I've been reading and listening to a lot of Brene Brown lately (look her up if you've never heard of her before--life changing). One phrase she repeats often kept coming back to me as I was going through and reflecting on Shea and Don's wedding photos: vulnerability is the birthplace of love, joy and belonging.
Based on what I saw, and hopefully what you can see in these photos too, is that Shea and Don have found that place in each other. I've never seen such an excited couple in the sealing room of a temple; they were practically shaking with anticipation for that moment when they became 'husband and wife.' I don't know if it was just infectious to the rest of us who were there, or if the people there were there because tenacious friends with whole-hearts just attract each other, but the mood was electric with love, joy and belonging.
Some of my favorite examples of these moments were these: the children bounding into Shea and Don after they excitedly burst through the temple doors, the number of greeting 'rituals' the groom shared with his groomsmen; how Don picked up Shea's train while they walked, the difference in Shea's face between when she would smile and when I told her to think of Don telling her a joke; the childhood dream coming true in their eyes as the couple waltzed through their perfect first dance; the soul-bearing way Shea sang to her new husband, the depth of adoration Don put into the lyrics of a song his friend Patrick performed for Shea; the enthusiasm of the kick-line of bridesmaids, the emotion and humor in each groomsman's speech; the power of family so evident as the Harshes sang their family song to welcome the new couple, the tenderness and also the gusto of the dance moves out on the floor; the unabashed smears of cake across both Don and Shea's faces; the cacophony of cheers and glowsticks waving to send the couple off in the warm glow of the Robinson Theatre marquis.
This is perfect love, fearless love; this is what it looks like to choose love--it's vulnerable and scary and unknown but the love, belonging and joy inherent in it is the happily ever after we're all looking for. And Don and Shea, I hope you always find it. Congratulations!
Choose your love, love your choice.
First Shooter in Philadelphia, PA: Lily Fischer Photo
Richmond, VA Events Coordination: Patricia Zebley Richmond, VA Venue: Robinson Theatre Community Center