We photographed their incredible wedding, and tonight I had the absolute honor of capturing this most sacred next chapter (and Craig's first Father's Day!).
Truthfully, tonight has left me speechless.
As I type this, Lily is cuddled against me, sound asleep. I'm often asked why I post previews on the same night, and it's because it's still so palpable to me. Lily's head is tucked into my neck and her curls smell like campfire and sunshine and s'mores. The ends of my sweatshirt are still wet from the river. It's all still right here.
I absolutely fell in love with this family tonight, head over heels, and I think I worked on these images a liiiittle slower than usual because I just don't want the night to end. I loved watching the way Melissa's family loves one another; from the crinkled up noses and belly laughs to the tight reassuring hugs to her husband's hilarious side comments. All of it. And we finished the night with Melissa all bundled up in a sweater her Gram gave her and I'm not sure it gets any better than that.
I am grateful.
Tonight was so chilly and windy that I wore two winter jackets the entire time, but sweet Nicole never complained once. Her energy is so incredibly kind and calm, and peaceful. It was such a gift spending this time with her. Tonight Nicole reminded me, that sure there are really painful and horrible things happening in the world, but look, goodness remains, and beautiful hearts can never really, actually be tarnished.
I know I've mentioned this before, but my children come along to just about every single River Story. These woods are more their home than any other place, and tonight it really struck me just how incredible that really is. Braedon drags entire trees behind him to use for the walls of his fort in the forest like it's nothing. Lily brings along her fishing rod and casts clear across the center. Where Braedon once sat and played with Lego men, he now uses a hatchet to chop wood for the fire. Where Lily used to burry her binky in the sand, she now reads books.
My children get to meet the bravest women in the world, week after week, and they witness vulnerability, creativity and sisterhood. Sure I backup all of my images on three different hard drives, but the truth is, Braedon and Lily are the true keepers of the River Stories. Each one, each courageous woman, is uniquely and gracefully etched in the fabric of their memories. Tonight Nicole showed them that even in the middle of global heartache, there is still, and always, love.
I used to leave them out of the photos, but this year I have decided to capture at least a few. It's important, I think, for them to know they are never, not even for a second, invisible, and that these stories are their stories, too.
Linds and I have been the best of friends since high school, and I love her, and her beautiful family, with my whole heart. We get together whenever I am in New England, but, getting to spend the evening by the river together, capturing the love, was a whole new level of incredible. Watching our children be so close is a gift I will never take for granted.
I love my soul sisters fiercely, and am so honored they trust me to capture these moments in their lives.
The second I stepped foot on the riverbank, the tears arrived, as I sort of knew they would. This homecoming, the first time back at the Salmon River in years, was everything all at once.
Liane arrived with her heart broken, grieving the loss of her dear friend and beloved brother. And in many ways, my own heart was in pieces too. (Aren't all of ours, if we are being honest?) But together we waded, and laughed, and remembered that even in the middle of the strongest storms, there is still room for joy, and love, and grace.
Gratitude, even.
