It was an exceedingly pleasant July morning when we arrived to photograph John and Jaclyn as they got ready for the best day of their lives. They each were at their own home, sharing this last special morning under the same roof with their families. John’s living room was full of garment bags, shoes, ties, jackets and of course, rowdy groomsmen. In the midst of all these men was John’s mother, making sure the boys were fed and looking their best. She had also decorated the house with memories of John growing up, proudly showcasing her eldest son’s accomplishments. She pinned his boutonniere with great care as his father looked on. After a tender moment she shooed them on their way. It was time to go and see Jackie and start spending the rest of their lives together.
John putting on his cufflinks.
John’s mom very carefully affixed his boutonniere to his jacket. Putting on the finishing touches.
Jaclyn, meanwhile, was primping and getting dolled up at her house, just a few minutes away. Her dress was hung with care on a handmade hanger emblazoned with this very special date and what was to be her new last name. In the flurry of activity – hair, makeup, putting on dresses and shoes – there was peace on Jackie’s face. And as we photographed her details, we discovered why. There on her bouquet and on the belt of her dress were two small picture frames featuring a beautiful woman. In one she was in her own wedding dress and the other, she was standing next to a teenage Jaclyn with a look of pure pride and joy. This was her mother whom they very sadly lost to illness in 2008. It became apparent that even though her mother was not there physically, her spirit shone forth in Jackie’s smile and in the love she had, not just for John, but for her father and siblings as well. She has one of the biggest hearts we’ve ever encountered and we’ll demonstrate that further later this week. But once the dress was buttoned, the hair sprayed and the waterproof mascara applied, we hit the road. Following Jaclyn as she went to meet her man and say “I do”.
The wedding bands John and Jaclyn would wear for the rest of their lives.
Jackie’s dress was on a handmade hanger, declaring her new last name and wedding date.
Jaclyn’s family home was stunning and boasted a baby grand piano in the sitting room.
There were beautiful jewels and shoes and flowers everywhere we looked.
The button up back of Jackie’s dress was lovely as were her earrings.
On the left, Jaclyn’s mother in her wedding dress, and on the right, Jaclyn in her own wedding gown on the day of her marriage.
Jackie’s sister/maid of honor helped her get her bracelets on.
Big smiles from the bride as she got buttoned into her dress.
Jaclyn gave her father a beautiful embroidered handkerchief and it was already needed as she descended the stairs of her home for the last time as a single woman.
