This wedding we did last Saturday was very special. Now, every wedding is special and some weddings are extra special to us because we may know the couple personally, but this wedding was in a different league. First off, they did not approach me first. Instead, I approached them. Umm… that never happens.
Catherine & Steve entered into a contest for a free wedding photography package from the famous Jessica Claire. I was blown out of my chair when I realized this couple was getting married so close to our home… and then, I was completely and utterly touched by their story. I literally was in tears, alone, in front of my computer, reading their story (below). Normally, that would’ve been embarrassing, especially pre-pregnancy, but instead, I felt such a pure joy for them, I HAD to contact Jessica immediately to see what I could do. Though they did not win her contest, I wanted to offer a complete wedding package to them instead. They graciously accepted the consolation prize. 
And, we were greatly touched by their wedding… I hope you are, too. Happy viewing (and enjoy the story)!
The story, sent in by Catherine: Steve and I met in August, 2002 when we moved next door to each other in the dorms of SUNY Geneseo. For me, it was love at first sight. We both began actively pursuing a friendship that quickly grew to be much more. About a month after our first meeting, Steve asked me on our first date. That fall I was filled with joy as I floated through my days. I distinctly remember walking through campus on a crisp, clear fall day thinking, “My life is perfect and I can’t imagine being happier.” Things quickly changed when, less than a month into our relationship, I woke up several mornings in a row with numb feet. Soon the numbness spread through my entire body and I could not use my hands. Steve drove me to the emergency room and sat by my side for hours while various doctors poked and prodded me. Eventually I was able to see a neurologist who told me that I was just stressed, there was no solution and that I should go home. For the next month Steve stayed by my side, dressing me, tying my shoes, fixing my hair and cutting my food so I could eat. His patience and understanding got me through the toughest days. Eventually my body returned to normal and we continued in our blissful state of love. The following spring I suffered another attack, this one affecting my ability to walk. I saw another neurologist who diagnosed me with Multiple Sclerosis, a disease that could eventually leave me paralyzed. Steve and I had many late night discussions about the future, both mine and ours, and I told him that I understood if my MS scared him (it sure scared me) and that he could leave the relationship if he needed to. Instead of taking the easy road, he stood by me, and continues to stand with me today. We will be wed in Tupper Lake, NY, my home town. It will be an outdoor ceremony, in honor of our love of hiking. I plan to walk down the aisle, but I know that if I need a cane, walker, or wheelchair, Steve will be there to greet me at the altar. No matter what happens in our lives, our love will conquer all.
Catherine’s dad and her in a sweet moment pre-wedding.
About ready to go to the church… if you read their story, you will notice that their plans changed (out of necessity).
Catherine was so stunning!
(obviously, I couldn’t narrow it down to just one shot of her)
Chris’ shot of Catherine arriving at the church.
Just married!
Love this candid one outside the church during the receiving line.
We went to Lake Colby for an outdoor mini session. I absolutely love this spot!
Chris’ angle. I love it!
Catherine and Steve are surely blessed. It has been raining non-stop (just about every day) for months, it feels like, but they had a perfectly beautiful Adirondack summer day!
This is one of my favorites.
The whole day was filled with LOTS of laughter. I love this shot in particular… a friend drew a stick-figure picture of Catherine & Steve.
I was a little nervous when they asked to this- jumping from a chair to a hard surface in dress shoes is not exactly the safest thing to do, but they wanted to… and well, I LOVE jumping shots!
Steve and Catherine’s mom dancing.
We were so blessed to have shared the day with Catherine & Steve and all of their lovely guests. Thank you for being so great!
***Just a general note to blog stalkers and current clients, we are undergoing a type of audit with NY state. It is not a HUGE full-fledged audit, but it still is consuming time usually allotted to blogging and general production… So, there will be a slight delay for everything through August 20. We will then have LOTS to share. Thank you for your patience!
Bring on more 2009 seniors!
