“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis

Until this point, I had never photographed a wedding, and when I got a call about this one I tried to turn it down…until I heard their story. Both the bride and groom had been widowed, they’ve lived wonderful fulfilling lives, raised incredible families, and had no intentions of changing their ways. Then one day they met each other, and knew they had to start again. At this point in their lives they didn’t start over. They started AGAIN…together.

With dozens of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren between them, this merging of lives is actually a giant merging of families. Dorothy and Norbert aren’t two twenty-somethings finding first love and starting a family (they’ve both done that), they’re two mumble-somethings who found love again and are joining forces for their happily ever after. 

Though I had met Dorothy previously, the smile on her face had never been as large as it was when I saw her and Norbert together. And the twinkle in his eyes when he looks at her could bring you to tears. I connected with them immediately and have threatened/promised them that they can be an additional set of grandparents to my kids. Norbert is one of the funniest people I have ever met, his wit and humor keep Dorothy (and me) laughing, and the attention he paid to every detail of their wedding was incredible. (I think even the caterer was impressed!) Dorothy is kind and sincere, and lives to dote on her grandchildren.

I loved so many things about this wedding. I loved how their children came together, despite losing parents, to celebrate this new life together. I loved watching the new bride and groom glance at each other under the chuppah (marriage canopy).  I loved the magic that happened as soon as he stepped on that glass. And mostly I loved being shown that at any age, it’s possible to be swept off your feet.

Norbert and Dorothy, I wish you the happiest happily ever after. xoxo