John and Denise opened the book that held the next chapter of their life last Saturday.  And they did so with laughter, love, and a few tears.

The Davis wedding was beautiful and so sentimental in multiple ways. I will forever be amazed that Denise’s Aunt Patty was able to read a beautiful poem in memory of Denise’s mother without a single flaw. There was not a dry eye in the church, because the words were so true and reminded us all of our own human limitations. Patty was definitely the one to share the memory, because she was able to do so with the dignity and love that Gail deserved. I shed tears for every real feeling from happiness to sadness, and some that I probably invent. So when I witness an emotional moment such as this, I don’t easily forget it. The words serve to remind us all that every breath we breathe is a gift, and as my dear friend Sherry said just today, we should make every moment count. And that’s what this couple did. Every moment was thought out carefully to remember the mother who gave such life to the family in the past, but also to celebrate the present and the joy that life continually brings our way.

Life is a gift in itself, and when you find that person to share your life with, that’s the extra blessing. I’m so thankful that Denise and John have found each other, and seeing their sweet smiles reminds us all that love is alive and well. So much of the time we have to deal with the daily grind that is inevitable in life, and sometimes we forget that it is the love of a soulmate that makes life more joyous. I loved listening to all the banter and laughter shared during the reception, and I am pretty sure Denise’s sisters would fight an army for her. When Stacy spoke about marriage and life, those words held meaning to all of us who have lived those words. Marriage is not always easy, and sometimes it’s just plain hard. Knowing that hard times will inevitably come helps us to be strong when it happens. Life isn’t always a bed of roses, and a marriage isn’t either, but it is worth fighting for and those who persevere are an example to us all.

Denise and John, it was an honor to photograph your beautiful wedding. I was impressed with how thoughtful you were, and how you included your children in your wedding ceremony. I wish your family a lifetime of happiness. When the struggles of life inevitably come to visit your home, I pray that you will always remember the smiles and love of this day. Above all, I hope your love continues to grow as life moves onward. We always think we can’t love more or more deeply than we do today, and then if we cultivate the joy and love we’ve been given, we find that the impossible has happened. Our hearts just keep growing and so does our love. This is my wish for your home and marriage. Love and blessings, Pat