Images: M Harris Studios
I really want to get back to enjoying blogging again, and I think being choosier with my publications will help that. I’ve (embarrassingly) had this one sitting in my Two Bright Lights queue since the summer. I LOVED the design of it, but I didn’t actually read the details of the shoot until just now: a couple that protested the Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville, and were friends with Heather Heyer, the woman whose live was taken at the protest. It seems only fitting that I shared an article on my personal Facebook page this morning about race (specifically about how even Broadway black actors still experience racism and oppression on the daily) and asked my FB Friends what we were going to do this year about fighting racism and systemic oppression of minorities in our country.
I don’t know that I could be as brave as Heather Heyer, or her friends Marissa & Marcus (whose GORGEOUS wedding I have to share today). But I am resolved to do SOMETHING this year to support this fight for true equality for all.
When Marissa & Marcus decided to get married, a team of AMAZING wedding vendors came together to give them a truly perfect (and stunning) wedding day. With only “we like purple” to go off of, the wedding planner & vendors took this one to the MAX and absolutely crushed it. Not only are the details simply stunning, but Marissa and Marcus look SO freakin’ happy. A true reminder (as photographer Michelle put it) of the generosity of people and why we love being in this industry. Happy Friday all.
From Michelle:
Marissa & Marcus were peacefully protesting last Aug. at the Charlottesville rally when a car plowed through their crowd, killing their friend Heather Heyer. Marcus pushed his fiance Marissa out of the way of the speeding car causing himself to be hit, throwing him over the car & shattering his leg. After seeing them on Ellen wedding planner Christina Moore from Bella Giornata Events reached out to them & offered her planning services pro bono. After meeting with them she called me and said I can’t believe I just donated an entire wedding. I guess I’d better get to work. I told her I would help any way I could. This story has made world wide headlines and was a glorious day of love triumphing. Christina kept saying Hate would not have the last word in their story. That we couldn’t help them in the court room, bring Heather back or help them heal but that we are in the business of making dreams come true and we could help their new chapter. All Marissa asked of the wedding was that it was purple- Heathers favorite color and that their favorite song Why I love you from MAJOR. was played. Over 25 vendors came together to make their dream day happen, all donated. MAJOR. flew in to surprise the couple & sang their favorite song as she walked down the aisle. He performed again at their reception. Heather Heyers mother Susan Bro was there to lead a butterfly release for her daughter. It was a gorgeous day of love, tears and laughter. Marissa lost her father suddenly in March, her 3 brothers stepped in to give their sister away.
I’m still amazed at the generosity of this industry, it reminds me why I love what I do.
Vendors
Design and Decor: Nance’s Rustic Rentals and Events // Apparel: Annalise Bridal // Dress Store: Urban Set Bride // Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids // Favors and Gifts: Fluffness – Gourmet cotton candy // Floral Designer: Holly Chapple Flowers // Equipment Rentals: Fredericksburg Rentals // Reception Venue: Walden Hall // DJ:Classic Entertainment // Bakery: Bijou’s Sweet Treats LLC // Caterer: A Taste of Elegance//Event Planner & Designer: Bella Giornata Events & Design LLC // Photographer: M Harris Studios
