Zach & Tay, Married

We get to document people’s stories for a living. Images that their children will cherish. Images that will reside on refrigerators, on walls, above mantles and in albums.

The older we get and the closer we get to thinking about starting a family someday (in the distant future) the more we start to think about our own stories. Recently we were having big life discussions (travel always does that to us) and we wondered if we were to pass away next week, what our obituary would say? Certainly there would be a note about one another, our families, and friends…but we couldn’t help but think that it would include a line about our work….

“Brad & Jen spent their last days loving and serving couples, spending time with and photographing the celebrations of two people/humans/souls becoming one.”

At first it sounded like we spent a lot of time working…which is true…but we also started recognizing what a gift it is and how often we’re able to witness the incredibly powerful blessing of marriage, the coming together of families, and the celebration of love (which is why we’re all here in the first place).

Maybe this doesn’t sound very impactful to you…but to us, it revived our perspective and allowed us to see that every story we are brought into is an opportunity to give with purpose and care, to love intentionally, and serve with gratitude….and subsequently, an opportunity to learn and grow ourselves.

And all of this…. all of these thoughts and time of reflection came from this story.

We vividly remember the end of this night…walking back to our car, through the garden, wearing smiles and not saying a word.  We were reeling, processing the day, and feeling like what we had just witnessed changed us.

Tay and Zach are many things.  They are kind, joyful, considerate, goofy, talented…but over everything, they are gracious.  The love and joy that they so evidently have for one another wasn’t just celebrated…it was shared…poured out of the hearts of every guest and served up in hugs, dances, tears and laughter.

The Greek word charis means favor…but in a deeper sense, it “means ‘graciousness of manner or action.’  It indicates favor on the part of the giver and thankfulness on part of the receiver.” -David Grabbe

Graciousness in action.

This is the story of Tay and Zach.

See Images from Tay and Zach’s Nashville Engagement Session

VENUE: Madison Creek Farms  |  DRESS: David’s Bridal  |  BRIDE’S SHOES: ModCloth  |  GROOM’S ATTIRE: H&M (Jacket and Shirt), Dockers (Pants), Nunn Bush (Shoes), The Tie Bar (Tie)