I’ll start this session by saying this. God works in mysterious ways. Obviously we have heard that our entire lives, but when you witness it firsthand, you can truly step back and see that his mysterious ways are perfection. Bethany emailed me about 2 months ago inquiring about me shooting her wedding this October. She was so generous with her compliments and ecstatic about this new stage in her life. I was so incredibly sad to tell her I’m completely booked in October. It’s rare that you find someone SO on fire about every aspect of life. From the very get go, I knew I liked Bethany, she reminded me so much of myself. We emailed each other several times, and it didn’t feel like I was talking to a faceless person via the internet, it felt like I was writing a friend I’ve known for years. I’m sure that everyone who comes in contact with Bethany feels the same way.
Although I am unable to shoot Bethany and Nick’s wedding this October, I was absolutely thrilled when Bethany asked ME to take some engagement pictures for them. Bethany expressed a STRONG desire to shoot the majority of them in a field. A lot of my brides request that, and Memphis just doesn’t have many. I know there are some out towards Millington, and Covington/ Tipton County, but let’s face it, we’re working with a sun timeframe here. I told Bethany Shelby Farms was off limits, because EVERYONE goes there. I’m guilty of it as well, she agreed so I started searching. I found an overgrown lot where the sunshine just poured in. I knew it would be great, so we headed there. The sunlight was HEAVENLY, I mean, I couldn’t have asked for prettier light, however, it was SPIDER INFESTED. It took all I had not to have a major panic attack. I kept trying to pull it together, but I have an irrational fear on insects, especially spiders. Bethany and Nick acted like it didn’t phase them, so obviously I need to grow up. Haha.
The session was gorgeous, and I am so proud of how the images turned out. I feel they SO accurately reflect Bethany and Nick’s story.
About that…
I emailed Bethany the night after their session just to know a little bit about the two of them, their relationship, etc.
I was NOT prepared for what I was about to hear, but I was engulfed by every word Bethany wrote.
Without giving you guys TOO much information about B&N, because it was such a personal story, I will do my best to re-tell this epic, Nicholas Sparks love story. I truly hope I do it justice.
Bethany and Nick’s story started in 2004. Almost 10 years ago. That right there speaks volumes, and I haven’t even started. Bethany was visiting a friend of hers at church. Since Bethany was only 15 years old at the time, she stood outside of the church and waited for her mom to pick her up. As she was waiting, minding her own business a guy ran up to Bethany, got obnoxiously close to her face and said “HI BETHANY JONES, BYE BETHANY JONES” and jumped into a moving van that drove off. Nick says that once he got into the car he told his friends “I’ll marry that girl.” If only Bethany knew that 14 year old was destined to be her soulmate/ other half.
At 14/15 you have NO idea who you are. Hell, at 20/21 you don’t know who you are, you’re on your way there, but you are still molding into the person that you are trying to be.
Naturally, Bethany and Nick were friends first. In 2004, Nick constantly stalked her ‘Xanga’ remember those? He would constantly invite her to church events, and convince Bethany’s friends to talk her into dating Nick. Bethany felt more like a friend to Nick, but she said he was her ‘best friend.’ They ran all kinds of errands together, and spent all their time together, but they were only friends. Nick constantly told Bethany she sings like and angel, and that her eyes were bluer than sapphires (which they totally are). Although Bethany was ‘too’ close to the situation to see what was really going on, outsiders could. She said friends from church would often say “When’s the wedding?” One night Bethany told Nick that no matter what happened, and no matter who they dated, she knew that she was supposed to be with him, and that it would eventually happen that way. Nick and Bethany even received the nickname from all of their friends “The Inevitable.” She said to this day, almost 10 years later, they still say that.
What can I say? Life gets in the way. In 2009, one night someone else broke Bethany’s heart, who do you think was there instantly to say all the right and perfect things? Nick. Bethany says she remembers then thinking “Here’s Nick saying and doing what he’s always done.” Treating her exactly how she deserved to be treated. Bethany and Nick began dating exclusively. She said she thought that was it, sealed the deal. She recalls Nick telling her his plans of joining the police academy so he could provide for them, and get married. They would even drive around looking at potential houses for the future.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t that simple.
A series of events made Bethany and Nick go different ways, the two destined lovers even stopped talking.
Bethany said months later she woke up, sat straight up, and thought to herself “I still love Nick, I’ve always loved Nick.” Even though they had not spoke in quite some time. She decided to meet with Nick, and Nick agreed. Unfortunately Bethany said Nick didn’t respond in all the ways she hoped. She said he just sat there with his head in his hands. He wouldn’t say “I’m over you” he just said nothing.
They parted ways, and although Bethany was severely crushed, she decided to devote her time and energy to working out. So much so, she injured her ankle and had to be put in a boot.
Silence for weeks.
One day she received a text from Nick out of the blue that said “PFY.”
She said she jumped to the conclusion that that meant ‘praying for you.’ When I read it, I assumed that’s what it meant to. She exploded and told Nick she couldn’t play games anymore, that she was trying to be strong. 2o seconds after she sent that text to him it hit her.
Nick didn’t mean ‘praying for you’, he meant ‘playing for you.’ Something he had said for five years every time he would have a softball match.
Someone cue the violins.
Bethany dropped the phone, and hobbled (because she was still in a boot) into the car to meet Nick at the softball game. Bethany and Nick reconciled all of their differences that night, and realized the facts. It was inevitable, they were destined to be together. They have been inseparable ever since.
“You wont find faith or hope down a telescope, you wont find heart and soul in the sky, you can break everything down to chemicals, but you can’t explain a love like ours. < The Script said it better than I ever could have.
So there you have it. Probably one of the most amazing love stories I’ve ever heard. It should go down in history.
If you follow me on FB, you may remember this status:
Just read an “our story” from one of my clients. After I picked myself up off the floor, whimpered over to find a Kleenex, scared the dog because I look like Gene Simmons with mascara stained cheeks, and finally reapplied my makeup, I am reminded of three things:
1. I am an UGLY crier
2. Messy love stories are the most beautiful and make me feel SO alive
3. I.love.my.job
What can I say? When I read the part about “Playing for you.” I just completely lost it. It reminded me SO much of my and John’s story.
Now that I’ve written a novel, I’ll leave you with this. Messy love stories make history. And that’s a fact, Jack.
You guys enjoy these.
There’s those sapphire eyes Nick was talking about.
I love this, SO much.
I asked Bethany if she knew any Matt Nathanson, she said she didn’t, but that she was going to learn one. I cannot wait to hear it.
Per Bethany’s request.
Bethany was hell bent on using an ampersand, and when she went to grab it, it was broke! We made it work!
I.love.this
Nick’s batman belt and all black converse were AWESOME.
One of my favorites!
What an honor! Congrats you guys!
Rebecca Collins - Love the ones of them laying on the quilt! I enjoy all your photos and blogs!