Il n’y a qu’un bonheur dans la vie, c’est d’aimer et d’être aimé.

There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.

– George Sand

During the speeches at Courtney and Jon’s wedding someone said that when you meet Courtney you’d quite often remember exactly what the first thing is that she had said to you. I can speak from personal experience that its true – although Courtney and I had a phone consultation before she booked me – the very first time I met her was at the Vintage Hotels bridal show. In fact she walked up to my booth began looking through my books and trying to politely start a conversation I asked her if she had booked her photographer yet. Courtney kept looking and then said “I have booked one but um (as she flipped through) yeah I booked you – pretty sure you are my photographer”. It was just so funny the way she said it and it was nice to put a face to a voice. Throughout our conversations on the phone and through email I began to get to know Courtney’s character – she is funny, completely without restraint and loves to laugh. I knew her wedding day would be a lot of fun but the real mystery was going to be what Jon was like as I hadn’t met him yet.

I arrived on the morning of the wedding and Courtney was ready to get the show on the road and get into her dress. All the while hamming it up for the camera, making faces and keeping everyone laughing. How could the person who was getting married be so calm and making everyone else laugh?

I waited outside for Jon to arrive so we could set up the first look and before he came his parents arrived. As his Mom introduced herself I was certain about something but just had to confirm it. Her accent told me that she was French Canadian and of course after I asked her we did the prerequisite check of where family came from etc… Some of you may have guessed because of my last name but I am also French Canadian – fully bilingual. I like to warn my french clients to warn their families as a joke that they can’t get away with talking about me when Im there because I’ll know exactly what they are saying. Meeting Jon and his family made perfect sense to me – one thing I know about French culture is a true love to laugh and poke fun at each other. You have to have a thick skin and be able to roll with the punches because as my father in law puts it – “the more I tease means I’m showing love”. Someone like Courtney would fit in perfect with this kind of family. She says whatever comes to her mind without any filter and most of what comes up is just absolutely hilarious.

Angie (my assistant for the evening) and I were in stitches throughout the ceremony and the reception. It was so beautiful for such a weird reason. I’m going to say it plainly – so many of us worry about what people think of us, about watching every word and filtering our thoughts to not offend anyone and please as many people as possible. That takes so much energy and really in the end is that a great place to focus our energy? Seeing Courtney plainly speak her mind and share her thoughts with everyone was refreshing but what was more beautiful about it was watching Jon not only laugh but seemingly love her even more for it. His face was alight with love and amusement and to see a man so taken with his wife was something to behold.

Courtney and Jon were simply just perfect together – each others Yin and Yang. Whatever characteristics the one didn’t posess the other brought to the table and they just meshed so effortlessly together. I want to thank you and your families for including us in your day, for welcoming us and for all the kindness in the world. The attention to detail during the day was bar none and although the setting was gorgeous it was only bettered by all the people who partook in it – celebrating your love. I love, love, love the photos from your day and can’t wait to share them all with you. Here’s a sneak peek for now…

Congrats again you two…. so happy for you

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