were happy to attend. Sara and I were asked to grab some photographs of Jennifer from the previous wedding events to set up a memorial table. We found some great images that we were happy to share.
It was then that it really hit me. Our job is so important. People reach for photographs in times of happiness, but especially in times of sorrow. We are the keepers of the spirit. We capture people in all different elements, moments, and stages of life. It is more common to need a photograph of an elderly person who some might say "has lived a good life", but getting the request of someone in their early 40's; and not to mention that was taken less than 48 hours prior, is a little life changing. My eyes felt more open than they have been in so long.
With that, I will leave you with two of my favourite photographs from our short time with Jennifer, and this: Savanna might have grow up to know her mother through photographs, but when she sees your smile it, it will be as though she has lived every day with you by her side.
