Lake Side Engagement . Ali + Joey

As we all move forward with these times of COVID, everything has been touched in our lives. We have had loved ones affected, jobs affected, vacations affected, daily routines affected, and to most of my industry, every weekend in 2020 affected. That being said, it has been hard for me to see clients whom all have had dream days and dream dates. Much planning into days that are now just being moved, postponed, shaped by something other than them. Through this, though, I think it has brought me back to zero, back to the guts of why we get married, why we do what we do on wedding days. It has allowed me to see that it's not about the glamour, it's not about the price tag you think you need to spend. It is about the person across from you, and the people in rows 1 of your ceremony. It is about the commitment, the dedication, and the love that went into getting you into this moment. About the commitment, the choice, the support, and the vows you are making for the rest of your life. It is about no longer being solo in this world but rather, joined, brought together as one.

Ali & Joey both helped me get back to zero on this whole experience. They were one of my first weddings to be affected by all of COVID, and when they hopped on the phone with me about their date change, it looked as though I might not be there. I thankfully will be there and will be documenting and loving on the two of them and their families by way of my camera. I remember them saying they would be sad not to have me. Still, they were so understanding and honestly level headed about this whole uprooting of their day. But they grasped that this uprooting wasn't only theirs; it was everyone involved, however to them, the one thing that mattered was that they would be married at the end of this day and join as one. This mentality, this approach has allowed me to dig in even deeper with them when it comes to documenting their day. It has allowed me to get back to the values that made me do this job in the first place. It has shown me I need to value their choices, their every move, and genuinely value every second they have with those that are there. I so look forward to being with them and whatever guests can and or are allowed to be there on their big day. These two are so sweet, and to see them make this day about just being married to their love at the end of the day has been a huge uplifting attitude.