It seems like every blog post I feel like I start out with begins with “this couple is so special to us because _______” and truly, each and every couple IS special to us. But there are some (sorry, folks) that are so close to your heart that sharing in their day is not only magical, it’s more. I don’t have a word for it – it’s just MORE.
Almost six years ago now I was an assistant photographer to the talented Heather Funk from Miami, Florida. Heather is a friend of my best friend (and became a friend of mine), and I was blessed beyond blessed to work with her. In fact, Heather was someone I can credit with pushing me to pursue photography – she was and is such an encourager! The wedding I assisted at was Lisa’s sister Maria’s wedding to Warren.
That wedding was the beginning of a beautiful friendship with this entire family. Cousin Emily (EMDIZZLE) was here in Grand Rapids, and while the Charnitski’s were scattered all over the nation, every year they came back to Grand Haven, where I’ve been so lucky to spend time with them every summer. I’ve traveled to see many of them, had long heart-to-heart chats, good cries and lots of laughter. I’ve photographed babies, engagements, christenings, birthday celebrations and mourned with them at funerals. They have become like family to me.
When Lisa and David asked us to be a part of their wedding day, I knew it would be special. Lisa and David have been together as long as I’ve known them, and I’ve always known Lisa and David would be forever. What I loved about them was there was no rush. They knew, so they just celebrated by living every day together. Even when they got engaged they decided to just enjoy being engaged before they dove into the planning. I like it. It was like there was no rush into forever….because forever was guaranteed to be there.
On June 20 we hopped a plane for Baltimore and spent a day being tourists in Washington, DC. It was Dan’s first trip, so it was fun to see it all through his eyes. To share again how wonderful this family is, Lisa’s sister, Gina & her husband John graciously let Dan & I stay at their home the first night we were there.
Saturday morning – wedding day – started by joining the ladies at g5 Salon in Leesburg. Normally Dan wouldn’t come along on this part but he knows and loves the clan too, so it was fun for him to come along and join in the fun.
As Dan and I started driving towards the vineyard I started getting more and more excited. I mean, COME ON. This place is full of possibilities. Old homes & barns, fields, hills, and yes…vineyards. It was a photographer’s dream.
We wound up a dirt road, flanked by cherrie trees bursting with fruit, and made our way to Bluemont Vineyard‘s beautiful stable where Lisa would be getting ready. Dan hiked up (via car) to the top of the hill to hangout with his “brother from another mother,” David, and all the groomsmen.
I remember six years ago the fun I had with this family as Maria got ready for her wedding. Today was no different – in terms of fun, tenderness, and a beautiful picture of family. It almost feels too personal to go into how close this family is – – but if you know them, you get it – – and you know that to know them is to love them. All.
(I have tears in my eyes just thinking about them and how much they mean to me). Sniffle, move on.
To more sniffles. When Lisa and her Dad rounded that corner to come down the aisle, I had to lower my camera because I couldn’t see through my own teary eyes. Beauty doesn’t begin to describe Lisa. It radiates from deep within her, and seeing her approach David….it took that beauty and well, blew us all away.
This could be an incredibly long blog post, but I’ll try to keep it short. There were vows….tender looks….big smiles and even some giggles. There was the love & support of family and friends, and most of all….there was an abundance of love. Not just between Lisa and David, but between everyone there & Lisa and David.
I know some wedding blogs gush about the details – all the pretty things – but to me, the prettiest thing of all is the love between a couple and their friends and family’s love for them. That is what a wedding is about. The details are fun – they are a dream to photograph, but what really is the best part to photograph is the celebration of love.
That’s what this wedding was. A celebration, and Lisa & David, we loved celebrating with you, and we look forward to seeing you on the lake!!!
Lots of love – Lynell and Dan
