Laurel’s Mims House Bridal Session | Maggie Mills Photography | NC Wedding Photographer
Laurel is officially a MRS!! Laurel & Lucas tied the knot on Saturday at small intimate ceremony in Boone. It wasn’t what they had planned or imagined, but they were married and that’s all that matters! Being able to share these bridals is very special not only because of the bride, but because of their story of resilience and choosing love over fear.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past 3 weeks, you know that our nation and world has been flipped upside down because of the Covid-19 virus. When we did these bridal portraits at the Leslie-Alford-Mims House, none of us knew the impact it would have on us, much less how it would totally upend Laurel & Lucas’ wedding plans. We were too busy ooing and aaing over her perfect wedding dress, throwing veils so they float in the wind, and finding the perfect light to photograph the glowing bride. This truly was the calm before the storm.
Fast forward to the week before the wedding when the Governor of NC issued a ban of events over 100 people. My heart sunk as I watched the press conference. I had just met with the couple just hours before to go over final timeline for their 200+ person wedding. We were strong in our hope that the wedding would still happen and that the virus was indeed not inviting to the event! In a matter of 24 hours, the couple had to decide to postpone the day they’d been planning for months. “At this point, I’m numb. I just want to be married.” Laurel said on the phone with me Sunday night when she made the final call. They decided instead to opt for a small intimate ceremony with family who could be there in Boone, and plan for a larger celebration in the fall with the same vendor team. In the midst of the craziness of this situation and all of the unknown, they remained true to their love and desire to just be married. And married they are!
This is a terrible time for all brides and wedding vendors, but I hope that one good to come of this is that it puts into perspective the WHY of it all. Yes, we love the big weddings with the stunning flowers and creative food, and a lively reception with lots of dancing and laughter. But what is it really about? Marriage. It’s the start of a marriage, of a family, of a lifetime together. Does it really all just boil down to love? I think so. But maybe that’s just the hopeless romantic in me! It’s easy to get wrapped up in the details of wedding planning, but Laurel and Lucas chose to stay focused on what it’s all about. For that, I am thankful.
Congratulations Mr. & Mrs.Hicks! I cannot wait to celebrate you and your marriage later this year!
