Mike and Marissa Mason’s DoubleTree Hotel Wedding, Syracuse, NY

Most mornings when I am preparing to shoot a wedding I usually have an extra spring in my step. I love photography in general but something about weddings I am extra passionate about. This wedding in particular I was more excited for than usual. I met Marissa and Mike at their engagement session earlier this year, but it feels like I have known them a lifetime. Marissa is a school teacher with a Type-A personality, similar to mine. Mike is a laid back, go with the flow kind of guy (similar to my husband, Brandon). I couldn’t help but watch them on their wedding day and it remind me of my own. Marissa and Mike’s day was organized, almost to a level of sickness…and I loved it! Let us be honest, it was all Marissa but Mike was equally important in ensuring the day ran smoothly.

Mike and Marissa almost opted out of doing a first look. About a month before the wedding when we were completing their timeline, we convinced Mike to change his mind. I don’t want to say Marissa and I ganged up on him, but there was definitely some persuasion involved.

I am so glad he did because their first look was magical. Both of them shed tears. I heard an audible sigh come out of Marissa’s mouth when Mike finally turned around and saw her. She instantly burst into tears and so did he. You could tell how relieved they were to finally be here in this moment. All the preparation, the planning, the countless nights organizing and making sure everything would turn out perfect. It was here, and it was perfect. They held each other for a long time and exchanged gifts. The moment was perfect.

The ceremony was just as emotional as their first look. They shared a special hand blessing reading where the couple’s hands were wrapped up together. The minster spoke softly of these two, as she has known them for quite some time. The blessing of the hands read something to this effect: “These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy.”

As the night went on, the love for these two filled the room like a roaring fire on a cool fall night. I am so unbelievably grateful and blessed that these two trusted me with their special night. I couldn’t have thought of a better way to start a marriage and a life together. Congratulations to the happy couple, Mr. and Mrs. Mason.