Della Terra Mountain Chateau Wedding Photographer

“That day was the biggest emotional roller coaster I have ever experienced, and I even get emotional just writing this as I remember how I felt in that moment. All of my grief had suddenly disappeared, and there was no room for any thoughts besides the love I felt for the man standing in front of me. All of a sudden, being diagnosed did not matter. I knew that with Jordan always by my side, we would be able to get through anything.”

— Heather

These were the words we read as we prepared for their engagement session and I just sat there in disbelief with tears. It was in the moment that Heather was diagnosed with MS that Joe knew he couldn’t spend and didn’t want to spend another moment without her.

As we fast forward to their wedding, I knew it would be emotional, but I don’t think Kris or I knew how powerful their wedding would be. As dad prepared to see Heather for the first time, tears took over and the moment he saw her, the lyrics that came to mind were "Walk me down the aisle, Daddy-it's just about time. Does my wedding gown look pretty, Daddy? Daddy, don't cry Oh, with all that I've done wrong I must have done something right." As dad gasped, you could see the innocence in Heather’s eyes, they both wiped tears away and just held each other. When your superhero is brought to tears and the emotions take over, are very few times a little girl sees her daddy cry and those moments are burned in our mind forever. This was certainly a father-daughter moment for the books and on so many levels; this was more than a wedding day.

After hugging dad, Heather turned away and headed to see her husband. Plagued by tears, Joe was overcome by everything leading up to this very moment. Prior to their wedding we spoke in length about what a first look meant, about the difference in emotion and as Joe stood there, alone with the only person he’s ever loved standing just steps behind him, they laughed together and had one more nervous moment. Joe gathered himself, turned toward Heather and you could just feel that she is his whole world. His smile told you everything about his heart for Heather and as they embraced and enjoyed every moment, I couldn’t help but choke back tears.

As I think back to every moment of the day I remember, how careful Joe was with Heather, how dad tried to contain the emotions of handing his baby girl to Joe and not quite having the ability to do so. I remember every moment daddy cried, Heather cried a little harder, I remember the immense joy that surrounded this couple and I remember dad’s words as everyone prepared to eat. In February he received a call from Heather that she had been diagnosed with MS and as a father, you’re a thousand miles away from your baby girl and the last place he wanted to be was at work. He took a drive and during that drive, he received a call from Joe at which point he thought he’d have a little more information on how they were doing. Instead, Joe told him, “Today I realized I never want to live a moment without your daughter and I’m calling to ask you if I can have her hand.” From the catering staff, to the wedding coordinator, to guests, there wasn’t a dry eye. Try photographing when you can’t see because you’re crying so much!!

To Joe and Heather, there’s nothing we can tell you about adversity. The enemy will do anything possible to pull people from God and as you draw closer, it gets harder. However, it's in those moments we have the power to say no and you did just that. God has a purpose for you two. Keep your eyes fixed on Him and nothing else will matter. Thank you for reminding us that love conquers all and thank you for allowing us to capture your day with tears in our eyes. We hope that as you look back on your day that you’re reminded of the joy and love that surrounded you and will continue to surround you.