Shana and Darrel were married at the Marriott in the Legacy Towne Center. Big thanks to Astounding Sounds for all their entertainment. And special thank you to my dear friend Mallory Krieger for shooting this wedding with me. You know that I couldn’t have done it without you!!
This is a very special couple in more ways than one. There is so much to share about them, that I couldn’t even begin to get it all on this post along with the pictures. So let me start by telling you that they chose their wedding date to turn a heart breaking day into a joyful day. June 4th is the anniversary of Darrel’s mom’s passing. Though the toast from his brother was a tearful one, it was a special one. She will forever be remembered in their hearts and as his brother said, she would be so proud of Darrel and Shana and very happy for their new life they are starting together.
Another reason this couple is close to my heart is how they hired me. Instead of me telling the story, I asked Darrel to tell it in his own words….and here is what he sent to me:
“Shana met April at a Bridal Show in Frisco and I’m not sure what was said or done at the show but after spending hours at the show, multiple phone calls and recommendations for different vendors the only thing that was certain before the wedding was, “I want April.” Now, I do know that Shana is a salesman’s dream so I just chalked it up to, well this April must be some salesperson. Anyway, before I finally met April face to face, I had already said to myself, there is NO WAY I am going to hire this photographer. I saw her website and just automatically assumed that she was way out of my budget. What about just collecting pictures from the different disposable cameras on the tables? Well thankfully Shana was able to explain that this is an investment and not a cookout. In any case, during our meeting April was just so warm, welcoming and not pushy at all. In fact, her attitude was more like, well this is what I do, I’m very good at what I do and I would love your business but you have options. I didn’t want to admit it then but before long I felt the sincere, comfortable feeling that Shana was telling me about but I couldn’t let it show. After the meeting, I went online and began looking for photographers that were $100 and less (I’m exaggerating but you get the point). I told Shana that I think I found the photographer for us and it was at that point that the exorcist entered her body. She just didn’t say anything when I told her, for about a month. At this point, I realize that not only was I sold on April’s spirit, energy and GREAT photography but if I still planned on marrying this lady, I need to make it work. Long story short, I contacted April and we made it work. We agreed to not tell Shana until the day of her bridals but April didn’t realize how bad I was catching it at home so I had to set up a meeting with “the photographer” ASAP. We were to meet at the same place as we met April in the initial meeting to add salt to the wound. So we walked in and sat waiting for “the photographer”. As Shana and I were talking I just saw her face turn pale as if she saw a ghost. In walks April and Shana didn’t know if she should start trying to explain why we were there or if she should ask April to help beat me down for not hiring her. I then say, “Shana, meet our photographer”. For the first time in 2 months, I got a REAL kiss. It was a classic moment that I wish we could’ve caught on camera. We didn’t get much business done because the 2 of them just vibed and in conversation April had already formatted how we would move forward. Fast forward to our wedding day and our family and guest were all so impressed by the professionalism of April. The photo sessions were pure comedy and April made what is normally a stressful day, a very fun, exciting day. We have adopted April as our “cuzzin” so we look forward to seeing you at the next reunion April.”
How Darrel hired me is one of the greatest compliments ever! When Shana realized he had hired me, she hugged me so tight and her tears started. Such a heart warming experience for me. And yes, Darrel…you better believe that I’ll be at that reunion!! Love you guys!!
by photobyaw
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