“Love is a temporary madness, it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of eternal passion. That is just being “in love” which any fool can do. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Those that truly love, have roots that grow towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom have fallen from their branches, they find that they are one tree and not two.” – Louis De Bernieres
It feels as if all of this year’s blogs posts have begun with a weather report. But with the May we have had, it seems to be a necessity. May in Pennsylvania is typically mild, with bright suns and blooming flowers. This May though, we have been faced with some rainy days. While rain may mean a different outlook on a wedding day it by no means is an unpleasant day. Rain often brings beautiful muted light and soft colors, creating beautiful imagery.
I have been looking forward to photographing Brandon & LaDessa’s wedding for months now. While I love each and every client I get to work with this one in particular was special. Brandon is my first cousin and it has been such a fun process to get to know his fiance LaDessa. She is a fantastic gal, with a heart for Jesus and an unquenchable zeal for life. I was reminded once again how special this couple is when the weather didn’t once damper their excitement for their day.
Brandon & LaDessa had plans to marry outdoors, at the summer camp LaDessa had not only spent years teaching at but a place that she formed friendships as close as family. They were to say “I Do” under the same tree that Brandon proposed.
With the morning sprinkles it didn’t look promising, but LaDessa kept her attitude bright and chose to move ahead with the outdoor ceremony. The morning misted, but didn’t pour. We hopped over puddles, posing with umbrellas and LaDessa danced in the rain. Never once did she complain that the sun wasn’t shining and her attitude made the day as sunny as a breezy and 75 spring afternoon.
The ceremony approached and it can only be described as a Jesus thing. “Tree” was LaDessa’s word for the year. With her meeting and getting engaged to Brandon during this year, there was so much symbolism to getting married under that specific tree. If you looked at the radar it was a little donut hole right over the location where the rain didn’t spill once. Brandon, LaDessa and 250 of their closest friends and family raised there voices in song as worship tunes filled the country side. They were prayed over by family and took part in a wood burning ceremony where they carved “I Do” in a wooden plaque.
It was straight magic, well, Jesus magic. We raced against time, as the clouds rolled in, squeezing every minute out of the muted clouded sky. The two kissed and giggled as the rain slightly misted. The bridal party was introduced into the reception and just like that the clouds busted open and the rain fell. Holding off just in time.
This day was flawless, from the grounds to the details to the overwhelming love and support that was poured upon Brandon and LaDessa.
Thank-you guys for trusting me to capture your day and welcome to the family LaDessa. The Smuckers are a rowdy bunch…but I have full confidence you can handle them.
Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Smucker!
VENDORS:
Ceremony & reception venue: River Valley Ranch
Dress: Davids Bridal
Florist: Schaeffers flowers, 50 flowers, Sams Club & Lorna Arlett
Day of Coordinator: Heather Muffley and Rachel Konechne
DJ: Aaron Westafer with Portable Soundz
Videographer: Anthem Aerials
Catering: River Valley Ranch
Hair & Makeup: Darla’s Hair and Care
Musicians: Dan & Hope Steel, Ben Ogden
