The word “brave” is used all the time, it seems. We say people are brave when they do something amazing, we say they’re brave when they go on a trip, or try a new food. We call it bravery when people stand up for something they believe in, or say something that’s on their mind. Yes, these things are all brave, I admit. But true bravery comes out in the face of real adversity, and “brave” is the word I most associate with the beautiful lady in these images. Katie wanted to do this session secretly, as a surprise for her family and friends with her bare head. I was delighted to be included in such a special and meaningful time, and couldn’t wait to bring this to life. Katie, believe it or not, was not an actual bride in these gorgeous shots; in fact, this session took place on her third wedding anniversary. Her husband had no idea the session was taking place, but she wanted to wear her lace wedding gown, symbolizing the strength of the journey she and her spouse have been on for the last several months. You see, Katie had just finished twelve weeks of treatments for Leukemia, and was awaiting results that would determine her next steps at the time of this shoot. I worked with the wonderful Robin Lynn (who is the makeup artist for this session and who is in the second image), who actually is getting married herself in August (Katie is in the wedding!), and Erie Way Flowers. The owner, Jill Bower, provided this stunning arrangement when she heard Katie’s courageous story.
Awwww thank you so much for the kind words and thank you for being a part of this with me. You are so talented and it meant so much that you were the one taking the pictures! Love you!
My beautiful and brave neice. Love you