Text and photo by Davina Palik
People always comment on how wonderful our jobs are – and they are right. We get to capture one of the happiest days of a couple’s life. The first day of the rest of their lives together. But a few days ago, we photographed a very different type of event. Marie, who should have been getting married today, got together with her closest friends in honor of the fiance she lost just a few months ago. She put on her wedding shoes and reception dress, got her hair done, and had some cocktails with the girls who continue to be her support system. As she told me at some point during the night, this is what Rob would have wanted her to do.
There are no words to express how truly devastated we were to receive this news, and I can only begin to imagine what Marie has gone through and continues to go through. But I can say that she is my hero. The courage and strength she’s shown is an inspiration. I cannot think of her without getting emotional. I have put the wonderful thank-you note she wrote us on our fridge for a daily dose of perspective; a reminder of what is really important. And we will proudly display the milkglass vases she got us for our wedding (she reads my blog!) next year (thanks Marie!).
As for today, we remember Rob and send all of our warmest, most positive thoughts to Marie. She told me she had no regrets about how she spent the short life she had with Rob. She said she was thankful that they never took each other for granted. These words will stay with me forever. I pass them on to you in hopes that they may give you perspective too.
To Marie + Rob.
