Brandon & Cara’s Champagne and Gold Barn Wedding

She held him close, as if she never wanted to let him go, with her eyes squeezed shut. Maybe she was taking in this moment, dancing with her grandson, thanking God that she has been given such a wonderful legacy. Maybe she was remembering how she danced like this at her own wedding many years ago, and how Brandon held her tight just as Eugene had done so many times. Maybe this was Eugene’s way of saying “I’m with you, and I’m counting down the days until we can dance together again.” The look on her face was one of thankfulness, longing, joy, remembrance; she smiled, and every laugh line in her cheeks exuded a memory as tears escaped her eyes. It was an extraordinarily breath-taking moment. And it made me remember that the only things that matters, after all the glitter is swept up and the champagne bottles are empty, is the one you hold close. So dance like no one is watching.

Brandon and Cara’s wedding day was filled with so many small touches that made me literally gasp, simple little things that made it so unforgettable. Like the custom messages Cara left for her parents, sewn inside her father’s tie and on a handkerchief for her mother. Like the special gifts they exchanged just before their first look, in the quiet moments before they laid their eyes on their happily ever after. How Brandon hugged every single one of his groomsmen as they met him up the aisle, and how his mother hugged him a few moments longer. There were many tears on everyone’s part, including mine, and it was a sacred day that everyone who was lucky enough to witness will treasure. I can’t believe that over a year ago, we were tip toeing through a dusty cottonfield taking their engagement photos, and now they are husband and wife! More tears on my end…

Brandon and Cara, I have come to cherish your friendship, and I’m so happy I was able to document your special day. From giggling at Starbucks and envisioning your gold and ivory dream, to watching you seal your marriage with a kiss, I am so blessed to have you two in my life. I love you guys, and never ever stop slow dancing as if no one is watching. Because someone up there is.

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