Some people walk into your life just once. And some come back around at exactly the right moment.
I met Nicole almost 15 years ago, long before Ashley Gerrity Photography was the wedding tour de force it is nowadays. Back then, I was assisting on a shoot, still learning how to confidently work my camera settings. Nicole was one of the lead photographer’s long-time clients I had the chance to work with. She left one hell of an impression! And although I remembered our work together fondly, we went our own ways and I thought that was that.
Fast forward to the season when my associate, Serena—yes, the same Serena who helped shoot my own wedding—and I were both pregnant within months of each other. (All the photographer parents out there know how wild those due date window weddings are!) We had each other on call to be backups, just in case. And Serena pulled me in to associate shoot a wedding just two days after Serena gave birth to her first daughter.
That wedding turned out to be Nicole’s.
To see her again after all those years, not just glowing but so deeply grounded and happy in love with Brian—it was incredibly special. She was calm, safe, relaxed. It was clear to me that he was her “home.” Brian was her match in so many ways. Every moment that day, he showed up for her, with a love built on kindness, thoughtfulness, and deep respect. You could see it in his every glance or gesture. Brian was a man in love!
Nothing about the day was without intention. The day began when I met Nicole at her father’s grave site. It was important to Nicole that she take a moment to honor him and remember that his presence was with her every step of her wedding day. Next we headed to the Washington Memorial Chapel, the church where Nicole worked. (But also a site of such historical significance that you’cant help but feel centuries of history under foot.) Nicole’s dress was custom-made by a friend who was part of the intimate group at the church & Brian honored his heritage with a beautiful kilt. I could go on & on, but it wasn’t the details of the day that hold my heart.
As a photographer, I’ve learned to read the room pretty efficiently. Weddings are (almost) always a joyful celebration, but they each have their own unique timbre. Some days are outright parties, with the drinks freely poured from the onset & the music blasting along. Others have a nervous energy, wound like a spring until the bride finally makes it down the aisle and everyone relaxes. Nicole and Brian’s day was defined by threads of connection so strong I felt changed by being a part of it all.
Nicole feels deeply and loves fiercely. She has an empathy & this open-hearted, generous way with people. It makes her such a pleasure to photograph. Not just on her wedding day, but well beyond it!
Over the past few years, our relationship has only grown. I’ve had the joy of photographing Nicole again & again, with a playful cosplay session (which she slayed!), for professional headshots, and for the sweet in-between moments of life that matter just as much as a wedding day. I get to read her annual Christmas newsletter, and I am so overdue on calling her for a lunch date. (I swear, Nicole, I haven’t forgotten!)
Photography is a gift. Both to my clients and for me. Not only do the images that I take hold sacred moments alive forever, but the relationships and the connection that stem from the work will never get tiresome to me. The fact that I get to walk alongside people as their lives evolve, witness their milestones, and ride along for the everyday minutes in between is where the magic really is.
Nicole & Brian, I know I wasn’t plan A. . . and I don’t blame you for picking Serena – I did, too! But I’m so grateful that you trusted me as your plan B. I can’t wait to read this year’s holiday newsletter to find out all of the adventures that you’ve been on. Or maybe, I’ll be lucky enough to hear it from you directly when we finally make that lunch date happen!
Happiest of anniversaries to the two of you!
Please note: These photos may not look 100% like what you’re used to seeing on this blog. Since this wedding was associate shot for Serena Star Photography, the finished edits (done by Serena) are in the style of her company and this story is shared with her explicit permission.
