10/24/2025
š«This was one of the most beautifulāand hardestāweddings Iāve ever photographed.
Not because of the lighting, or the venue, or any of the challenges we photographers typically faceā¦
but because of the emotion. When my friend called and asked me if I could be available for one of her boysā weddings? It wasnāt even a question. Thereās not a chance Iād leave it to anyone else.
Ryan and Dan are the quintessential made-for-each-other couple. They live overseas and will soon be moving even farther away. Their families spoke about how they complete each other, and their vows were absolutely perfect.
Theyāre two of the most genuine, kind-hearted men walking this earthānot to mention adorableāand they both come from the most wonderful families. Some relatives even traveled from the UK to celebrate with them, and everyone blended together so seamlessly.
It was such a joyous, intimate, love-filled day.
And I was over the moon to witness a handfasting ceremony for the first time!
The way Ryan and Dan look at each other could melt anyoneās heart, and Iām so deeply honored they chose me to be there to capture it.
āø»
I held it together through most of the weddingāuntil after the ceremony, when I noticed a certain purple bandana tucked into the groomās pocket.
Itās the same kind of bandana that sits on my daughterās deskā¦
and the same one thatās wrapped around my rearview mirror.
In February of this year, they lost one of their brothers.
The Gibson family has always been four brothers strong.
Iāve been photographing them since before the younger boys were taller than me. They grew up with my girls, and their mom, Deb, is one of my most adored and trusted friends.
Luke should have been there that day.
If he had, he wouldāve been the officiantācracking jokes, flashing that infamous āBlue Steelā pose, and giving the kind of bear hugs that made everything feel right in the world.
He wasnāt there physically, but his presence was undeniable.
His big brother carried Lukeās purple bandana in his pocket all day and revealed it during family photos. At first, I thought it was something I needed him to removeāuntil I realized what it was. And I nearly fell apart.
Iām crying as I write this.
Seeing that bandana felt like Luke photobombing me one last timeāsomething he was famous for during our family shoots. It was one of those laugh/cry moments. There was no way it could stay hidden, because Luke was never one to stay hidden.
He was larger than life and had a smile that brought calm to everyone around him.
Deb didnāt even know her stepson had placed the bandana in his pocket in honor of his brother. But Luke was there.
He was there in our hearts, in the love shared between these families, and in the spirit that filled the entire day.
āø»
This family is truly the best of the best people I know. Every single one of them.
Ryan and Dan, as you set off on your next adventure together across the world, I wish you nothing but love, laughter, and every joy this life has to offer.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of your story.
I love you all so much. ā¤ļø
