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Andrew + Brooke | Evansville, Indiana Wedding

Sharin Shank

I have a confession. I’ve re-written this blog post 3 times already. I’ve thought to myself with each revision, am I sharing too much? But the truth of the matter is, I’m a wedding photographer. I make connections with couples. Great connections. They trust me to document one of the most special days of their lives. My goal is to capture these memories so that a bride and groom can relive this amazing day over and over again. I’m honored to be the one to share in these moments with Andrew + Brooke and their families. It is a blessing.

Brooke’s father passed away last year. And my heart goes out to her. Not only is this one of the best day’s of her life, but a day she will always remember. My “job” if you can even call it that {I love what I do SO much}, was on a new level the day I photographed Andrew and Brooke’s wedding day. I cried several times during their special day and of course I shed a few tears while editing the images. I will always have this part in her life story. And for that I am truly grateful.

I adore photographing wedding details. The gown, shoes, veil + all the little things that are treasured. I was given a necklace and I thought to myself oh this is cute! I love this heart shaped locket. Then I was told that it contained something very important. Brooke’s fathers ashes. Within a second I shook a little. I had a tear and I knew that what I did as a wedding photographer had much more meaning on this day. I was documenting something special – which of course I do on all wedding days – but this was extra special.

I remember my hands shaking whenever Brooke walked down the isle to Andrew holding onto her brother’s arm. Her mother met her half-way and the two gave this special gal to Andrew. They hugged. Smiled. And had a moment all to themselves. It was an incredible moment. These two shared their vows and said “I DO” and I remember seeing Brooke walk back down the isle with this incredible smile. I mean incredible smile.

The wedding party and I ran off to the 4H grounds. Documenting Brooke with her bridesmaids and watching Andrew and his groomsmen getting rowdy was so much fun. Then the special little moment of photographing Andrew + Brooke together. “Man, this guy sure does love this girl” I kept thinking to myself over and over as they laughed, smiled and kissed. Their dog Boone joined them and was that a treat! He was the best wedding dog ever! He even ran for me a few times.

After all the formals were taken care of, we sat and had dinner. Her caterer {just saying!} was amazing! I’ve had fried chicken meals but this one was the best. Some apple butter for your biscuit?! Omg. YES PLEASE!

The reception started with cake cutting and then speeches. The best man and the maid of honor had incredible speeches! The best man congratulated the groom and then told everyone in the crowd ” Brooke is now taken. I’ll need all of her house keys back” haha. It was so funny. So all of these guests {randomly} jumped up out of their chairs and started handing the best man keys. This was off the chain and I did my best to photograph this moment while laughing. Then he said some very important words to the newly weds. Incredible words that they will never forget. Words of wisdom and truth. The maid of honor LOVES Brooke so incredibly much. She didn’t know if she wanted to laugh or cry. These two people just got married and what an honor it was to listen to their best friends tell their story in their own way. From their memories and from their hearts.

The first dances were emotional. Very emotional. Her brother introduced Brooke and then introduced 5 very special men in Brooke’s life. These men were father figures to Brooke. I’ll never forget photographing each of them take Brooke by the hand and dance with her. I’ve never been a part of anything like this before. I’m an emotional person as it is, and this had my heart just sobbing. It was such an incredible moment. Something she will remember for a lifetime. A moment she will tell her kids about and have the images to share. Brooke went from smiling to a cry. I cried. I think everyone was crying. Her brother then got the opportunity to dance with his sister. After the dances were over, he introduced Brooke’s mom. This special and very sweet woman took the floor. She was remembered as the mom who took 2 roles. Mom and Dad. It was another amazing moment that they shared with everyone. Enough of the emotional Brooke said! The song changed and Brooke called out all moms with their daughters to dance. What an amazing scene it was too! Brooke with her mom. Moms with older children and also moms with new babies were out on that dance floor smiling and taking a moment to rejoice in this moment.

Then the party started. I’ll never forget watching some country dancing! It was on too! Wrapping up this special day was so incredible!! I’m so happy for this special and amazing couple.

Andrew + Brooke – your wedding day was absolutely amazing! Thank you two so much for sharing this day with me and trusting me to document these once in a lifetime memories. I’m beyond blessed and incredibly honored to be the one you chose! I can’t tell you how happy I am to deliver this wedding gallery to you. I am absolutely looking forward to our meet-up and delivering your USB of precious memories!