Derek and Melissa

Although I didn’t really know what to expect from Melissa and Derek’s wedding day, I knew I was going to thoroughly enjoy myself.  And I did- Melissa and Derek are the type of people that you instantly feel comfortable being around.  Todd and I felt like we were old friends- I just love when our couples “let us in” like that.  What I love about weddings, is discovering all of the things I don’t expect.  And Melissa and Derek’s wedding was full of those unpredictable, unplanned moments.

The first thing that struck me was Melissa’s relationship with her dad.  I also have a close relationship with my dad, and I can really relate to all of the daddy’s girls out there.  I could just tell that, although I’m sure Jim doesn’t fancy himself an emotional guy, there was something going on for him as he watched his daughter get her makeup done for her wedding day.  And even though, when I asked him, “Are you ready for this?”, he replied with a confident, “Oh yeah, we’ve been waiting 34 years for this day!” (sorry Melissa, don’t kill me for revealing your age!!!), you could see what an intense experience it was for both of them as they got ready to walk down the aisle together, he comforting her as she broke down in tears as they stood in the doorway, and her being strong for him as they started to take the walk where he would give her away.

Then there was Derek.  His best friend described him as an incredible talker.  I would have to agree with that.  Not at all in a bad way- he has an uncanny ability to make conversation about any topic, which makes you instantly comfortable around him.  When I asked him at the rehearsal if he was nervous, he denied it, but said how much the enormity of the day was impacting him.  He definitely didn’t take the whole marriage thing lightly.  Melissa loves him to death, but describes him as perpetually late.  Derek does things in his own time.  He took six years (much to Melissa’s dismay) to propose to her.  But when he did, she was really ready.  He was late for his wedding rehearsal.   But he was on time for his wedding day.

We have witnessed many couples have a First Meeting- the moment where they see each other for the first time on their wedding day.  I have never seen the kind of reaction that Derek had.  I think the moment he saw her, he saw his future, and was overcome with emotion.  I realized as the day went on, that Derek deals with emotion by looking towards the sky (see also the image in the slideshow where Melissa’s dad gives her away).  But the look on Melissa’s face was one of total understanding.  She knew what was happening for him.  I’m positive they’re perfect for one another.

So, here’s a little preview of some of the moments from Melissa and Derek’s wedding.  Click play at the end to see a few more.