I’ve said it before, but I truly believe that certain dates stay open on our calendars for a reason. It may be the most popular wedding date in the spring for most photographers, but it will sit vacant on our calendar. Curl up for this wild and crazy story:
On Monday morning, May 2, we got a frantic text and then phone call from a dear friends’ mother. Within minutes, we were being told that our friend, Charlotte Fristoe, had suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm and was now sitting in ICU after having surgery. Her first thoughts upon waking up, were how was she going to cover her May weddings? I’m beyond flattered that she called us, and thankful that we were available on that upcoming Saturday. We originally had the day booked, but Brianna and Daniel moved their wedding to Friday. So Saturday sat vacant for months. It was without hesitation that we told Charlotte’s mom we would cover her wedding for her. Ryan was actually doing most of the talking since I was still waking up (I’m not a morning person), and he just calmly said “Yes, we’ve got it covered.”. We worried about the details later.
We met with Mica and her wedding planner Michelle at Starbucks the next day. I think we were all a little shell-shocked at the position we all found ourselves in, but I’m thankful they weren’t too freaked out by us taking over the photography. They didn’t really know us or our work, they were just being given a replacement for the photographer that they loved and had hired months prior. So for that, we are grateful that the entire day was beautiful and fun and perfect. Everyone was so nice to us, and we were extra motivated to knock this one out of the park for Charlotte’s sake. I tried to text her updates during the day, but the cell service at Lake Iamonia isn’t so great. 🙁 We came home and posted a few photos, and originally agreed not to blog them so there wasn’t any confusion, but after a few weeks Charlotte thought more about it and asked me to blog it and tell “our story”.
I have been praying for my friend for over a month now, ever since I heard the news. You hear stories but you never think anything that crazy will happen to you – the aneurysm actually ruptured WHILE she was shooting a wedding, and she didn’t go to the hospital for over a week. We have all kinds of Superman-type nicknames for her now. When I went to see her in the hospital she seemed like her normal self, cracking jokes and telling me about Mica and Luke and what plans that had told her about for their wedding. It was hard to imagine what her body and brain had actually been through. We met Charlotte through the TPPG (Tallahassee Professional Photographers Guild) two years ago, the year I was president of the group. She was a fresh new face and jumped right in to participate and always ask questions. After just a couple of years, she is already serving Vice President this year. I would like to think this entire story would show how valuable that group has been to us all, and that it really is a tight-knit community.
We love you Charlotte! So glad we were able to help give you a little peace of mind at the beginning of your recovery! And to Mica and Luke, thanks for being so welcoming to us. Your wedding was perfect in every way. <3
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Lake Iamonia Lodge
Wedding Planner: Michelle Rutherford of Michelle Does Weddings
Floral Design: A Country Rose Florist
Cake Artist: 4 Rivers BBQ
Catering: 4 Rivers BBQ
Entertainment: Southern Satisfaction
Officiant: Luke’s uncle, Garland Gould
Bridal Gown: Bridal Sense in Atlanta, GA
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Groom’s Tuxedo: Nics Toggery
Ceremony Chairs: John Gandy Events
Honeymoon Travel Agent: Karynn Gross with DND Honeymoons
One of my new favorite shoe shots!
Just a little note exchange from around the corner:
Mica’s sisters giving an animated toast: