In August of last year, Amanda reached out to me about taking engagement photos in November. The only catch was she hadn’t proposed yet!
Most times when I meet my couples, they are already engaged. It was so cool that Amanda let me be in on the big plan to propose and I got to “follow along” for their engagement story. Amanda coordinated with her Crossfit family and Kimberly’s mom to propose at their gym. She sent me a video and I cried (I hadn’t even talked to them on the phone). It was super sweet.
In November we did their engagement photos at the National Whitewater Center (you can check them out here!). The Whitewater Center was super special to these two – it was where they had their first date! A date that lasted over 7 hours! I mean, come on. That’s so stinkin’ cute.
Fast forward to 2020. This year has been bananas for so many reasons, but for these two it’s been extra crazy.
In January, Amanda took a line drive hit to her forehead while at pitching practice. She sustained a severe TBI (traumatic brain injury) and had a long road ahead of her in regard to her recovery. My husband sustained a severe brain injury back in 2009 and it is lifechanging. I remember seeing the post and feeling like the wind was taken out of my sails. Y’all, I cannot put into words how awful a brain injury is. You are not the person you were before your TBI. It’s a lot of work and it looks different for everyone. Amanda couldn’t remember anything about her life in recent months (including their engagement photos) and spent weeks just trying to be able to function in a “normal” manner. It was a joy to be able to follow along online and to be able to chat with them via Facetime during all this. Kimberly has been an incredible advocate for Amanda and every time I see her post something I send them a virtual high-five.
Then COVID-19 happened.
When they were told they needed to move their big wedding to the following year, Kimberly and Amanda decided to move forward with a lakeside elopement. And thankfully, I was able to attend! Masks and gloves tagged along 😉
Y’all. It was a good day. We were worried about the weather. The sun came out during the ceremony. Amanda was worried about remembering the steps to their first dance. They nailed it. There was laughter. There was happiness. There were tears (lots and lots of tears 😉 ). And so so so much love.
Those are things this virus can’t steal from these two.
Ladies – it was an honor to be able to capture part one of your wedding day. I am so thankful that you allowed me to witness your love story and for sharing your hearts with me when things were tough. I hope you know that even though it seems forever away, next April will be here soon and I am STOKED to work with y’all again.
Leave a Reply