One of the unexpected perks of being a photographer? I never show up to a wedding empty-handed.
In April, my partner and I traveled across the country—from our home base in Whatcom County, all the way to sunny Palm Bay, Florida—to celebrate the wedding of her nephew RJ and his bride, Sabryn. As we packed our bags for the big day, the usual wedding gift dilemma crossed my mind: What do you bring when you’re flying thousands of miles to witness such a special moment? Cash? A gift card?
I decided to bring something a little more personal—and a lot more meaningful: my camera.
Sabryn had a clear and beautiful vision for her wedding—elegant yet down-to-earth, and deeply rooted in family. And when I say family, I don’t just mean her dad, who traveled down from North Carolina, or her beloved MiMi, who she lovingly calls “the most important woman in my life.” I also mean Angel—her cherished horse, and yes, a guest of honor on her big day.
The day was filled with laughter, good food, and the kind of moments that remind you what weddings are really about. Kids ran barefoot through the grass, relatives reconnected over drinks and food, and there was no shortage of dancing once the sun dipped behind the trees. It wasn’t just a wedding—it was a family reunion, a backyard party, and a love story all wrapped into one. Every smile, every shared plate, every spontaneous two-step felt like a celebration not just of Sabryn and RJ, but of the community that surrounds and supports them.
Being part of Sabryn and RJ’s wedding wasn’t just about witnessing a beautiful ceremony—it was about experiencing a moment where love, family, and joy came together so effortlessly. It’s days like these that remind me why I always bring my camera to a wedding. Not just as a gift, but as a way to preserve the laughter, the hugs, the quiet glances, and the wild dance moves—little pieces of magic that deserve to be remembered. Because while gifts get unwrapped and flowers fade, photos have a way of keeping the love alive for generations to come.
Congratulations RJ and Sabryn! (and Angel)
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