Declan & Leoni-Fay - Anvil Hall | Gretna Green

I don’t normally photograph weddings, so this was out of my comfort zone in a big way.

It’s probably wrong to admit that on my photography blog but I’m not perfect and I still doubt my abilities. I think it’s important to acknowledge that and mention the butterflies I get after I have outlined my services to a potential client. I am so incredibly grateful for friends that have faith in my abilities, that contact me and say they want me to photograph their wedding documentary style; and by the way, it’s in Scotland.

Sometimes the road to happiness is relatively straightforward; you meet someone, fall in love, you’re able to face the challenges together and things remain relatively happy for the rest of your life.

But sometimes, it’s less straightforward. Sometimes you fall in love and no matter how hard you try, things just seem to fall apart. It hurts. There’s a mess of emotions to deal with, things to get your head around as you find a new normal.

I have known Leoni-Fay for twenty years, we spent our teenage years together. It has been quite a journey. She is someone who, no matter how hard and dark life has seemed, has managed to keep searching for the joy and the happiness. Hers is a story of hoping and persevering, of overcoming challenges and finding the things to laugh about.
I’ve had the song ‘Feels Like Home’ by Chantal Kreviazuk in my head as I’ve written this post. These lyrics, in particular, stand out:

if you knew how I wanted someone to come along

And change my life the way you’ve done.

…

But I’m alright, ‘cause I have you here with me

and I can almost see, through the dark there is light.

Declan and Leoni-Fay, I am so happy for you! Happy that you have overcome the dark times and found each other. I loved being able to capture your new beginning as a family of 9. I wish you every happiness on this new adventure.