On August 11, 2007 two of my very good friends, Dustin & Rebecca Rhodes were married. I had the honor of photographing their wedding day, and it was a beautiful day celebrating with family and friends. Rebecca and Dustin are such an amazing couple with a beautiful story. They started dating in high school, attended the same college, and were married a year after graduating. They have an adorable, smart, and funny two year old son. And anyone who knows them can see how much they love each other, their family, and the Lord with all of their hearts. This year Rebecca and Dustin would be celebrating their 7th wedding anniversary. Sadly, Dustin passed away a year ago, after a courageous fight against brain cancer. Just a little over a year since Dustin passed, Rebecca and their son, Michael, chose to celebrate this special day, and Dustin’s life in their own way.
On their anniversary day, Rebecca wore her wedding dress and we went to the place that she and Dustin held their wedding reception. Michael wore his little suit, and was excited to get dressed up and look so handsome (yes he told me this and it was adorable!). We started out taking photos in some of the same places where Rebecca & Dustin had posed on their wedding day. We showed Michael photos of his mommy and daddy. Photos that he has seen many times, but still loves to study and talk about.
We discovered an open field full of beautiful sunlight at the venue, and it was the perfect place for Rebecca and Michael to create some sweet memories. They ran, they played, they danced, they laughed, they blew lots of kisses to daddy in heaven, and they celebrated the beautiful love that they all share. We celebrated the beautiful, strong, and amazing woman, wife, and mother that Rebecca is. I know that her faith and strength have been an inspiration to so many through this journey. We went to the cemetery to visit Dustin’s grave. Michael showed me how much his little hand has grown over the past year and the tree that he planted. We prayed, we cried, we smiled when we talked about Dustin and what a loving father and husband he was. And when Rebecca needed it most, Michael was right there with a big hug. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate this special day for two special people. Happy anniversary Dustin & Rebecca. Your love has truly been an inspiration to me and to so many. “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart.”