Sitting here looking at the blinking cursor I really don't know where to start with this post. Wedding posts are usually so much fun to share. They are days of such joy and happiness. This day was no different.
Some may be be confused by seeing a wedding post here. No, I do not usually photograph weddings. So maybe I should take a step back and give a little background.
A couple months ago I received a phone call from a bride. A mutual friend had recommended me to her. She introduced herself and told me that she and the groom were planning a very small ceremony in June. We chatted, she told me their history, and I knew that this was a wedding that I wanted to do.
While I had never before met the bride, the groom was a man I knew well by reputation. The groom was Admiral Frank Kelso II - a hometown hero and American patriot.
I can remember when I was in high school and Admiral Kelso came back to his hometown to speak to our high school. I was in the marching band's flag corp, and it was a very big day for us as we performed when he arrived. I knew that after his retirement he had moved back to Fayetteville. My running partner and friend, Dawn, would talk of him often during our morning runs. She attended church with Admiral Kelso and served on a board with him. They were friends, and I enjoyed hearing her speak of him on a more personal level. One morning while we were running, he stopped to chat with us.
So when Ms, Georgia called and asked me to photograph their wedding, I told her it would be an honor.
It was to be a very simple ceremony. Noon on a Saturday. Family and a few friends. I arrived a few minutes early and watched as family and friends arrived. Weddings are usually a little stressful with lots of last minute details to be handled. This one was different. The atmosphere was very relaxed. There were lots of smiles and the happiness for this couple could be felt as their friends and family found their seats in the sanctuary. I took this photo of Admiral Kelso as he waited for his bride, Ms. Georgeanna.
If I had to sum up their ceremony in just one word it would be precious. That was my thought as I watched them exchange vows. Their love for each other was so evident in their facial expressions. While it was the most simple wedding I have ever witnessed, it was definitely one of the most beautiful.
After the ceremony, we did the traditional family portraits, and then we went outside where Admiral Kelso's friend's vintage Chevy was parked. These were some of my favorites. They were chatting with friends and family and were just so happy.
I was shocked when a week later my friend, Dawn, told me that he had fallen while visiting family in Virginia and so sadden a week later when I learned of his passing. I had thought about their ceremony a lot in those two short weeks. I remember coming home and telling my husband how it had touched me, how beautiful it was...just precious. Both he and Mrs. Georgia were widowed in recent years. They had been committed to their spouses, and I thought it was wonderful that they had found love again and were starting a new chapter together. I hope that these images will bring Mrs. Kelso and the Kelso family happiness as they can see how happy he was.
For me this was an honor which I cannot describe. I was truly blessed to spend this time with this couple. My thoughts and prayers are with the Kelso family.
