When I was invited to photograph Holly & Michelle's wedding day, I had never photographed a same-sex marriage. I had hoped that the day would come when I would have the opportunity and I cannot tell you how blessed I have been by the whole experience. A truth that has filled my heart since their wedding day is that 'Love Is Love and where there is Love, there is life.' In our current political, religious, and social scene- everyone seems to have strong opinions and feel the right to share every single one of them. What I have come to believe is that love, as a divine gift, is beautiful in every form that it takes.
Allow me to share their day with you.
Holly & Michelle's wedding ceremony was to take place at the foot of Pike's Peak at the Crystal Reservoir with 100 of their nearest and dearest. Mother Nature felt that their wedding should be very wet (wetter than any wedding I've ever photographed in the rain forest of Southeast Alaska). At many weddings, this would have been a tearful, unhappy thing. Not for H&M or any of the amazing people that came to share in their love. Everyone pulled out umbrella's or simply threw coats or blankets over their heads and trekked to the beach. Holly & Michelle were so graceful and at peace. Their vows were what mattered to them- unencumbered by rain. Everyone bowed in prayer; lesbian couples, gay couples, straight couples, children, & dogs. Unity. Love. It was remarkably beautiful.
As the ceremony ended, the rain slowed for some formal portraits before heading down to Old Colorado City, to the The Loft Music Venue, for the celebration.
The celebration was FUN! Karaoke?! Yeess!!! There was laughter, dancing, singing, and a wonderful BBQ dinner. Something that stood out to me was the unity. Everywhere my lens pointed I found people deeply laughing, talking or kissing. Children took over the dance floor and everyone was involved in the experience. There was a beauty of oneness that I have rarely seen at a wedding. I attribute that to Holly & Michelle's shared faith in God and in one another. I was encouraged. I am blessed. Although the weather didn't allow for as many portraits on Pike's Peak, I am overjoyed at the honesty and beauty of the shots we captured because they were just as they should have been with a couple that is just the same.
Live Life Beautifully,
Penny