As we stood by the lake with the sun setting before us, the soft golden light casting it’s glow on the water, time stood still. There were no guests, no bridal party, no parents, no children… just Drey & Shay. The Hillmans. They took it all in as they stared into each other’s eyes, and all you could hear was the soft click of our cameras, and the slight shift of the rocks under our feet as we danced panoramically around them, capturing their first portraits as husband and wife. In this moment, nothing else mattered. They had become one.
I still remember the day we met in beautiful downtown Cincinnati for their engagement session almost a year ago. It was raining cats and dogs and while most would have said, “let’s reschedule?” Drey & Shay said, “lets do it!” I’m pretty sure I totally fell in love with them at that moment. These two have spent the last 15 years of their lives together. When you do life with someone that long, a little rain compares nothing to the storms of life they have weathered together. They gazed at each other, smiled, laughed, posed under umbrellas and trekked through water & mud as if it was a typical Sunday. And as I sit here and write for this incredible couple I have had the honor of serving, I am filled with admiration at the way they take on life. No matter what seems to not go as planned, these two are unshaken. They press forward with a smile, and a demeanor that exudes peace. I’ve never seen them sweat the small stuff, never seen them lose their cool. They have gigantic hearts, and even on their own wedding day, I silently watched as they both selflessly served the needs of others.
To say that their wedding day was beautiful would be an understatement. If you haven’t been to the incredible property of Lake Lyndsay in Hamilton, OH, you have missed a gem in our gorgeous city. The views are breathtaking, the accommodations, top notch. But I will say, that day, it all paled in comparison to the bride! Shay was positively glowing in her custom dress and perfect accessories. Drey deserved the cover of GQ magazine. We had such an amazing time celebrating their union, and I look forward to the many wonderful years to come for the Hillman family!
Drey & Shay, thank you for allowing me the honor of serving you. I have enjoyed our time together over this past year and a half, and I wish nothing but peace, and happiness and joy for you and your family! I know that you two will keep being the biggest hearts in the room, and it’s one of my favorite things about you both! I love the love that you have for each other! I saw it day one, and it’s even stronger today. 15 years down, a lifetime to go. I’ll forever be #TeamHillman.
