The morning I realized the difference I make in the world

It was the morning after I photographed a wedding.

Because the wedding was out of town the couple had arranged for us to stay with their family friends, which we were super excited about because we had  already felt like we met these folks from watching some of their ministry videos online.

The couple we were staying with asked to see some photos from the wedding day. They were at the event, but were so curious to see what I captured. It just so happened that I had made a slideshow on the wedding day that featured a handful of my favorite photos. As I pulled out my laptop and loaded the slideshow the couple sat down next to each other with their hands on their own laps in preparation to watch.

As the slideshow played I was able to experience this couples reaction to the photos. This is where it got really important for me.

I noticed the couple slowly melt into each other a little more each time a photo passed until finally a photo came up where the groom saw the bride for the first time as she was revealed and walking toward him during the ceremony. At this point the couple watching the slideshow embraced and shared a loving glance before they continued to watch the slideshow play on.

This was so touching to me!  I was able to see first hand that what I do in wedding photography makes a difference in the world. It was an awesome moment. I now know that a couples love is strengthened and reignited when they are able to see this emotion in the photos of themselves or another couple. I had a hard time for a while seeing the difference that I was making in the world.

I used to think I had to be a missionary or open an orphanage (which I totally think is awesome) to change the world. But, seeing this love reignited with just a short look at one of the photos was more than enough evidence for me that I am doing the right thing and that God is allowing me to make a difference in the world.

I could see the love in the embrace that they shared and I am sure that they were reliving the moment when they walked down the aisle and how much emotion and excitement they had.

Because so many of my clients are destination clients and because I love to give my clients access to their photos as soon as possible online I don’t usually get to experience seeing their reactions to their photos.

This ceremony was one of my all time favorites because there was so much love and faith. And the lighting was beyond perfect for my preference.

Here are some of the photos I included in the slideshow…

On the left below is a photo of a guest. I love capturing candids of all of the special people the couple invites. On the right are the two sweet little ring bearers.

And this is when Mckendree saw his lovely bride for the first time. I love that look a groom gives his bride.

And Rachel loves that look too.
I wish I could explain how much love and excitement was present, but there aren’t words beautiful enough, so I will just let the images do the talking.
James Goll is such a sweet papa, and a great man of God.
Here is another candid of a guest I liked from the wedding.Proud dad.

Rachel and Mckendree took some time during the ceremony to have communion. It was such a pretty setup at Michael W. Smith’s barn in Tennessee. The couple walked across a bridge for a private communion together.Making it official:And then they continued the ceremony with prayer and blessing.
The prayer during the wedding ceremony was very beautiful.
I just loved how Rachel chose wildflowers for her aisle!

The lovely bride and groom are Rachel and Mckendree Tucker. They write and record music together. I love their style and often listen to their music while I am working on the computer. Check out August York Music’s website.

Lots of love to you today,
Sarah DeShaw