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.
Now the highlights…
I see you… 🙂
The beautiful Christina… always has a smile across her face . . .
… they just want to have fun . . .
I shoot people . . . 🙂
Bridesmaid’s bouquet
Russell taking a moment…
Just beautiful . . .
Two of the finest assistants in the world, Jaimie and Sarah ( I think they are working here ) 🙂 , , , they’re going to hate me for posting this-
More pictures in the slideshow, so check it out- for a the link- click here
Until next time,
Virgil Bunao
Charleston Wedding Photographer
Available for travel- ANYWHERE
The photography was absolutely wonderful but of course you had a wonderful couple to start with. We loved the slide show especially the way you were able to capture so many intimate moments during the ceremony and the reception without being obvious or staging scenes. The pictures of our three grandchildren in the swing was so natural and our favorite.
Yes Virgil, I did look hot…
Hot, sweaty, tired, gross.
Not fishing for a compliment here,
just keeping it real.
Christina, you’re my favorite bride. I’m like you, a talker, so I felt right at home with you. I thought you were lovely. And Russell, what a keeper! Your families were also such warm and loving people. The whole day (even that horrible stormy part) was a great experience for me. Thanks for sharing it with all of us.
Tim and Aunt Kelly,
Thank you so much for the kind words. That means a lot to me. My beautiful, amazing clients make me look good 🙂
I am living a dream and a calling, a life, perhaps, that a lot of people would do anything to be in my shoes.
Christina, you’re awesome! Thank you for the plug. I think the world of you and Russell. You two make me look good. You’re definitely one of my favorite clients! I’ll see you soon.
[ 2nd email by Christina after seeing the entire collection ]
Virgil– you did such an amazing job! You are truly a talented artist and I can tell this is your passion. Because you put your heart into your work, I was truly able to relive this beautiful day (minus all of the stress) ;), so THANK YOU! I am so happy and amazed at the coverage that you and your 2 assistants handled–I think you guys included a picture of each and every one of our guests. WOW! Once again, I can not stress enough how the 3 of you were a much needed calmness among the chaos and storm pre-ceremony. Thanks again so much!
Mr. Bunao,
Just wanted to let you know, you did an awesome job with Christina & Russell’s wedding. We are truely amazed at the quality and creativity. We are also so very greatful you sent a picture for Ken’s casket. What a true gift of compassion. Thank you for being apart of their life by touching their hearts. They will remember you always. You are gifted and fortunate to be able to make a difference in people’s lives. Keep up the great job!!!
Thanks for sharing these photos with us!!
Uncle Tim & Aunt Kathy
PS – I would love for you to photography my 3 children!!!!
Jamie–there is nothing wrong with your picture–you looked concerned though, you probably just realized you shot me at an angle that allowed everyone to see my 3 chins! 😉 Everyone is their own personal toughest critic, you are very pretty.
You girls were both great. Thank you!
Jaime you look hot!
Thanks Christina for the wonderful comment. I’m blushing 🙂
Wow! Virgil, yes I’m not really thrilled that you posted that horrible picture of me (great of Sarah but not me) but it has been an absolute pleasure working with you. Also, what lovely people Christina and Russell are! So glad I got to be there for their day.
Thanks for everything!
Jaime
Virgil,
You did such an amazing job! I love, love, love the slideshow! I can not tell you what having you in our lives has meant to use over the past few months, and especially on our wedding day. You and your assistants were such a needed calmness through all of the chaos and storm. Thank you! You are truly talented and amazing. You don’t have to worry about missing us because we feel that we not only found such an artistic and talented photographer but a life long friend. Not many people know that you sent us a bridal portrait picture of me to place in Russell’s dad’s casket– you’ll never know what sending that e-mail meant to me and Russell and our families. I know he was there–we blamed him for the rain b/c we know he just couldn’t stop crying happy tears that day .
words just aren’t enough…