God knew I needed someone special on this Saturday. God knew that just any bride wouldn’t do. And I will tell you why.
The morning of Mackenzie’s wedding I wanted to call in sick. I wanted to take a personal day off of work. I wanted to have the regular 9-5 job that most people get to enjoy. I was looking at my grandfather through my tears, and had been told to tell him goodbye. The night before I had left and they had given me 72 hours… I was in the clear. I could leave and drive 2 hours away and know he would be fine. But things changed through the night and I was told he wouldn’t be there when I got back. I was told to kiss him for the last time knowing he was still breathing and could still hear me. I wanted to be like everyone else in the room, and have a “normal” life.
But then I remembered her bridal session… how it lasted an hour longer than I had told them because we couldn’t stop talking. I remember her emails and her smile. How it was a real love I was photographing today, not just flowers and a dress.
I told my mom, I don’t want to go….. but this bride. She was a good one.
The two hour drive prepped me. Wes was out of town in Georgia, so I was alone. On one hand this is a terrible thing, but on the other, it gave me a chance to collect my thoughts… sing really loud off key without caring… and fill my heart with peace.
Arriving on location, I saw Mackenzie come up. Ok, Tera, game face. You can do this.
But I didn’t have to. I didn’t have to fake it with her. (She is knowing this story for the first time too, I haven’t told her any of this) but she made it easy to feel happiness in my heart. In fact, I felt happiness all day. Her smile is seriously contagious, and I found myself genuinely smiling. Watching her laugh at Brandon, and glow in his presence, was worth it. This is why I am here. This is why I do this.
I have one of the hardest jobs in the world on some days. I can’t call in. I can’t be sick. But God gives me people in my path that light me up & set me on fire. She is one of those people. I am mad we haven’t known each other sooner. I am jealous of all of her friends who get to share secrets and laughs and good times. She is one of those that is a light to a room.
I am so happy to have been here on this day. I am so happy to watch as she and Brandon became husband and wife. I am so honored to have shared in their story. They are a couple I have faith in. I believe in them. As long as she keeps laughing, which makes him smile so soft…. they will live to be 94 and married 67 years just like my grandparents. They can do it. And I can say I witnessed it.
God also knew I need a pup in my life on bad days. Murphy, you rocked it buddy. God really knows what he is doing.
The good new is…. I got home and I still had time. I got to spend almost 48 hours more with a man that held my heart. You can read more about him below.
Mackenzie and Brandon, thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. If it hadn’t of been you on this day, it would have been someone else. And God knew that I needed it to be you.
Be Happy and Love each other.
T
Now, I have to share with you a few personal moments of this night that were EPIC for me. First, if you know me at all, or follow me on twitter, you know that I absolutely am in love, obsessed with cookie cake. When I spotted this one on Joe’s table, my first thought was…. good thing I will be standing right there when he cuts it. And well, it was even better than that! Joe shared his cake with his bride, then gave it to me! Best moment ever. And ladies and gentlemen, you now know the real reason I shoot weddings…. fatty over here is all about the cake ;) 
