True love will conquer all! Mark and Laura's story. #BlakeStrong
“You know you’re in love, when you can’t fall asleep, because reality is finally better than your dreams. ”
Life is unpredictable. Many of us think we have our futures planned or an idea of a general direction we want them to go in, but one simple curveball can change our life in an instant. This is where I introduce you to Mark and Laura. I met this sweet couple in 2019, when they were referred to me from another photographer. The moment I met them, they seemed so sincere and genuine. Mark was very soft spoken, and had a very innocent and sweet presence about him. Laura, an elementary teacher, was so easy to talk to, and a pure delight. Watching the two of them sit across from me, I could see through their body language, how in love they were. Laura told me the story of how they met, and how Mark proposed at the most magical place on Earth, “Disneyworld.” I was so excited when they officially hired me, to shoot their engagement and wedding photos.
In December 2019 we finally got to take their engagement photos. We had planned on beach photos, but the evening went another way. Due to the weather being absolutely freezing, we decided that wind and water weren’t the best background option; especially with a temperature close to 20 degrees. Laura chose the next best spot; the skating rink that they had their first date at. It was perfect! The Christmas tree was lit up, and shining in all it’s beauty. The shops that lined the nearby street were all decorated, and illuminated with soft white lights. Laughter could be heard from the skaters, and Mark and Laura were very willing to snuggle into each other. The evening was so fun, and it began the count down to their, June 6, wedding. All was right on track for the two; until life through not one, but TWO major curveballs.
The first devastating blow was one that the world wasn’t even prepared for; a GLOBAL PANDEMIC. In a time where Laura should be planning her final details, worrying about getting RSVPs back, stressing about meal options, or what shoes to wear, she now had to face the reality that the wedding she had worked so hard for, wasn’t going to happen as expected. Like many other couples, who faced the same dilemma and heartache, Mark and Laura scrambled to find a new date. At the hopes of not losing their venue, or other deposits, they worked tirelessly to make it happen. With some compromise, and a lot of hope, the two settled on a new date, July 31. All again seemed to be on track for their big day. Then the second punch to the stomach hit.
Shortly after Easter, Mark began to not feel well. He had been fine the days before, and this was completely out of the blue. Mark went to the hospital, where he got the diagnosis the shakes you to your very core. Mark was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lymphoma. I had messaged Laura, to be in touch for their upcoming wedding, when she told me the news. I was shocked! I was hurting for her. I was angry for her. I felt so much pain for the both of them. And it hit so close to home for me, I was suppose to be getting married a few short weeks before them. I had been stressing over all the trivial materialistic things, and had lost sight of what was really important. I sat in my house that night in disbelief. I began scolding myself for how selfish I had been. I was stressing over minor details, when Laura and Mark were facing a battle of a lifetime.
One thing about Mark and Laura though, is that they are fighters. Neither one of them were going to let this knock them down. Mark immediately started treatment, and Laura has been in his corner the whole time. Not knowing what the future would hold, I was so excited when I received a message from Laura. They had decided to have a small, intimate ceremony, on their original date, and Laura wanted me there to capture it. Laura also had one more surprise! She had organized friends and family to hold a surprise drive through parade, just outside of the church. When I arrived at the church that afternoon, I was promptly greeted by the smiling groom. His smile is definitely infectious, and immediately made me feel welcomed. Laura looked so beautiful, and the small group of family present were all smiles, and laughs. The love in the room was physically palpable.
The ceremony began with the groom being escorted by his parents, in the coolest way ever! They danced down the aisle to Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond. Mark stood at the alter, with the biggest smile I have ever seen, and watched as his bride as she walked down the aisle, with her beaming father right by her side. As the two came together, the tears started…. for me. Laura had written the vows, and as the two began to recite them, the FEELING…..oh my gosh the feeling….I could hear the absolute love, commitment, and passion she had for him. She wasn’t just reciting words, she was talking from her soul. IT WAS ABSOLTUELY BREATHTAKING!!!!
Mark and Laura truly showed what it is to be in love, to fight for another through thick and thin, to be the support when the other one is down. The words #BlakeStrong were all around that day. I learned that it isn't just a hashtag. #BlakeStrong are words one of love, determination, positivity, and contagious smiles. Mark is a true inspiration, and I pray for him and Laura as they go on this journey together.
