In my short time on earth as a photographer and really, as a woman, I have come to know the importance of a bride knowing how beautiful and treasured she is.

Often in my interviews with brides, they look like a deer in the headlights. They are trying to figure out how to meet their budget, and checking things off their infinite list of things to do before the ” Big Day”.  The flowers, the venue, the food, the invitations, the photographer, the dress, all just another thing to get done.

My heart breaks over this. She has gotten lost in the busyness, and agendas. She is stressed over money. She is trying to finish school, or working an extra job to pay for it all. She is a treasure, a rare gem, and she doesn’t even know it.

In talking with them, I encourage them to dream about their photography, because that is my job. What can I do to make their day more like a fairy tale, and less like “get r done”?

When I ask these questions, they often look at me, with eyes glazed over, and I often have to repeat the questions. I try to bring books or magazines to give them visual ideas, to dream. Most of them don’t believe those things are for them. The dream wedding, the glamour shots, the magazine poses, with the groom burying his face into her neck, and the sun fading behind them. This saddens me deeply. Our culture doesn’t generally value the heart of a woman. She is expected to perform, to be the best, to do it all, but being and dreaming isn’t generally tolerated. If this is my one and only contribution, I want to encourage her to dream and dream big. Not necessarily to have the big expensive wedding, but to have what she really wants, and she has to spend time dreaming to know that. I feel God smiles on the heart of a woman who dreams.

In her book, “Do You Think I’m Beautiful?”,  Angela Thomas writes,

When a woman knows that she is a beautiful bride, you can see it in her eyes; she is confident. Brides walk down the aisle believing that they are loved and accepted and desired. And when a woman walks in that kind of truth, she is made secure. She stands a little taller. Her eyes are brighter. Her words are sure. … She leans into the moment and lets herself believe in her abilities, passions, and gifts.

In a small way, I hope to help these exquisite women know this about themselves, and to help them feel truly beautiful.

After our remarkable snow on Sunday, I just had to post some thoughts and pictures! The last significant snowfall we had in Georgia was in March of 1993, when I was nearly full term with my son, Johnny. I waddled around trying not to lose my balance and fall while Chris played in the snow with our two daughters, Katie and Annie. I still have those precious pictures on my wall. It was magical.

Sunday was magical as well. No one ever believes it will really snow around here. I know all the northerners roll their eyes at us when we close schools at even the threat of snow or ice. It is all the media can talk about, and it is a major event here for us!

It felt like kisses were falling from the sky. Yes, that is it.

We began the day at church, and I took my camera  hoping it would snow while we were there to capture the beauty and spontaneity that comes with something like unexpected snowfall. It worked out perfectly. It began to fall during the last service, and didn’t get into full swing until we got home.

I was in photographer’s heaven. I found myself giddy like a child, caught between the joy and the beauty. I couldn’t contain the euphoric feelings as I photographed children who were seeing snow for the first time ever, and adults  feeling like kids again.

Chris said it was one of the ways God shows His love to us. I believe it. Everything is clean and beautiful, just like we are when He finishes His work in us.

Yes, kisses from the sky.  Enjoy.