Summer's Fall Wedding Mathews Virginia. – Connie Grant Photography

It’s so amazing to me, how my photography brings people into my life. Some were meant to linger awhile.. some just flitted through. All of these people are special in many different ways. Years ago my husband and I bought a place in Mathews County. At first it was a nice get away. I had lost my father a few years before, and life was difficult at that time. My husband, who always knows me better than I even know myself, had sold a property and decided we would look for something else. Things changed, kids moved out of our house here in the Richmond area.. and we decided to make the jump and move to the country. The first few months that we lived there were horrible. I missed my children and my grandchildren terribly. Don’s drive was closer .. my drive to work longer. Because he worked 24 hour shifts at the fire department, I spent a lot of time alone. I have to tell you this background, because it makes the rest of this story amazing. During these long days when I was home alone, I dug into my photography. I practiced… and practiced… and took photos of anyone who would let me take their photo. Summer was my model… .I could dress her up in anything.. take her out in any light.. and she would sit for hours and model for me. She was my muse.

I turned out some pretty bad photos during that time. I have to say the badness in those photos ( and they were bad) really pushed me to learn what the black box could do. I studied, got mentoring, and worked to get to where I am now. Am I perfect? No.. not by any means. I still miss my focus.. still struggle with lighting. The main thing is, I have developed an ” eye”. That eye lets me see what i’m doing wrong. I’ve developed the skill to correct what I’m doing wrong.

Fast forward many years, and I get a message from this lovely young lady who use to model for me. She’s getting married. She’s met someone wonderful. Summer is a dreamer and a positive thinker. Her new husband is handsome, and funny, and sweet. I always knew it would take a special man to sweep her off her feet. She’s the kind of girl who would take off rock climbing, or travel to Australia… or climb down a steep mountain .. just because she can. Master’s degree finished, this sweetheart of a young lady hired me to take her wedding photos. I hope that they are as special to Summer and Daniel as they are to me. Please enjoy their album on shootproof entitled a river wedding The password is ” love”. Here are a few of my favorite moments from this beautiful day. Summer and Daniel.. i wish you so many happy years together. I can’t wait to see where life takes you. I know it will be exciting. xxoo Connie.