On June 1, 2019 we had the privilege of photographing the wedding of this lovely couple. Two families became one in more than one way. Brian, Ashley‘s father, had been in end stage renal failure (kidney failure) and was on a waiting list for years to receive a kidney transplant that is his perfect match. Holly, Justen’s mother, is a PERFECT match for Brian and announced at the wedding that she would be donating her kidney to Brian! Isn’t that the most AMAZING gift? The gift of life......Happy tears!
The surgery took place on July 2, 2019 in Arizona. We are happy to report that the surgery was very successful! When I inquired as to how they were doing, Ashley wrote me with " My dad and Justen's mom are doing incredible. My parents are finally home and you wouldn’t believe how good he looks! The surgeries went well and we couldn’t be more blessed! " So incredibly happy for them!
Their day was so special. They got married at the Paiute Golf Resort. This romantic couple is full of heart and emotion. You can see it in the way they look at each other. I love how much they laugh together! Our hearts were full as we witnessed the love and support from their family and friends.
During the evening reception, while everyone was on the floor dancing to a slower song, Ashley stopped dancing with her groom and came up to me and said " I have a request... I want you to put your camera down and go dance with your husband. You two got married here and you deserve to dance... " I was so....TOUCHED .. I have never experienced that in my nearly 20 years of shooting weddings.. I literally almost cried! This sweet girl took time out of her wedding day to show an act of kindness and I will never forget it.
That experience reminds me of one my favorite quotes : "Be good to people. You will be remembered more for your kindness than any level of success you could possibly attain."
On a side note, we got to see two of our other brides from the past at this beautiful wedding! We captured Sarah and Brad's wedding in 2014 at the Paiute Golf Resort. Sarah is Ashley's adoring, big sister. We also photographed Amanda and Dan's wedding in 2017 at the Paiute Golf Resort. They are good family friends. It's not every day I get to pose with three of our brides in one photo! I love my job. It was a memorable day indeed.
0 Comments