Brooke and Alex

Green Lane Park

Green Lane, PA

This is hard. Really hard. I want to drink a few bottles of wine but I don’t have any. That and I have the kids home. While yes, it is testing me as a parent because I NEVER wanted to be a stay at home Mom, I am enjoying the memories and activities we are getting to do each day. Few things test creativity like being home with a 2 year old and being a vegetarian trying to come up with a dinner idea every night using whatever food we actually have in the house. So while the photographer in my would rather be using her brain for shooting beautiful couples this season and adorable babies… at least the creative part isn’t going to waste. But ya’ll this is hard. And that’s without having the added stress that a lot of my couples are faced with. Those who are trying to plan their wedding this year… Just know that I feel for you! My heart hurts every time a couple of mine reaches out to me because they were literally in the final stages of planning and then their boats got rocked overnight. Everyone’s boat got rocked. I am feeling the it twice as I can longer have an income in bartending or photography. Luckily though, my husband is able to work from home so we are not being hit as hard as those who are unable to work at all or even those who have to work in the madness of this virus. Everyone is in a tough time right now - something that can make it a little easier for everyone is trying not to make it about you. Don’t hoard supplies. Don’t panic shop. Don’t replace milk with formula. Don’t replace paper products with wipes. Don’t buy everything in hope to price gouge. Don’t assume your neighbor isn’t hurting. Don’t be selfish. Don’t keep quiet. Don’t pick a fight. Think of all the things you can be doing in this time. Get creative. Build a fort for the 100th time. Color with sidewalk chalk. Get messy. Paint some rocks. Play with a sprinkler. Run around. Give your kids a free hour to make the rules. Share you ideas for other families. Snuggle up for a movie. Plant some flowers. Clean a closet. Donate spare supplies. Read a book. Write a book. Fuck pants and a bra. Find your silver lining - whatever that might be.

I feel like for the foreseeable future, the notions of weddings might be changing a bit. Couples will eventually have the option to have their weddings again but this is a solid time to rethink what that means to you. Is it a big party, a small elopement, or something in-between? For all of my current and future couples, just know that I’m here for you. Whatever your vision might be. Should it end up being an elopement, let this be some inspiration for you! Grab your boo, grab a backpack, grab your puppy, and grab some beer. Head out into the wilderness and find what makes you happy. No need for fancy shoes, toss on some boots, get some of the most gorgeous florals, and leave the crowd at home. I am with a lot of people who feel like this whole pandemic could be Earth’s way of humbling the human race and getting us back to basics. I am also with a mass group of people who believe that when this is over - and it will end - that a lot of reflection will be happening around the world. Without getting into politics or health issues or any other “adult conversations” just know that we are Alone Together.