I think one of the most exciting parts about having taken this path in life is that it occasionally leads back to where I started…my roots…my childhood, and old friendships.
This is one of those stories.
Kim & I have known each other since we were young girls – growing up in the same small town, you knew everyone, and you were fortunate enough to have pretty much everyone you knew be a friend. In our adult life, we also crossed paths occasionally, though not nearly as often as I would have liked. Fortunately, it crossed enough that I could be a part of her incredibly special day.
I met Alban, the other half, at Kim’s brother’s wedding (which I photographed almost 5 years ago!). I knew then that this guy was special – and I’d always known Kim was special.
Seeing her at Vogue Salon, which her cousin, Marcia owns, the morning of the wedding set my heart fluttering. Kimmy was getting MARRIED! And not only was this a wedding celebration, it was a mini-reunion for me, with so many old home/high school friends as part of her day.
From Vogue we went back to the incredible Bay Harbor, for Kim to “slip” into her amazing dress and meet her groom. We then piled the family (all of them) and wedding party into a trolley and went down to the Petoskey waterfront for family pictures, and some delicious shots of the bride & groom in the misty/foggy air. I couldn’t believe the weather we had that day – very strange, and utterly perfect.
Their dockside ceremony & reception were at the Bay Harbor Yacht Club…..swoon. What an amazing location!
Surrounded by family & friends, they pledged their vows, and began what is sure to be a lifetime of celebration. I can honestly say one of the most interesting parts of this wedding was the intertwining of their celebration with traditional Albanian wedding elements. We were introduced to a few, surprised by some, and enjoyed every one of them!
While we can’t join them for their Albanian celebration, we will continue to celebrate with you as we watch your lives together unfold.
Kim – I love you dearly – thank you for letting me be a part of your day.
