We have the great fortune of being in a profession where clients can become more than just clients - sometimes, when we are very fortunate, our clients become our friends. We have been blessed by the amazing people that this job has brought into our lives. Lifelong friendships have been formed. We've vacationed with former clients, worked the same wedding with former clients-turned-vendors , held the babies of former clients ... I could go on and on.
I am thankful EVERY. DAY. for the wonderful friends that we have made along the way. Your photographs become, in a way, OUR photographs because we shared in those moments TOGETHER. We're emotional voyeurs - watching you, documenting you, breathing with you. |
| It's a very intimate thing, what we do. We've calmed nerves, fetched drinks, bustled, placed veils, held wedding dresses up when the bride (how do I say this politely?) used the facilities, dried tears, signed the marriage license, 'taught' couples how to cut the cake, corralled guests, and so on. Too many times we have been the last to capture a photograph a loved one before they pass on ... that honor and responsibility is the most sobering of all... Ours are the photographs that your children's children will someday display at their weddings... We can't help but take a bit of ownership of your marriage and your families... And I don't know if that is true for every vendor, or every photographer even. I know we are not alone in the sentiment - but I'm not certain that is something ALL vendors/clients experience. I can only speak for myself and tell you that it is true for us... |
| I'm always a little surprised, then, when a client does or says something so wonderfully generous... Listen, I know that we have amazing clients - we spend the most intimate day with you - it's so easy to know your hearts. But when that kindness is expressed - or rather, directed - towards us ... well, that just blows me away... |
| In the past 2 days alone I have received countless messages of love and support from our clients and friends in the relaunch of this blog. On your anniversaries, often before I can even congratulate you, I receive your sweet notes thanking us for documenting your day (<--- that's crazy!) |
| On Monday I received a package in the mail from our former bride, Melissa, who works for Spanx (bless you Sara Blakely, says every woman in the world!) - and who, upon my inquiry about a product, sent me two samples in the mail! That's so generous (and unnecessary - not that I'm not appreciative - I AM!) - it just makes me so thankful to have a job that brings such warm and giving people into our lives. |
We've received tips at the end of the reception (*ahem* TOTALLY UNnecessary - a topic I will touch on some other time), thank you cards galore, gift cards to our favorite restaurants, wine, chocolate, macaroons, edible arrangements - and now - SPANX! ;)
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| But the thing that makes my heart sing is your written words. Maybe because nobody really writes anymore (well, more than 140 characters, anyway.) So when I come across posts like this one - oh boy - pass the kleenex. (I love you, Stacie Shea - how had I never seen this until now?!) |
| This job continues to be an embarrassment of riches: lovely people, beautiful weekends, happy days... and some amazing new friends. Thank you for making our lives so beautifully full and rich. And thank you for sharing in my lovefest. |
| {UPDATE! Several hours after writing this post - a package arrived in the mail from UPS. I couldn't let this opportunity go by without publicly thanking Maria & Chris for their thoughtfulness. M&C (hey, y'all have the same initials as us!) - we are headed to NYC later this year for a shoot - let's plan to get together while we are in town, yes? Thanks so very much - you made our Wednesday!} |
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