Mark and Liz would have no way of knowing that while they, along with all of their family and friends, were celebrating at the wedding their home was being leveled in the Mayflower tornado destruction. Since then their story has went viral and was even shared on the Huffington Post.
While I was devastated for them, I was also rejoicing in the fact that they weren't home and were safe at the venue celebrating the first day of the rest of their life together. Throughout this entire month I have been humbled and in awe of their positive attitude and outlook on life in general. I want to share with you their beautiful love story and how something so amazing came out of a day so tragic.
I asked Liz to share how she and Mark first met. She shares it best in her own words...
"Mark and I have known each other for several years, about 8 years to be exact. We worked together and during that time we became friends and of course had similar interests. He divorced about 5 years ago and I went thru the same situation 3 years ago. That along with our kids gave us a common bond as well. We stayed in touch when I left our old company two years ago and Mark actually reached out to me when he had a position that needed to be filled in his Russellville location, to see if I knew of anyone that would be good for the job. In short we started chatting and discovered that we were both dating. We found it difficult dating people that didn't have kids and didn't understand our roles to our kids. Before I knew it we were texting and talking often. We had coffee, dinner, and the relationship grew from there pretty quickly to our surprise. We had such a good base being friends and knowing each other beforehand. When we first decided to go out we both later confessed we thought it would be really weird....it wasn't at all which took us both by complete surprise. It just seemed natural. We waited a while before introducing the kids and once we did all of us just clicked. We all love each other, look out for each other, and take care of each other. It is amazing how our little blended, put together family feels so much like this is the way it was suppose to be."
Of course their Ceremony was lovely, and the reception was a blast too! I have never photographed a Wedding where the kiddos had such awesome dance moves. These kids really blew my mind!
Liz speaks beautifully about what this day meant to their family and their outlook on the entire situation. Her words melted my heart.
"Mark and I have talked a lot since the wedding day, the storm, all of it. We feel like this is our new family's fresh start; a clean slate, and a way for us all to share something that nobody else will ever really understand. We feel like this will make us all closer, and we are excited to get to build something together that is ours. One day our kids will share this story with theirs and their grand kids ... It may just be how we are remembered by future generations of our family... And that makes us laugh a little."
Liz and Mark, you are two of the most amazing, strong, and beautiful people I know. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your new beginning. I am honored to have documented this perfect day in your lives.
Venue: BoBrook Farms
Cake: Blue Cake Company
Caterer: Cheers
Florist: Curly Willow
D.J: Central Arkansas Entertainment
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