Christina and Russell { modern weddings }

Christina and Russell tied the knot early this month in Edisto Island, at the Cypress Trees Plantation. What meant to be a joyous festivity with family and friends, the wedding turned out to be an opportunity to not only celebrate, but also to mourn, heal and move forward. Russell’s father, Ken Lake, crossed over to the other side the week before the wedding. Car accident. He was (and still is) the Best Man.

Russell and his 2 brothers decided to move forward with the wedding because that’s what their father would have wanted. Mr. Lake would not have agreed to postpone such an important day of his son’s life. Plus he loved and adored Christina and could not wait to see them marry. Needless to say, the wedding festivity was very monumental and in some way, a very important part of the healing process. Mr. Lake was definitely there watching over them.

The wedding was scheduled to take place at the plantation, under the beautiful Oak Trees, overlooking the inter-coastal waters of Edisto, before close family and friends. Not to make matters worse or anything for the couple, but it rained that afternoon- the wedding day- hard. There were some serious southern down pour, and thunder and lightning.

I looked up in the sky and whispered, “come on, not that they [ Christina and Russell ] had a hard week or anything- how about a break and let these 2 marry? ”

I don’t know if that short prayer did anything or whether it was a combination of prayers from all of us, but at 5:30pm, there was a break. The skies cleared up. The dark clouds went away. The bridal party was informed the wedding was going to go on, the chairs were wiped down, the wedding ceremony was reconfigured, and Rev. Lake advised the guests to come out of the tent and gather around the Oak Trees. The flowers outside and decorations were soaking wet- but oh well, these 2 will get married no matter what! And so they did. And it was beautiful . . .

Christina and Russell inspire me so many different ways. I absolutely admire their strength and courage and their love for each other. Christina lights up any room she enters. She is the type of person that could laugh away the dark clouds and kiss away the rain. Russell, or should I say, Capt. Dr. Russell Lake, is an amazing gentleman. I admire everything about this man and wish I am half as strong, talented and courageous as he is.

To Christina and Russell- thank you so much for allowing me be a part of your special day. It was an honor to be your photographer and work with your beautiful family and friends. I will miss you two once all of these are done with. I wish you the best of everything in life.

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