The first time I met Whitney and Vince, it was like meeting old friends. We sat around my coffee table drinking wine, chatting about life, cracking jokes (let’s be honest, that was mostly Vince), and of course, talking about their love story. As I watched them laugh together and hold each other’s gaze as they took turns speaking, I knew I just HAD to work with them. I feel pretty lucky that they felt the same way. :)

It was a case of retail therapy that brought Whitney into DSW looking for a sexy new pair of shoes. Not finding her size in the heel she had selected, Vince came to the rescue and offered to order them for her. As they exchanged witty banter and lingered in conversation, both felt a pull, a connection, a desire to keep talking. Whitney almost asked for his number, and Vince froze as he completed the transaction and watched her walk out the door. A few days later, Whitney returned to pick up the shoes. She secretly hoped Vince would be there but saw no sign of him. Vince was unaware that Whitney was stopping by DSW that day, and when he came onto the sales floor and saw her, his heart starting racing. He immediately turned around and walked into the back. He had no idea what to do! But in an instant, he realized he couldn’t lose his opportunity and he marched himself back out determined to get her number. Whitney was delighted, and a few days later they had their first date at Sullivan’s. Vince didn’t know it, but he had set the bar high. Whitney had another date that week, and it fell flat compared to the fun and chemistry they had experienced together. A month in, Vince knew she was the girl for him. It took Whitney a little bit longer, but a few months later, she knew she had met the guy she wanted to spend her life with.

Shoe love brought them together, and it was with an elaborate plan involving another box of shoes that Vince proposed (on his birthday!) a year later. Shocked, but without hesitation, Whitney said yes. Though I’ve only known them a little over a year, I can attest their own description is accurate: “Perfectly matched, well-balanced. He talks, she listens. He cooks, she cleans. He’s a cheeseball and she loves gooey cheese. She works herself up, he calms her down. He likes to drive, she prefers the passenger seat (they assure me this is not a metaphor!). We have so much fun together, whether we’re just running errands, cuddling on the couch, or skydiving.” Whitney is kind, compassionate, witty, and book smart. Vince is attentive, intuitive, hilarious, and street smart. She adores red wine. He is a whiskey connoisseur. And they both have the deepest amount of love, respect and adoration for one another. 

Every time I spend a few hours with Whitney and Vince, I walk away having laughed the hardest I had all day and feeling uplifted and refreshed. Every time we talk about their wedding, the latest cause they are supporting, or something random on Facebook, I am struck with an affirmation that THIS is why I do what I do. Sure, it’s about gorgeous photos and excellence and artistry, yes. But I do what I do because I love people, good people. And Whitney and Vince are among the very best. I adore these two so, so much. I am honored, overjoyed, and squealing with excitement (!!) to photograph their big day TOMORROW at Patrick Haley Mansion. Thank you, Whit and Vince, for inviting me to capture your beautiful memories. Thank you, Joan of Five Grain Events, for introducing me to the most wonderful clients! I am SO grateful. Now let’s go have some fun together!

 

Cinderella moment?

The fateful shoes that brought them together…