March 20, 2017
“Hannah, I cannot thank you enough for the gift you have given our family. Your photos will forever hang in our home. When I say we created beautiful memories in those 4 short months, I include our experience with you and Joel that evening. Thank you for your prayers at this time as well.” – Rebekah
I never thought I would write a blog post with such a heavy heart and yet a fire in my veins to continue doing what I do. With permission from the Wright family, I share their story with you.
In October 2016, Joel and I drove to Wales to meet the Wrights as they just had a new addition to their family, little Beckett. They wanted to document this stepping stone in their lives with a family photo shoot- I didn’t hesitate to say yes!
We had a gorgeous evening for the photo shoot. It was quite warm for October, and with the hillside view of the ocean, the setting sun, gulls overhead and the kids running around and chasing sheep in the field, we couldn’t have had it any better. At only 4 weeks old, Beckett evidently brought so much joy to his family. It was a beautiful thing to witness and capture in photographs.
Only a few months later, in January this year, I received news that Beckett went down for a nap and didn’t wake up. He was completely healthy, yet he passed away at only 3 1/2 months old. When I heard the news, I immediately called Joel and together we sat crying and grieving for this family. It’s all we could do. I can’t even begin to imagine their loss.
Rebekah graciously said to me, “I would love for you to write about the importance of capturing memories. That’s something that has always been important to me…” She is absolutely right- capturing memories is important. How Rebekah values photographs, resonates with me in many ways.
I want to be a photographer because I think people are valuable and relationships are priceless. I know that time is fleeting and memories fade but capturing those important life moments in photographs allow us to relive those moments long after the fact. One of my favorite quotes is by Katie Thurmes, “We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone.” This statement couldn’t ring truer.
These photos tell the story of an incredible family bond. The love between a husband and wife, mother and father, brothers and sister. A celebration of their newborn son and their baby brother. These photographs allow this family to remember and cherish Beckett’s life on earth. Having had the opportunity to meet Beckett and give these photos to the Wrights, I am honestly lost for words. It leaves me feeling humbled and in awe. It has given extreme weight to my work. I will never take my job lightly.
The Wright’s moved from America to the small town of Llanfairfechan in Wales to lead a church and to share the love of God to everyone they meet. Rebekah is a wonderful writer and blogs about their life in Wales. She would love to share her blog with you. Here, you can read more about their story and most importantly, their steadfastness in God in the midst of this terrible circumstance. Their strength and faith in this time are astounding to me.
Rebekah and Brian, thank you for asking me to photograph your family. Joel and I are both so thankful to have spent this time with you all- you are in our thoughts and prayers.
“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.” (Psalm 46:1-3,7)
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