Trystan Photography: An Intimate Portrait.

Great! We got through that near-disaster. Now on to the wedding day, which came very quickly. And there we were: late September, the bride respendent in her gown, the family gathered from across the world (Mark is from Holland), and even a horse were gathered in anticipation of this terrific day at Fox Run Park in Black Forest. It was perfect. The Problem? How about a freak winter storm warning? How’s that for a disaster. Amy and Mark had planned an amazing evening wedding in September. They had no indoor back-up plan, because you know, it’s September. But yet, there we all were, standing in driving winds and wet heavy snow trying to make the best of it.

And Amy tried so hard to stay strong and positive, but I could see her resolve slipping as the snow got heavier and the wind got stronger and the snow was coming kinda sideways-like. Finally she did break a little and began to cry, and Mark just held her and covered her against the storm as I finished the family formals with about 30 people smashed behind me under the only shelter there was: the gazebo. (Amy is so cute, she told me last week on the phone, “…I never thought I would be one of those brides.” Silly Amy, I don’t think quietly crying (she was very subtle about it, I think I was the only one who noticed) because your early Fall wedding is frozen over qualifies you as “one of those brides”.)

But again, after a deep breath, Amy and Mark’s resilience shined through and inspired the entire wedding (guests and all) to simply grit their teeth and endure. And just like Glen Eyrie taught us, there is always a silver lining. Always. The falling snow amongst the lush green trees and early fall colors gave the ceremony a surreal, almost magical feel (the majestic arrival of Amy to the ceremony on a horse didn’t hurt either).

Yes, everyone was cold. Yes, everyone was wet. But as I looked around at the guests and family, it was clear that nobody cared. As Mark and Amy began their achingly personal and emotional vows to each other, every last one of us were enraptured by this couple that had been through so much and persevered to be here this day.

When the ceremony was finished we zoomed off to Manitou, expecting we’d need some kind of back-up plan for the couple shots, but when we got there we were shocked: Manitou was dry as a bone. It was cold, but not bad. We were able to get some great couple stuff before the reception. Ahhh, Colorado.

Once we finally got to the reception, Amy and Mark put on a show with a true tango for their first dance. Mark exemplifies what a good male tango dancer do: you should have a look in your eyes like you want to “ravage” your dance partner. It should be nearly feral in its energy.

Finally there was what became my favorite father/daughter dance shots of all time. When Amy and her dad danced all of the emotions of the year came out for both of them, and to see Amy’s dad holding his daughter so tightly like he’d never let her go, you could tell that a real moment of closure and healing was happening right in front of us. It is such an honor to do this job.

So there you have it: the dramatic and nail-biter tale of Amy and Mark’s wedding that had all of the cards stacked against it, but through perseverance and great attitudes, ended up perfect…

Thank you so much, Amy and Mark, for having me photograph your wedding. It was an honor (and a challenge) and I’m proud to be a part of your wedding story.

… oh, and a week after the honeymoon Amy was hit at 80 MPH by a drunk driver.

She walked away. The other driver is in the ICU.

Hence, Amy is tough to kill.

So bring it on world. Amy can handle anything you can throw at her.

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