Even the most meticulously planned wedding can quickly go into disarray sending the bride and groom into a ball of anxiety. Maybe the makeup-artist doesn't show, the best man falls ill, or the future mother-in-law wears white on your wedding day, or....
For Brittany and Chris, things started to unravel early in the day. First, none of the tuxedos were fitted properly and even worse - parts of the suits were missing as well. For Chris and his groomsmen it was no problem. With plenty of time to spare before the ceremony, somehow, they resolved the issue. They were so calm and relaxed about the whole ordeal that until they mentioned it in a very matter-of-fact manner I didn't even know it had happened
Unfortunately, this was just the beginning of the day and one of a few issues both Brittany and Chris would be challenged with on their big day.
As I made my way back to the bride and bridesmaids I immediately heard the news. The entire back of Brittany's dress was wrinkled from head to toe. Apparently, the business that guaranteed her that they would take care of her dress failed miserably to do so.
Let me be clear, it wasn't one of those minor wrinkles that you can only see at certain angles. It wasn't just wrinkled in one small spot. It looked like a dress that someone had slept in for a very very very long time.
However, Brittany appeared calm, cool and collected. She handled this major fiasco so well that I was wondering if she was the silent type, you know, the ones who internalize everything just before they blow a fuse? So I tiptoed around for a few minutes but to my surprise, she remained ethereal in her demeanor.
That said, I also have to give a big kudos to her bridesmaids. Working with about 20-25 minutes before go time they had already sent one of the men out to pick up a fabric steamer. When he arrived, it was filled with water and ready to go. Without a moment to spare, all of Brittany's bridesmaids went to work. Quickly but meticulously and with the dress still cloaked over Brittany's figure they worked the steamer like pros. There were no slackers here. For the next 10 minutes it was nothing but business - Brittany and her dress were the center of her bridesmaid's universe, that is all that mattered.
Later, at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel Chris and Brittany guests started piling on the hors d'oeuvres to their plates. Dinner had been delayed for an extended period of time, so long that I think I could even hear more than a few stomachs grumbling in unison. Apparently, the food was delayed due to appliance issues that the caterer faced.
No food, no problem; the newlyweds stepped up to the plate, no pun intended. Both of them made the rounds with their guests, entertained, and somehow kept everyone's minds off of the food, they were wonderful host.
Watching both Brittany and Chris' teamwork as well as their grace in the face of adversity was inspiring. My guess is that the two of them are in for a long, loving and lasting marriage for many years to come. Congrats to both of you!
*All images by Rich-Joseph Facun of Love Minus Zero: Fine Art Wedding Photojournalism. Click on any image to start slideshow and view larger.
