Allison called dibs on Trevor from the moment she saw him.

Before she said a word to him, she claimed him.  This hilarious, fun-loving, beautiful bride made threats to all the single girls at Lost River Pizza.  “You see that guy over there,” she told them.  “He’s mine.”  Trevor didn’t know it yet, but he really was hers. And on her wedding day, she laughed telling the story, but there is still a hint of that threat that creeps into her dancing eyes.  She meant it then, and I know she means it now.  And Trevor….. he loves  this vivacious girl right back.  It was refreshing to watch how they both gave such sweet, heart-felt vows, how they made a quick deal to not smash cake in each other’s faces, and how they boogied all over the place with their first dance.

Last Saturday was stunningly beautiful, and chilly – especially when the sun slipped behind the hills at River Breeze.  Many of us wrapped a little extra in a blanket that was provided to all who wanted one.  However, the cool air didn’t dampen the spirits of everyone who came to celebrate the new Mr. and Mrs. Lyles.  Laughter was the master of the night, and I saw the lively side of Allison that comes out when she is in her element.  Her mom (who deserves a “mom of the year” award for how she kept this event moving right on que) reminded Allison to give me a posed shot before she threw her bouquet.  Allison gave me SIX!  I laughed so hard that I’m surprised they are in focus.

I suppose one reason my heart stays so much with this couple is because I appreciate laughter so much, even when your head hurts just a bit.  I learned long ago that we may as well laugh at our goof-ups.  And man did I have a big one.  I wish I could have seen Allison and Trevor’s faces when I rolled down the hill during bride/groom pics.  I made the dumb decision to slip through the rails beside the steps to get a wider shot of them beside the water.  What I didn’t think about was how steep the hill was, and when I made it to the other side, my balance was immediately gone.  My head banged against the wood so hard that they heard it at the top of the hill.  I think I nearly gave them a heart attack.  I can’t believe I didn’t even have a headache, but I think I inadvertently entered myself into their wedding story in a way I would not have chosen.  LOL It’s ok. I’m fine.   But I will NOT do that again.  You are never too old to learn new lessons.

Allison and Trevor, you are a special couple!!  Not only were you so sweet to me, but you both have such a wonderful personality.  I loved photographing your wedding!  My prayer is that you both always remember how you felt on this day, and that your “dibs” on each other lasts forever.   Love and blessings,  Pat

And since I mentioned it, I have to share Allison’s SIX bouquet poses.