Oh, Charisse. She gave me the eyes. The you-have-to-be-my-wedding-photographer-or-I’ll-cry eyes. From that point on, I couldn’t say no.
You see, I have some rules in this biz. 😉 I’m not all fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants, you know. One of those rules is, No friends and no family. Meaning, if you’re getting married and you’re my close friend or a family member, I’m sorry, but at your reception, I’ll be in heels, drink in hand, Tommy by my side. Some other sweet photographer can lug around two cameras, five lenses, a set of lights and your drunk uncle. 🙂
But here’s where the word exception comes into play. I’ve been known to make exceptions for truly exceptional people. And Charisse is nothing short of extraordinary.
How do I describe her? She’s amazing. Truly, honestly, wholeheartedly, someone who inspires me. Her personality, her presence, her zest for life, her zeal … she is a ray of sunshine on the cloudiest of days. She’s wiped away my tears more than just a time or two. She has taken me out for sushi when I had to say no the previous four times she asked. (“Don’t worry Katie, I’m not the kind of person who will never ask you again just because you can’t this time … I hate those people!”) She can befriend the scariest, loneliest, strangest, funniest, shyest, craziest person you know. If you’re not her friend now, chances are, you will be in five minutes. I hate caviar but I’ve survived it with her. I’m not a huge drinker but martinis taste extra delicious with this girl. I really dislike games but somehow she gets me to play Apples to Apples. I never knew Waukesha could do Mexican food so dang well until I met Charisse. And she’ll deliver a $1 McDonald’s sundae right to your door, just when you need one most.
So to say the very least, photographing Charisse and Nikki’s engagement photos was incredibly special for me. It’s a different experience when it’s one of your close friends. These two cats are the furthest thing from stiff or boring. They’re fun, they’re in love and they feed off each other’s energy. Nikki doesn’t roll his eyes when Charisse says, “Let’s skip some rocks into Lake Michigan!” That’s what Charisse does … skips rocks … loves life … walks on broken piers … even if it’s 30 degrees outside. Without pause, Nikki picks up a rock and gives it a toss. Why? Because he loooooves her. They’re one in the same.
This is a total Charisse look … she happened to be saying, “Ooooo this is scandalous!” 🙂
I’m sooo excited and honored to be a part of their big day in June. And since Tommy will be invited as well, maybe I can get him to shoot his first wedding photo?! 😉 We’ll see! Love you Charisse!
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