The Greatest Privilege

It’s Friday morning. Bon Iver sings over me sweet melodies, calling me out of my slumber in the worst way. I’m at my desk, and I’ve opened our blinds for the first time in two months. We live directly across from a 24/7 fitness center with glass walls. You might imagine the intimidation that results from open blinds… The sky is beginning its metamorphosis. And it’s beautiful. Sometimes the sky just blows me away. God is a true artist. It’s casual Friday, which means my extra-fine husband is a walking Express ad. (I love Fridays.) And for the first time in quite some time, I have the weekend off. Like every free weekend, I will try to convince Dylan to take me to the aquarium. It probably won’t happen, but just the idea makes me happy. (P.S. I really, really want a baby turtle.)

Which brings me to the point of this haphazard post. Life is good. I’ve been so blessed to enjoy some of the most ordinary, yet beautiful things in life. Bon Iver. Fresh mornings. And one mighty good-looking husband. This week in particular has gotten me all reflective and sappy and, if you can believe it, even more Alyse-like. (Case in point: I cried at an Oreo commercial just the other day. Yeah.. I know.) The icing on the cake was receiving brownies from a client’s mother (an absolute stranger to me) who lives more than a thousand miles away. She thanked me for making her daughter and soon-to-be son so happy with their engagement images. That’s it. Just happy. Oreo cookies, or gourmet fudge brownies, you can only assume my reaction..

I am just so thankful to be doing what I do. Often times I get consumed in the editing, the marketing, the planning. And then clients come along, who validate what I do and why I do it, over and over again. I asked Patricia, daughter of brownie-momma, if I could share this message she sent me a couple weeks ago. Because it rocked my world. And because it made me so ridiculously appreciative of my clients, for trusting me to document their love. It is a privilege beyond my wildest dreams. Truly..

“I just wanted to send you another quick note of thanks. The response to the photographs from family and friends has been otherworldly! I have to say I’ve probably gone back to view the pictures 100+ times (and I wish that was an exaggeration).  You captured us… our family so perfectly.  It’s really the response from everyone that means the most…’You can see the happiness and peace… The pictures are so YOU.’ And for you to see that in us… Well it’s a gift, so thank you.”

“It’s hard to see your relationship from the outside, when you are in it, and I guess this is really the first time I’ve seen Mike and I as parents, and as a couple from everyone elses vantage point. And through your photography, I’ve realized even more how special what we have is… Thank you for that gift.”

To my brides and grooms: Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. For including me in your love stories. And for making life so chocolaty-sweet.

I leave you with a few images of the newest sample albums to grace my shelves. If you’ve ever wondered “What, oh what do albums from Alyse French Photography look like?!” look no further than here. And f’real, I’m sure you’ve ALL thought that, right? ;)

And my brownies. :) I assure you, they were gone in no time.

Happy Friday and have a fabulous weekend!!