When Rhea asked if I would consider going home to Newfoundland to shoot her wedding, I didn’t hesitate a minute in saying yes. I absolutely couldn’t wait. You see, I knew it was going to be special. I have known Rhea since high school and I know her family. I also knew that though I had only met Aaron a couple of random times as a teenager, he was super nice. I also knew this wedding was a long time coming because for as long as I could remember, Rhea had a little, ahem, big thing for Aaron. I was thrilled that they were getting married and I couldn’t wait to be there, and I was honoured that they asked me to be their photographer.
The picture above is probably one of my favorite getting ready shots of all time. The lacing up of the dress is always a paradox and this totally unstaged shot features the backsides of all of her bridesmaids helping her get dressed. This photo totally reminds me of Cinderella’s mice, getting her ready for the ball. I love it.
Now, how is this for cute? Look at the expression on Rhea’s face. No wonder everyone who meets her loves her to bits immediately. If anyone in this world loves their parents, it’s Rhea Manning. She also loves her Grandmother more than you might think is humanly possible. It’s all very cute listening to her. Here she is getting her Dad ready to head out to the ceremony. I thought he was going to burst with pride all day. Some of my favorite shots from weddings are the bride and her Dad. Especially walking up the aisle, and the father daughter dance. Both moments are always filled with such emotion.
My favorite part of photographing weddings is catching the emotion on peoples face. Look what I was seeing in the picture above while all eyes were on the bride and her parents coming up the aisle. I love this picture of Aaron, he looks so darn excited.
Would you look at Rhea’s proud momma? I always thought she was stunning, and she still is. She is also hysterically funny. I heart her.
Would you just look at the two of them looking at each other while everyone else was busy looking at or thinking of something else for a brief second. This is just why these two backgammon rivals needed to get hitched. They have fun together. It’s adorable. 
I have a regret as it relates to Rhea’s and Aaron’s wedding. Do you see the scrumptious looking jars of jam? Could you not just eat the picture? Well, I was busy setting up lights as they cleared the tables and I lost out on getting to bring mine home. All of the lovely amazing women in Rhea’s life rallied to orchastrate these as wedding favors. Initially, what with not being handy in the kitchen I assumed doing these would be a love and easy party favor. After hearing about the process of making them, packaging them, transporting them and finishing them (not to mention the actual making of the jam), I think I stand corrected and really wish I had gotten to savour mine! 
If you haven’t gotten the idea by now, I will point out to you that Rhea and Aaron are very into nature. They live in Goose Bay, Labrador now, where Aaron does some environmental job that I wouldn’t even pretend for a second to understand. They like things like hiking and earthy type things (that city kids like me don’t neccesarily enjoy everyday). This guest ‘book’ was awesome. I actually assigned the procurement of this very tree to my father who was not convinced I hadn’t lost my mind. However, I think it came out beautifully. While I was editing, I couldn’t resist zooming in, and I read some of the messages that people had written on their tags. I won’t divulge details, but I will tell, unequivocally, these two are loved. 
My next piece of insider information that I feel compelled to share with the internet is that Rhea and Kelly have been best friends since before anyone can remember. So it makes sense that Kelly was the maid of honor. But the awesome part is that Aaron is Kelly’s cousin. So now not only are they the best of friends, they are also family. Here, an unsuspecting Rhea is listening to Kelly give her speech…
And here we find the two friends again. This time with Kelly revealing secrets about Rhea, way back when she was Aaron’s biggest admirer.
Remember the Father Daughter dance that I love so much. Yup. Little watery eyed watching these two…
Rhea and Aaron, I sincerly wish you every happiness you can imagine as you make your lives in Goose Bay, or wherever life finds you. You are both the most kind, sincere and genuine people I know. You deserve every joy in life, and I know that a large part of the joy in life is finding your soulmate and I know you have done just that. Enjoy every backgammon game, every piece of pie, every hike with Bear and Belle, and every day for the rest of your lives. I am happy and proud to call you my friends and I love you both- congratulations.
XOXO,
Amy
P.S…. Your Trash the Dress pictures are smokin’! Look for them soon!
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