Bright: (adj) radiating or reflecting light; also- radiant with happiness

It's easy to take things for granted- to see the same person every day and forget what a beautiful, caring personality they have. To know someone for many years and sometimes forget how deeply they are treasured. To see the struggle and work that relationships can take, but forget the deep communication of two people who have shared years of memories.

It's so easy to take things for granted, to see the same place each season and not realize the full beauty of a location. 'So easy to live in Connecticut all my life and think it's kind of a hum-drum, normal place to reside. Somehow, though, when I have a camera before my eyes, I see things in a whole new way. That was definitely the case on Saturday. I realized again that Connecticut is absolutely breathtaking, and I'm so fortunate to live in this state.

It's so easy to take things for granted, to just assume that the loping motion of life will continue on undisturbed. But sometimes coming through difficult experiences makes us hold someone closer, and appreciate them more. We instead remember to not take them for granted. That is the case with Tracey and Jannik. Working hard over many, many months, trying to commute back and forth from Mexico to the States, sharing a long-distance journey of many miles. Trying to work through paper trails and visas to have Jannik come to Chicago to be with the woman he loves. Having a wedding ceremony in Mexico City with only one of Tracey's family members present, hoping for someday when the union could be shared with all those who love this couple. That hope came to fruition this weekend as Tracey and Jannik came 'home' to CT for a celebration of their future as husband and wife. And there was more than one family member this time, so many willing to share in the happiness that recognized their union. So many who were not taking anything for granted.

We wish you all the best, Tracey and Jannik, and hope that your future together is blessed, whatever may come your way!






Tracey's mom, admiring her daughter and reminiscing:





The groom:






Tracey and Jannik chose to see each other before the ceremony. The groom waited on the beach as Tracey's dad escorted her down.








This was such a touching part of the celebration ceremony- Jannik's family was unable to travel to CT from Mexico for the day. So Tracey's brother Tyson, unbeknownst to Jannik and Tracey, had Jannik's family record video messages to play during the wedding celebration. They were both so surprised; it was such an emotional, bittersweet and joyful expression of love from Jannik's family at home (and his brother in Germany!)








Even more surprises: Tracey wanted to make sure that Jannik felt a little piece of Mexico on their special day, so she hired a little mariachi band. We were on the beach taking portraits of Jannik and Tracey when the two players started to strike up a tune. Jannik was shocked!




We were only a few minutes from Harkness Memorial Park, so we had to head over there for some very quick portraits. I am so glad we made the effort. 'Definitely some of my favorites from the day!






















I know, tons of images-- there are so many, many more. Thus, a slideshow:

"Without, the sun shines bright and the birds are singing amid the ivy on the drooping beeches. Their choice is made, and they turn away hand-in-hand, with their backs to the darkness and their faces to the light."

-Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, British author (with spiffy Irish name :)
1859-1930