Jessie and Brian's Wedding Day

Going in with the expectation of a minor issue, Jessie was informed that she had a lump in her left breast and underarm. Following two biopsies later that week, Jessie was diagnosed with breast cancer on September 19, 2007, at twenty-four years old! Hearing the news with her mom, all Jessie could do was look to her mom for comfort as she tried to comprehend the information. Her mom looked at her young daughter and mustered the words, “Everything is all going to be alright. We will get through this together.” Over the next few days, Jessie recalls a hazy blur of PET scans and doctor appointments. What surfaced in the haze was Jessie’s surgeon informing her that the cancer was not isolated to her breast and lymph nodes, but had spread to her sternum, neck, and lungs. Her cancer was stage 4...terminal.

Jessie was battling this disease as a single girl, with no hair and an extra 20 lbs. forced on by the harsh treatment. Jessie thought, “Who could love a bald, over weight girl, dying from cancer?” And yet, there was this glimmer of hope. Brian was a constant in her circle of friends and he continued to make an effort to maintain their friendship, keeping Jessie company after treatments, making her dinner and distracting her with chats unrelated to being sick, bald, or feeling heavy. While he was just enjoying spending time with her, he was giving her hope, inspiration and motivation to fight another day.

I really love what I do. Each wedding I always think "this is my favorite wedding yet!" And Jessie and Brian's wedding was no exception. Jessie and Brian are wonderful souls and really are the perfect pair...suiting for their wedding day favors!
Bree and I met up with Jessie at their home to do some fun getting ready shots. These are my most favorite detail shots ever! I can't wait to design this album! This was the locket that Jessie wore - with a picture of her father in it.

We arrived at Newcastle Wedding Gardens for the noon time ceremony. Once Jessie put her Miosa Couture designed dress on she couldn't help but get excited and a bit nervous!Brian has a great smile! Second only to Jessie.The ceremony evoked tears and we even heard a few sobs from the guests. It was wonderful to see two people relish the vows of getting married and not worry about the actual wedding day. The reception was at Latitude Restaurant in Auburn. Casual and fun. Brian and Jessie both love music. On their walls at home is beautiful memorabilia of the Beatles. Brian sang his heart out to his wife.Ian was in charge of making sure their VW bug was decorated. And he did a perfect job!A bit later, after a chance to clean up the car, and relax a bit, we headed off for a picnic and some warm glorious sunset photos! It was so worth it!!!Jessie and Brian - thank you so much for letting Kelly, Bree, and I into your lives. We love you both. Thank you so much for trusting us and letting us capture your inner beauty!

I will update this post with vendor kudos soon, but I wanted to get this post out there today.