Christina Renée

August 13, 2016.  My baby brother Michael married his best friend.  I say “baby” brother but he’s actually a little over a year younger than me.  When asked to walk him down the aisle but also photograph his “behind the scenes” moments, it was with such pride I said yes.  Getting to be a part of something so monumental for a sibling is every big sister’s dream or at least mine!  The days leading up to the wedding, we all spent time together putting the finishing touches on the preparations; making bouquets, hanging decorations, placing signs, enjoying snacks, drinks and lots of laughter.

The day of the wedding after some last-minute prep, we all headed over to start getting ready.  Michael’s “best man” was his best friend Kate, who I consider another sister and so very much a part of our family.  She has been a fixture in our lives and I couldn’t think of anyone more suited to that role.  As I watched them all, I saw the bond between them all, the love and pride they had being a part of this day, the support they had for my brother and one another.  I couldn’t have hoped for a better group of people to surround my brother on his big day.

The hardest part about this day was watching my brother get ready.  Thankfully being behind the lens, I could control my emotions and the occasional “misting” watching the young boy I grew up with having become such an amazing man about to get married and begin another chapter of his life.  I wasn’t so lucky with hiding my crying while walking him down the aisle as I was so proud of him and happy for him.  But at least he looked good in those photos!

To Michael, thank you so much for letting me capture such an important part of your day.  To Sarah, thank you for making my brother so happy and welcoming us all into your life and family.  To you both, I wish you the utmost happiness in the years to come; may you both grow together ever stronger in your bonds of love and commitment to one another.  I love you both very much!