You could smell the freshness of the earth today so easily as the breeze wafts by carrying the scent of rainfall and a coolness in the air settles into the afternoon.  Jen and I stroll towards the hotel to start our day. “I hope this rain stops or slows just for a few minutes today,” I say to Jen, hoping and praying that we have a moment or two afforded to us.  Regardless of weather the determination had already set in to be keenly aware of my surroundings and opportunities today.  Much like all wedding days we prepare to be mentally and emotionally available however, today would truly be one filled with many poignant moments that will forever be embedded into the synapses of my mind.  On our way to the elevator we ran into Christina Hill from Chill Weddings.  Christina was our go to person  and coordinating the festivities of the day.  It’s definitely a joy working with planners who keep things smooth and really get things right.  I’m amazed that the events of today were pulled together so seemingly effortlessly considering that the wedding was pushed ahead by 3 months due to the recent discovery of an illness with Jackie’s dad.  Trust me though when I say that a celebration was planned and shared and never more has the celebration of life’s events resonated so strongly.

I see her looking intently at the note she is writing.  Her pen lifts, pauses then settles down onto paper.  I can tell that she is reflecting and bringing thoughts to written form.  What I didn’t know was that Jackie was writing the words to the speech that she would give about Nathan.  She spoke later about the relationship that had developed and how he was her rock, especially when they were in Thailand and received word about her father.  She relayed stories of Nathans oneness with nature and how he had this uncanny way with the weather and could sense the changes in precipitation, wind and the like.  When I heard this speech later that night shivers run down my spine as I reflect on how hours earlier it was raining yet the rain subsided just long enough to bring them outside for their first glance and immediately after the images had been captured the sky opened up and down poured once again…Their love…   To be near the two of them is to be so easily aware of this bond.

Shortly before the Ketubah signing was scheduled to begin, Jackie’s brother arrived with Jackie’s Dad.  They had just picked him up from the hospital so when he was wheeled into the room you could see the sheer happiness that exuded from Jackie from the sight of him.  I did not have the pleasure of meeting Dr. Cohen prior to today but from what I witnessed he must have been a man with strong convictions, a love for people and had an obvious adoration for his daughter.  The love and sheer happiness from both sides of the families filled every aspect of the day with tumultuous swings of emotion.  The closeness could be felt from beginning to end.  The laughter could be heard frequently ( Nathan’s brothers are quite the comedians!)

Each wedding that I shoot there is usually one moment that I witness that embeds itself into my being.  Sometimes these are moments I capture, sometimes these are moments that I see and keep for myself.  The few moments that I’m sharing with you today are obviously those captured that I feel showcase the day but the moment I keep is the one that has impacted me the most.

There weren’t supposed to be any parent dances today.  They were unsure of how much strength Dr Cohen would possess and to have the family there rejoicing together was enough.  With dinner under way and most of the formalities done Christina motions to Jen and I that we should go grab something to eat now.  I’m walking towards the exit of the ballroom and out of the corner of my eye without warning or prompting I see Dr. Cohen removing the breathing tubes from his nose and extruding himself from the hoses. Within an instant he pushes himself up and out of the chair, motions for his daughter….  My eyes well up with tears, I just can’t help it.  Mind you that as I glance around the room there was not a dry eye in the house.  You could also see many looks of amazement as well pride.  It dawns on me that this is the decisive moment of the night and under no uncertain terms is he missing the opportunity to dance HIS dance with his daughter…  I applaud the sheer will and strength and love that allowed this to happen…..  I don’t think I will ever be able to forget that split second when ever I think of a father’s love for their daughter…

Nathan’s brothers were very happy to help him get ready!

I love this look right before the ceremony, a father’s approval and then the one below of a mothers joy and love!

In Loving Memory of Dr. Martin Cohen

Flowers: Papertini

Venue: The Downtown Club

Event Planner: Chill Weddings