When Oshila called and asked me to take her family’s portraits for their 10 year wedding anniversary, I was inspired by her vision. She wanted to have them at Harbour View where they held their wedding and reception ten years ago.
I had recently photographed an event at Harbour View a couple months ago. It had been 10 years since I’d seen it. The venue is gorgeous, whether it was 2011 or present day. You can’t go wrong with a waterfront property. It was very different than it looked back in 2011. A bit of the landscape had changed, a few of the gorgeous red wooden doors, along the front of the building had been replaced with glass. The few left in place, hadn’t had their paint touched up in some time. The place was showing it’s age.
When Oshila asked to have their family photos there, I considered letting her know that it wasn’t as pristine as we remembered. We were talking on the phone and I wondered if I should recommend another location. I whispered a prayer in my heart, asking God how to proceed. I felt in my spirit that I was to keep my mouth shut and proceed with making her vision a reality and boy am I glad I did.
Oshila approached me on the day of our shoot. She told me they were both in a little shock at how different the place looked. Jared followed close behind her, looked at what was once the most gorgeous red wooden doors, and made the skeptical sound of ‘ehhhh’. Then quickly said, “Well, I guess they are aging just like all of us.” I laughed and realized, yes, the doors were different. They were older now. Their paint was faded and chipping but they were still beautiful.
It was a symbolic moment for me. These days, I look in the mirror and each day I see myself getting older. I see people I knew 20-30 years ago on social media looking older too. Time passes by so quickly and although we may change significantly, I can say that with age I am a better version of my former self. I may not look like I did when I was 25, but boy if you could see inside my heart. It’s wiser, kinder, more beautiful, loving and forgiving than it was 25 years ago. It loves and understand God more. It understands how to make better decisions and to love others better. Those wooden doors may be withering in the sun and over time, just like all of us; but what’s on the outside doesn’t show the beauty of what comes with time. When you look at yourself in the mirror today and you hear that voice judging you, your age; just remember, chances are, you are more beautiful on the inside now than you knew you could be.
Here are a few 2011 and 2021 images of Oshila and Jared along with the two handsome and sweet boys they have been blessed with. I loved spending time with this family and it brings me great joy that they chose to celebrate their anniversary this way. Thank you Oshila and Jared for the memories and the ah-ha moments this special day gave me.
Also, check out Dad! He almost fell in the water near the end of our session but made a quick save! I had to keep them because they make me laugh and I hope they make for some funny memories.
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