I recently bought a nice suit – not because I have a particular use for one – but because I’ve reached that age where many of my closest friends are getting married and I should think about how I end up looking in the pictures. Marie and James are definitely prime reasons for this purchase – but let me backtrack a little.
Marie - what can I say about her? When she isn’t in my mind and forcing me to spend money that I don’t have on Italian suits – she is with you and fully engaged, having such great conversations you have to wonder where the time went. I lived with Marie for three years and together we went through several household challenges and excitements. We were a great team and always had each other’s backs.When she left on various trips, I often felt a certain emptiness but in some ways - these trips were also a reminder of how much I valued her – her presence and compassion. Knowing that either of us was returning from our respective trips (of which there were many) would always trigger a sense of excitement. We’d make arrangements, special meals and ensure that everything was ready for the other person so that they were comfortable - talk about our experiences and how they may have changed us. Talk about what we’ve learned – about ourselves, about the world and through these conversations we would take the other on a magical journey.
I was living in India when Marie told me that she had met someone. I must say that I was a bit apprehensive at first – but as she described him, I came to appreciate that she had met someone that truly valued her for the incredible person that she is.
When I came back to Canada, it was Marie that helped me out with the logistics of accommodation and it so happened that James’ roommate was willing to sublet me her room – and the two weeks that I spent with him brought out a deep appreciation for his perseverance and focus and the incredible relationship that they had. He decided to partake in many of Marie’s activities so that they could spend more time together and today, they are both incredible and dedicated tri-athletes -having just done a half iron-man and on their way to many more self-imposed obstacles.
Naturally, I was honored when they asked me to capture these photographs which they will use to send out wedding invitations and get people excited for that special day in September 2018 – when I will sport my amazing suit and pose with confidence for those special and memorable photographs of two incredible people coming together.
