Our wedding season has started and I can’t tell you how fortunate we feel to be chosen to document Jessica and James’s wedding day. I remember the day clearly when I received the inquiry from Jessica. I had just gotten into my car and ping the email started this way: “First off, are you available that soon? I know you’ve probably looked at that date and think it’s crazy…..My Dad is very sick with terminal end stage cancer, my fiance and I decided Wednesday to quickly plan a wedding….”.

My heart dropped as I too have also lost a parent to cancer. I emailed her right back telling her I would be honoured to document her wedding. I was on my way to Mexico that week so we decided to chat on the phone. When we spoke there was an instant connection. Considering the situation she seemed bubbly. I thought to myself…we both talk so fast that I think we could have 3 conversations to an average persons’ one! I loved her energy and I was excited to meet her!

When I arrived back from Mexico I went to visit them at their home. I met James who was playing in the front yard with Wally (one of their three sons). James had informed me that he is surprising Jessica with a limo and it will be picking the girls up at the hotel. You could tell he was excited and wanted to make sure that it was documented. When I met Jessica she was exactly how I pictured her to be. Sweet, funny, quirky, bubbly with lots of energy! It was so easy to talk with her and both Jessica and James felt like instant friends. She showed me her wedding shoes which were a pair of teal Converse and I gushed! I loved her uniqueness and knew that their wedding day was going to be amazing! We chatted about Garfield (her Dad). She explained that he has moved in and how close they are. You see in her eyes how much she loves her Father. All three of us put our heads together and discussed how the day was going to go. I got to know James and thought to myself what a perfect couple these two made. James is kind, calm, caring and very attentive. The two of them together make a perfect balance. The meeting ended with hugs.

The night before the wedding at 12:30 am I received an email from Jessica. They had gone out for dinner and their friend’s car was broken into. Jessica’s veil, wedding shoes, pearls (given to her by James), wedding bands and her Grandmother’s wedding ring was stolen. I felt crushed for her and could only imagine how stressed she was. Needless to say I didn’t sleep that well. When I arrived to the hotel one of her best friends and Maid Of Honour were also heading up to the room. She told me that they almost had everything that was stolen out of the car. Michael Hill Jewellers had also come through and was able to resize a new set of bands by noon. Jessica was hoping that they would eventually find their Grandmother’s ring in a pawn shop and I pray that they do. Wow! It doesn’t matter what happens……when you have your friends and families support you can make it through anything and boy does Jessica and James have an amazing support system.

The wedding was at the Lougheed House and it was amazing. I met Garfield! He was wearing a gorgeous white suite. He told me that he knew everyone would wear black so he figured he would go against the grain and wear white. Like his daughter he has an amazing, upbeat attitude. Yes, you could tell that he is ill but it certainly didn’t stop him from having a big smile on his face and enjoying every moment. It was really amazing to watch Jessica and Garfield together. You could tell how truly close they are and how much they love each other. Jessica described her father to be a strong man. I noticed a few times when Jessica would get sad Garfield would say something to put a smile right back on his daughter’s face. Yes, he is a strong man.

During their Father Daughter dance I photographed through my tears. I didn’t want to miss one moment or one emotion. It truly was one of the most emotional weddings that I have documented and it made me realize how important photography truly is. Garfield told me that he was in the Air Force, but initially wanted to be a photographer. He felt he could easily figure out the technical side but lacked the “eye”. I quickly learnt that he loves photography as much I do and that even made me feel more honoured to be there.

Yes, there were many tears, but there was also much laughter. It was a celebration of life and a celebration of Jessica & James’ love for each other. The most important thing in life is the people you love and the people who love you back. Family is precious and should always be cherished. Thank you Jessica, James and Garfield. I will remember this day forever as you have all made a big impact on our lives. I hope you enjoy this slideshow as much as we enjoyed getting to know you. Lots of love – Shawna & Mike