Gwen + Sam
The lyrics repeating gently in the outro of the current song; “let’s stay like this forever’ has me left wondering if and when anything is truly coincidence or is it just some sublime orchestrated serendipity. Maybe it’s none of that and simply the type of music that I listen to.
Recently i’ve had some people reach out to me and ask about my writing and in a beautiful way it’s encouraged me to once again write more. It’s always been a seasonal type of outlet. Sometimes I so desperately need to put words down that it consumes me like that of a dog wagging its tail waiting to go for a walk. Other times I am empty of any words and trying would be an exercise in egotistical futility, one that would not be truthful to myself and truth to ourselves is one of the few tangibilities we have.
I’ve been shooting love for over a decade and when I say it like that it takes me back somewhat. Over the years I’ve seen photographers come and go, people shoot for the money and others for the accolades but I don’t care about either. We all need to make a living but I live within my means so that I can stop and feel. So that I can pour a whiskey when the time feels right, so that I can take that dog for the walk it so wants and so that where it’s needed, I can focus my heart. I’ve made promises in that heart, promises to myself and to people I love and so I know, one can only shoot rightly, if it does come from the heart.
Documenting love has and is, a beautifully poignant reminder that it’s ok to lose a day or two. Life is short but love, well, love lives on, sometimes in our hearts and sometimes reflected in those of us around us, those that we encounter. My promise to myself and to my couples is that the day I feel anything less than deeply thankful for doing what I do is the day I put down my camera and say goodbye to documenting love.
For the time being however I am completely here for it. I feel so deeply and connect so intrinsically when I see love in front of me and I am so darn thankful that is a blessing afforded to me.
Two days ago I met both Gwen and Sam for the first time. At the end of a winding road, nestled behind a hill in Clarendon, a beautiful property by the name of Maison de Moon. The owner Irene welcomed me alongside her twelve week old puppy. A smile and warmth that immediately resonated and made me feel a sense of home, the quiet sound of vintage French music in the background reverberating off the old stone walls. Inscriptions of children from previous families marked adjacent to the kitchen, stories no doubt that were filled with laughter and deep history and meaning. Now carrying on with a new family. Here Gwen and Sam chose to marry. Not in front of a large gathering, exuberant celebrations but rather alone, with myself and Irene and the celebrant only. Myself and Irene to witness and Gwen and Sam to make vows to last a lifetime, in front of whom mattered most. Each other. Love is deeply individual. Love is deeply unique and it’s moments like those, that I feel utterly and overtly thankful. Thankful that I continue to call this a job. The truth is though, it really is some type of beautiful serendipity.
Here below, is the incredible, lovely, quiet celebration that was the elopement of Gwen and Sam.
