Lake DeGray | Rebecca & Cody's Wedding | Hot Springs, AR

On the shores of DeGray Lake, a crisp, gentle breeze stroked the calm waters as a love story for the ages was told. But this, this was no ordinary tale. It was the story of a love that transcends the limits of time and is destined to last forever.

First Love. It is often said that a little girl's daddy will always be her first love. This could never be more true than with this bride and her daddy. From the moment he first saw her in her beautiful dress, it was apparent that this little girl would always have her daddy's heart. He could barely take his eyes off of her as he proudly walked her down the aisle. I think I even caught a moment of hesitation as he slowly gave her to be wed. Surely, the bond between this daddy and his little girl is one that will never be broken, no matter the miles between them, for a father's love knows no distance.

New Love. As her daddy took his seat, she turned her attention to her groom. Their eyes fixed on the other, it was as if the rest of the world faded away. In this moment, a new love was born, a love that would last a lifetime. The smitten couple shared their jubilation, laughter, and maybe even a few tears of joy, as they recited their vows, exchanged their rings, and sealed their commitment to each other with a kiss. This, this was not only a new love, it was clearly a true love.

Remembered Love. The ceremony ended, it was time for celebration as the happy couple made their way to the reception to join their family and friends. It was a time of laughter and fun but it was also a time of reflection. As the gorgeous bride reflected on all of the love that surrounded her, she knew that this day was a dream come true. It was a dream that started in the heart of a little girl, beloved by her daddy, and cherished by her grandpa. These were the men who taught her what it means to be loved and cherished. They were, to her, foreshadows of the prince that she would ride off with one day. As she took the dance floor, a song began to play and she remembered. She remembered the precious moments with her grandpa, riding in the car together, singing their song, "Dream Lover". She remembered her grandpa's voice, his laugh, his love. For a moment, she could picture him there beside her, whispering how proud he was of her. Then, coming from across the room, she heard it, she heard his voice, taken from one of the messages saved to her phone. "Hey girl, I love you and will talk to you later". She looked up, tears in her eyes, to see her brother, proud to stand in her grandpa's place as they danced to their favorite song. There could have been no greater gesture, no greater song, no greater ending to this magical day than this, for it was, indeed, a dream love.

Rebecca & Cody,

Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your special day! I am honored that I got to witness your love for one another and to take in your incredible story!

I know that you are going to love your photos and I hope that they will be reminders of cherished memories for years to come.

Best wishes to you both and congratulations on a beautiful love!

Hugs,

Hannah