Welcome to the Monday Mashup! One of my goals for 2013 is to journal more consistently, and one of the ways I’ve decided to do that is to take time each Monday to share something unique, strange or fun about myself with you. I’ve decided to begin with something that is very near and dear to my heart. I am a sister of Alpha Gamma Delta.
I have tried to write this post a dozen times. Even now, I find myself typing out sentences, erasing them, and beginning again. The right words escape me. It’s so difficult for me to describe the immense love that I have for my Alpha Gam sisters. How do you convey to someone what it feels like to walk into a house filled with complete strangers and know in your heart that you belong? How do you describe that instant connection? The feeling that you have suddenly found yourself among dear friends. The knowledge that they will stand by you through anything. The belief that you have stumbled head first into relationships that will change you forever. I never could have imagined what a beautiful experience awaited me when I first stepped foot in that little yellow house on Fifth Street, but I am so, so thankful that I did.
My Alpha Gam sisters have been a huge source of encouragement, inspiration and motivation for me since I began pursuing this crazy dream in college. My first bride was an Alpha Gam sister, and I have had the joy of photographing many more over the last five years. These women have been my biggest supporters, my loudest cheerleaders, and my most loyal and beloved clients. I know I’m not supposed to have favorites, but my heart is touched in a unique way every time I receive an email that includes the words, “I am an Alpha Gam.” And it’s because those words automatically tell me something about the bride. It tells me that she is authentic, fun loving, and relentless in the pursuit of her dreams. I know that she is a dedicated worker and a fierce friend. Somewhere in her closet she probably has a pair of rain boots, a stack of crush party t-shirts, and a collection of strapless sundresses. Whether or not I know her personally, whether or not we’ve ever met, I want her wedding day to be perfect, and I want to be there to celebrate her and make her feel beautiful.
Here are a few of my favorite portraits of these incredible women.
Roses to possessing high ideals and attaining somewhat unto them. I love you ladies!
