I met Kelvin and Amady this spring when I shot their engagement session. I loved editing their photos because I got to fully appreciate their playful dynamic. Over and over again I saw Kelvin (completely straight faced) whispering something to make Amady laugh. And when she did, the bridge of her nose bunched up a bit just like my little girl when she’s being silly. Kelvin’s eyes are incredible and they lit up even more when he was teasing Amady! At the time, they had a wedding photographer and I was committed to not shooting weddings in 2017 so we went our separate ways. Shortly after, their situation changed and they urged me to rethink mine as well. Agreeing to shoot their wedding was a very difficult decision. Enjoying them as a couple, I wanted to be there for them on their wedding day. But for that same reason, I felt extra pressure to give them the best memories I could. I got a wonderful vibe from them and knew they deserved great things. Indeed, I only fully realized just how awesome they are at the wedding at their family farm wedding….
I knew that the couple had 5 kids at home – all in the preteen/teen range. (I teased them about having more.) I didn’t realize that they reflected such a beautiful blend of his, hers, and adopted. The stories told about and by this couple during the speeches made me realize just how big their hearts are and how crazy life can be sometimes. It definitely confirmed to me what a deserving bunch they are. Weddings with older children have an extra special quality for me. Amady’s son escorted her down the aisle, their kids were their attendants, her daughter delivered the toast, and the boys relished in being official drivers of the gator that shuttled guests around the property. Not only did the kids imbue a youthful joy to everything that day, I could feel a change in their lives was being celebrated almost equally alongside their parents. I feel honored to have been present on the day the whole gang officially became a family. They clearly get along brilliantly – and boy can they DANCE! Break-dancing kids, Amady’s mad moves, Kelvin’s son showing how to “Whip and Nae Nae”, and even the moms getting involved to instruct on line dancing. But alas, Kelvin seemed to be missing! Their first dance was crazy brief and they never turned to face Amady to the camera before Kelvins twin brother cut in. I was freaking out. But I coaxed him back to the floor and the second spin was perfect. – complete with Kelvin teasing me, “You got this?”
As the evening was winding down, I ventured outside and saw that the sky was putting on a bit of a show itself. All afternoon the forecast had threatened rain so the ceremony was moved from the nearby side yard. It never did rain but the clouds created “rays of God” around their scalloped edges. I drug the couple back out for more photos. They were reluctant at first but I hope they agree it was worth it! I know that I feel like taking the leap to weddings for them was absolutely worth it to me. Thank you Kelvin, Amady, and your wonderful family for letting me document your day!
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