My favorite wedding couples are those that bring something sentimental. It’s not the custom this or fancy that, but something that really resonates with the two people who are committing themselves to a lifetime of patience, kindness, humility, honor, generosity, truth, and hope (1 Cor 13:4-7). I teamed up with Traci J. Brooks Studios as her second photographer for Jeff and Megan’s Murray Hill wedding in Leesburg, VA. She’s got the whole story over on her website, but for me the whole day was about a man and his dog.
For Jeff, his dog was a best friend to him. You hear a lot of people say that about dogs, but then I heard Jeff describe his relationship with Damon.
“He’s the reason why we’re here today,” he explained.
Jeff said that he ran the idea of proposing to his fiancée — getting ready just one floor below — by his dog first. The way he tells it, he asked the way someone would run an idea by a human. They were close. Damon was a fixture in their relationship and a catalyst to the next step in their lives together.
“I was going to ask her anyways. I knew I wanted to marry her, but he sorta helped pick the time and place. Kind of gave me a push, you know,” Jeff said with a mixture of happiness and somberness. Damon would’ve been there, as he always has, if he was alive. Jeff made sure he was.
Damon was safely in his pocket throughout their vows, their kiss, and their celebration. I knew that this man’s love for his dog would translate directly into his love for Megan and that he would keep her close and safe.
About Traci J. Brooks Studios
Working with Traci was great. She’s a consummate professional and we worked really well together. We played off of our shared photojournalism experiences and adapted to the curve balls the day threw at us. For me, it was great to trade that kind of trust with someone and help her deliver a wonderful collection of memories to Jeff and Megan.