It’s been hard to know where to start with this post. It’s such a personal and intimate one. Sometimes words just don’t seem adequate. While I was uploading the pictures to this post my pandora station started in on the song “You are my sunshine….” I have always loved this song and as a little girl I clearly remember my mom singing it to me. But this time hearing it it was different. Listening to the words closely, it seemed fitting to use for the title.
Last week I got a message from the bride of the first -ever-wedding that I shot. You might remember her…she had pretty spectacular RED shoes and was beyond beautiful! They got married outside at a beautiful mansion. I had just gotten my business license and had only a couple shoots under my belt at that point, let alone a wedding. I was scared out of my mind!! But it went beautifully and those are still some of my very favorite images ever. And I couldn’t have had a more perfect couple, family and friends to have had as my first. Through that wedding I have met some really, really great people and even gained another wedding experience from it, too. Lisa & Zack knew going into their wedding that it wasn’t going to be easy. And not just the regular ole’ marriage has it’s ups & downs stuff. Tough stuff. Stage 4 colon cancer stuff. By the wedding Zack was already a few months into this diagnosis and treatment. They had sweet baby boy named Carter and they were going to live as a family…even in the tough stuff. Lisa is one of the strongest you will ever meet. She rarely wavers in her stoic grace. And I admire her! I remember meeting her for the very first time, in my very first bridal meeting at the Starbucks on River Road. I was so thankful she was so sweet and I hope she didnt see me shaking in my boots too much. 🙂
Back to her message. I knew things had gotten harder for Zack and he was really struggling in his battle which has now reached the two year mark. She said they were being sent home from Swedish and this time with hospice, and given a short 2 week(ish) window. Lisa hoped for a photo session as soon as possible and I would have been there that minute if I could have. We post poned a couple of times and finally I was able to go see the Malone’s and take pictures for them that say more than words. There is a deep love. A deep deep love between these three. It was touching to see them and I am so very honored to have been with them during such an intimate time. Lisa, thank you for sharing this precious time with me. I hope that these will be photos treasured for many many years.
How handsome is Carter?! He was extended well beyond his normal nap time and was such a sweet heart even still. I love that now that he is a big boy we were able to chat and tease. I’m not sure if he likes me or if he really liked the cocoa I brought for him…either way I’ll take the love!
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I love that you can see Lisa’s laugh here!

…flipping through their wedding book…


They have a certain routine, every night, with a certain book about a dog named Charlie.







Zack’s mama was there so we for sure had to grab her for a picture, too!


I ask you to pray for this family. Pray for Zack. Pray for Lisa. Pray for Carter. We can not always understand why things on this earth happen the way that they do. But by seeking grace from the One who can grant it, will bring peace and comfort that only He can give and it will carry us through.
xo
There has been a fundraiser made in their honor, if you feel led please go here and help: https://katiessassyscents.scentsy.us/Scentsy/Buy?partyId=87093330
or you can donate directly here
by kristal
Meghan Rickard - Awwwwww, so in love! Gorg family Keren!
devonmichelle - These are beautiful Kristal – well done! and Congratulations Fenton family!!!!