Melissa is my kind of girl. She’s from California, she’s a portrait photographer, she doesn’t stress over small stuff and she is not too shy to ask for what she wants. All that being said, when Melissa contacted me in May of this year and told me her and Ryan were getting married in Oxford and could I please shoot their wedding I hesitantly said YES! They were married in the cutest historic church, white interior, simple, clean, filled with joy and love.
They met a few years back while on a company conference in Minneapolis and Ryan was head over heels the minute he laid eyes on her. That was the beginning of their relationship because Ryan began to plot and plan and persue her until he won her heart and hand in marriage.
In fact, Melissa’s dad said something to them during his toast that I have probably thought about every day since the weddding. I’ve heard lots of speeches too but this one was very profound. He commended Ryan for the way he had pursued Melissa, he said that he has never seen anyone try so hard and be so persistent in winning the affection of the one he loved. In a sense, he was congratulating Ryan but then he said this, “Although you have won the prize, don’t mistake this for the end of the pursuit, it’s really just the beginning.” That’s so true. He mentioned how Melissa (and every other woman for that matter) really longs for that pursuit to continue as if it’s just begun, as if it is the beginning of a wonderful love story and the challenge for men is to not think of it as the end, but rather the beginning.
Keep on pursuing love. It’s not something that once gained, is now captured and remains the same without constant care. Women long to know that they are captivating and men need to know that they have what it takes. We should all make it a priority, daily, to affirm and cherish those we love.
All of my favorite photos are in THE SLIDESHOW so don’t miss it. Here are a few extra’s.
So I mentioned that they are both photographers, right? Ryan’s mom is also a photogrpaher and studio manager in San Diego..no stress at all for me, just a family full of artists and photogrpahers. haha. I brought a few props for Ryan and Melissa to use in their portraits. An antique camera and a flash umbrella.
I love the kids at weddings. Their boredom, their excitement and honesty is so refreshing.
Melissa’s mom played the violin and the church accoustics made it seem like a nostalgic movie soundtrack. I love how there is so much going on at the bottom and the top half is simple and peaceful.
This is Ryan’s daughter and she was very shy up until the middle of the wedding when she saw her cousin sitting in the front row, he was also the ring barrer but bailed out on standing after he made it to the front. She just went right up front and waved and waved….
Cool get away car.
I love the joy they expressed during speeches and songs written and played just for them.
Bubbles were a hit at the end of the night and this handsome lad was the king of bubbles. Seriously, he rocked at bubble blowing.
Congratualtions Melissa and Ryan. I loved being a part of your wedding!
