As Shelly reached the alter to marry her groom, Jim, the officiant didn't instantly ask everyone to sit and for her father to give her away.  Instead he reminded everyone what a truly once in a lifetime moment this was.  Although he said there will be photographs to remind them all of this day (as he lovingly pointed me out kneeling in the front row) nothing will ever compare to this moment.  But the thing he said next is the one that really stuck with me.  He asked anyone who had come to just watch to please leave the room and wait for us in the hallway.  Shelly and Jim's wise friend told everyone that their invitation to the wedding meant an invitation into their marriage and that if they continued to sit in the room to watch them become man and wife they would forever be called upon to offer support and encourage to Shelly and Jim throughout both the good times and the rough times that their life together would bring.It was such a simple but sweet reminder that while we plan for months for the wedding, and devote so much time to the planning of a wedding, at the end of the day the marriage is the most important part of all of it.  And to keep that marriage strong it will require just as much work and devotion as the wedding day did.  Reminders like these are one of the biggest reasons why after 10 years and countless ceremonies, I absolutely love the honor of photographing weddings.  It fills my soul and makes me want to go home and cherish my love and my marriage even more.  Enjoy!

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