I was headed to a meeting, when my phone rang. Ursula. “I’ll call her back in a few minutes,” I told myself. I had sent her wedding gallery two weeks prior, and despite my follow-up to ensure she had received the images, which all photographers know is code for “please, please tell me that you love your images…. because I’ll be living on the edge of my seat, until I receive confirmation that I did a good job,” the only thing she had told me, was that she had received the images and that she and her husband, David, were still going through them.

“Do you have a minute?” she asked. I told her that I had about ten before I arrived at my meeting, but that I could call her back after, if she wanted. “Ok…. I’ll try not to cry,” she replied.

Uh oh.

Urusla had expressed how important her day was. Of course, every wedding day is important to every client, but for Ursula it was about more than her details perfectly falling into place, about more than her marriage starting off with an amazing ceremony and reception.  She wants her relationship with David to be an example to all of the young women in her family, particularly her young niece, of the importance of marriage. Prior to their December wedding, there had not been a wedding in Ursula’s family for more than 30 years. She wants her niece to grow up, understanding that she should not settle for anything less than a God-filled commitment from a man that says he loves and wants to be with her.

So, Ursula cried. Not because she was disappointed in her images, but because I captured everything about her day she had hoped for, and more. As I fought back my own tears, she encouraged me to keep pursuing my gift and to keep touching families, in the way that I had touched hers.  I was looking for a gushing “we love them all” email, but Ursula gave me so much more. She confirmed that my work matters and for that, I am thankful.

Ursula is a dancer, which you may remember from her and David’s engagement session. I knew and every guest realistically should have expected dance to be a part of her wedding day. What we didn’t expect, although it’s not really that surprising, is that she would feel so moved by the excitement of it all, that she would dance too — in her wedding day. It was perfect though. Perfectly Ursula.   VENDORS: CEREMONY VENUE:  More Than Conquerors Faith Church  // RECEPTION VENUE:  Bridgestreet Gallery and Loft // FLORALS + DECOR:  HOTHOUSE DESIGN STUDIO // BRIDAL ATTIRE: Bridal Bliss/Grace Kelly Collection // MAKEUP: Nadia Tellis // HAIR:  Juanica Hardy + Britney Harris  //  CAKE:  CT Cakes  // CATERING:  Imperial Catering  // RECEPTION MUSIC:  DJ Sweat  //  VIDEO:  Project Media  //  INVITATION SUITE:  Amberly Shelton