When I booked Trasea and Luke’s wedding, I knew what I was signing up for. August in Tucson, Arizona is HOT! However, I adore this sweet couple, and knew that it was totally going to be worth it! Trasea and Luke were married at the Tucson Arizona Temple and we were able to take bridal party and couple’s portraits at the gorgeous Omni Tucson Resort. Fun fact, I actually taught Luke when he was 14 in Sunday School at church and Trasea actually was my oldest son’s Sunday school teacher up until their wedding. So to say this couple felt like family is putting it lightly!

The day started at the serene Tucson Arizona Temple. As I met family and friends by the fountain, we eagerly waited to catch a glimpse of the newlyweds as they exited the temple doors. Fun-loving just begins to scratch the surface of the family and friends that braved the heat to celebrate these two! Everybody gathered to make a “tunnel of love” for these two to walk through as we all cheered for them. It was silly and fun, but it truly was a reflection of the joy that defines Trasea and Luke as a couple.

One of my favorite parts of the day was learning about all the thoughtful details that went into creating such a meaningful wedding day! Luke wore a custom suit that was designed by a family member as well as his signature red Nikes. The wedding colors, blue and red, were chosend because they are University of Arizona colors- BEAR DOWN! Trasea looked absolutely stunning in her wedding gown, accented by a gold and pearl hairpiece tucked carefully above her veil. Carefully wrapped around the stems of her bouquet gently hung a circular charm with a black and white photo of her Dad. Although he was not able to be with us physically to celebrate, the charm Trasea carried with her was a tangible reminder that her Dad was with her by her side all day.

Trasea’s Dad passed away several years ago, but I KNOW he was there with us that day. You see, August is monsoon season in the desert, and it POURED on Trasea and Luke’s wedding. As soon as family portraits were over, I took four photos of our bride and groom before the heavens opened and torrential rainfall followed. As Trasea, Luke, her Mom, and I huddled in the temple foyer waiting to see if the storm would pass, Krista, Trasea’s Mom, reminded all of us of a poignant country song by Steve Wariner. The lyrics go like this…

One day shy of eight years old,

When grandma passed away.
I was a broken hearted little boy,
Blowing out that birthday cake.
How I cried when the sky let go,
With a cold lonesome rain.
My mom smiled, said: “Don’t be sad child.
“Grandma’s watching you today.”

“’cause there’s holes in the floor of Heaven,
“And her tears are pouring down.
“That’s how you know she’s watching,
“Wishing she could be here now.
“An’ sometimes if you’re lonely,
“Just remember she can see.
“There’s holes in the floor of Heaven
“And she’s watching over you and me.”

Seasons come and seasons go,
Nothing stays the same.
I grew up, fell in love,
Met a girl who took my name.
Year by year, we made a life,
In this sleepy little town.
I thought we’d grow old together,
Lord, I sure do miss her now.

“’cause there’s holes in the floor of Heaven,
“And her tears are pouring down.
“That’s how you know she’s watching,
“Wishing she could be here now.
“An’ sometimes if you’re lonely,
“Just remember she can see.
“There’s holes in the floor of Heaven
“And she’s watching over you and me.”

Well my little girl is 23,
I walk her down the aisle.
It’s a shame her Mom can’t be here now,
To see her lovely smile.
They throw the rice, I catch her eye,
As the rain starts coming down.
She takes my hand; says: “Daddy don’t be sad,
’cause I know Mama’s watching now.”

“’cause there’s holes in the floor of Heaven,
“And her tears are pouring down.
“That’s how you know she’s watching,
“Wishing she could be here now.
“An’ sometimes if you’re lonely,
“Just remember she can see.
“There’s holes in the floor of Heaven
“And she’s watching over you and me.”

Watching over you and me.

Watching over you and me.

Watching over you and me.

It sent chills through my body as we talked about the lyrics to this song and all of us knew that Trasea’s Dad was there, tears of joy pouring down over his little girl and her husband. One of my favorite images of the day ( you can scroll down to find it ) is Trasea with her grandma, her Dad’s Mom. It is at weddings like this that I realize just how much  I love my job. Years from now, Trasea and Luke will look back on their wedding photos with their sweet family and remember how happy and joyful they were the day they got married and started their lives together. Photos matter. I am so grateful to have been a part of Trasea and Luke’s wedding day! Love you two!