I tried to stay calm to help keep Jocelyn calm. But inside I was panicking more than just a little bit. The wedding was only 3 days away. Jake was in the ICU and was facing going back into surgery again. Yet still Jocelyn’s voice remained calm and steady. All that mattered to her was that she married Jake. It didn’t matter if it was 3 days later. In a hospital bed. Or 3 months from now. She just wanted to marry the man of her dreams.

Another surgery came and went. Hooked up to antibiotics, Jake was allowed to leave the hospital right before the wedding. He wasn’t feeling 100%. His arm was in a sling. And he didn’t have as much energy as he’d hoped. But he was going to marry Jocelyn that day, no matter what. Nothing was going to stop him. As they walked down the aisle towards each other they were both calm. Both steady. They had faced one of the most difficult challenges of their lives together and were getting married. If they could overcome this, they could over come everything.

- We were able to take limited photos of Jocelyn and Jake’s wedding day, but went out for a Day After Session after Jake was all healed to capture their bride and groom photos. The seasons changed and there was a bit of a delay in between, but it meant Jake could be himself and have the energy to take more than a few photos at a time. Jocelyn and Jake, you handled this situation with nothing but grace and patience. It was amazing to watch you two on your wedding day, supporting each other, loving each other. Thank you for inviting us along for the journey.

- Brianna (photos by Ewan)

Officiant : Kettle Creek Weddings.  Gown : Nicolas and Elizabeth – Paloma Blanca.  Bridesmaids dresses : Love by Enzoani.  Floral :  Jim Anderson Flowers.  Cake:  LunaBean. Creations. Caterer/Venue: Windermere Manor.

This isn’t an easy thing to remember as a mom. There’s this horrible thing called Mommy Guilt. Bottle versus breast. Stay at home or work outside of the home. Cry it out or not. And the list goes on. If we let ourselves, I’m positive we would second guess every single decision we make as moms. My biggest fear in life is making the wrong choices.

Yes being a mom is hard. But we’re not in it alone. I have a mom who has been my role model since day one. A step-mom, a mother in law and grandmothers who love and support me no matter what. Friends who let me cry on their shoulders when the days are extra hard. Colleagues who offer suggestions when I need help. And best friends who are family and love my children like their own. The saying that it takes a village to raise a family might be cliche, but it’s true. No one can do this alone.

So, on Mother’s Day, I want to say thank you to the women in my life. The ones who keep me sane. The ones who share in the big moments with me. Cry through the sad moments with me. And who walk right beside me through all of them. I couldn’t do this without you. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for loving our girls. Thank you for sharing on this crazy ride of motherhood. I’m so thankful for you. Happy Mother’s Day!

- Brianna

- Brianna (photos by Ewan)