Everyone loves a good, happy, Hollywood-style ending to a story. A hero riding off into the sunset with his lady, happily ever after kind of thing. Everyone remembers the happy ending but what about the journey to that point? Where's the joy in a wonderful ending if there's not some adversity along the way?
Maryam and Michael's story starts about 11 years ago in a high school math class. Along their journey there were lots of twists and turns, ups and downs; over a decade with someone can have that affect. As time went on there was talk of marriage, but nothing concrete. Kind of a "if it ain't broke don't fix it" outlook. Life was good as they traveled the world, setting up a home base in New Orleans. But then came the twist.
In January, Maryam received a phone call that changed everything. Her father, who was living and working in Shanghai, China at the time, became ill and required immediate medical attention. Without hesitation, Maryam and Michael boarded the first flight they could to be by her father's side. Michael packed the engagement ring he had been holding onto and was prepared to propose to Maryam while in China. Worried that Maryam would always associate the engagement with the hospital, Michael took Maryam to the top of the tallest building in Shanghai and proposed. When they returned to share the good news with her family, her father expressed that upon learning that he was ill, it was his one wish to see Maryam and Michael married. With a new perspective, Maryam and Michael immediately set to work planning their October wedding.
Seeing adversity be the catalyst for an amazing, life-changing event is truly incredible. It's hard to describe, but there was a unique energy throughout the weekend. Knowing the highs and lows of the last year really framed the wedding through a different lens. There were so many emotional moments over the two days of filming. It seemed like every couple of minutes someone was bursting with laughter, crying with joy, pacing with nervousness or dancing like crazy. It was the perfect example of the emotional roller coaster we talk about with all of our couples. It was beautiful.
Every wedding is a new beginning, the start of a new journey where two people face the joys and sorrows of life together. We're honored to have been a part of Maryam and Michael's happy ending and the start of their new beginning.
Maryam + Michael:
Photography: Dark Roux
Venue: Race & Religious
Coordinator: Southern Charm Weddings
Caterer: Liberty's Kitchen
Florist: Poppy & Mint
DJ: Aaron Lane Entertainment
