Wyoming Wedding Photographer | Light at the End of the Aisle

Wedding photographers capture the biggest party you will likely ever throw. But more than that, we capture the joy and connection that make up families, both present and future.

When the pandemic started, I floundered. I had no idea how to move forward. As a small business owner, I immediately panicked. I couldn’t post anything, I couldn’t write anything, and honestly, I couldn’t talk about anything without crying. This was about the time Wyoming Public Radio called to interview me, so if you don’t believe me, you can hear what state of mind I was in. I worried for my couples, and I worried about my family members and their health. I also worried that I needed to go get a real job.

Fast forward a month. All of our June weddings have been rescheduled for either this fall or next summer. And honestly, I feel like I am coming alive again. Megan Feighery, with Wyoming Public Radio, ended her story with the phrase, “But there’s always a light at the end of the aisle.” And you know what? I think I see it. Or at least I’ve started to see it.

Having a new plan for the weddings that were scheduled early on in the summer made me feel like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

But I have still been agonizing over what to post. Do I post photos of people celebrating at a time like this? Do I post photos of people being together, hugging and dancing? I started out by posting images of small, intimate weddings.

Then I came to this photo.

It made me so happy and sad all at the same time. How many grandparents won’t be able to see their grandkids walk down the aisle this year? Ultimately, though, it’s an image of joy, and one of many generations coming together, which is what we are all striving for right now. I went ahead and posted it after a couple days of mulling it over.

Then I received this message from the bride:

“Sweet Janelle, words cannot express to you the bittersweet joy I felt when coming across your post from this morning. There is NO way you could have known, however a year ago today Ted passed away. Whatever compelled you to post that picture today, it is a true gift of his love to us.”

I know a lot has changed in the world. But there’s a whole lot that hasn’t changed. Photos will always remind us of the love that transcends physical and chronological distance. They remind us of life, of love, and of times we never want to forget. But most importantly, they remind us of the people we cherish most in our lives.

And someday, unfortunately, they will be reminders of how that person laughed or danced or held babies.

So, this girl is going to keep on keeping on, because you all have so many stories ahead that need be preserved for generations to come.

I love you all. I’m so grateful for this job and for the people it has brought into my life. Jillian, you gave me new hope and purpose this week. Thank you for giving me a ‘lightbulb’ moment by reaching out in such a loving way. I’m so honored to have captured this moment for you.

We are starting to book 2021 weddings in Wyoming and Colorado. Please reach out soon if you’re still needing a photographer for a date next year.