Jun 203 min read

Same Dress, 27 Year later. Nathaniel & Payton-June 8, 2024

Where do I start! Preface: 27 years ago, June 1, 1997 I opened Portraits by Lori. Prior to the opening of my doors I was employed at Jerry's Photography in Monticello from 1990-March of 1997. In the summer of 1996 a beautiful young lady (Sarah) came into Jerry's to discuss her wedding for June 21, 1997. (Tomorrow is 27 Years, Happy Anniversary Brian and Sarah) I knew Sarah from school and we were on the dance team together so we knew each other well. When she found out that I had quit my job to start my own studio she was quick to check and make sure that I would still be the one photographing her wedding. We assured her that in fact, I would be and all was well. Since that day 27 years ago, I have had the pleasure of watching these two wonderful people become one and start their family. They were blessed wa beautiful red-haired daughter who looked a lot like her momma and a handsome son who was the spiting image of his father. I have had the privilege to be by the side of this family since they said "I do" and to this day I have done countless families pictures, newborn pictures, school pictures, dance pictures...You name it. Whenever their family need an updated picture, I got the call.

After 17 years of photographing weddings I made the decision to stop doing them. I had three young children of my own and it was time. This was a difficult decision as I loved photographing weddings. Since then roughly 14 years ago, I have covered a few weddings for long standing clients, family and even my two daughters. (Our oldest daughter just got married May 25th, and our youngest August 21st of 2021).

Several years ago when this beautiful red-haired young lady was getting her senior pictures taken, she asked me a question. "Lori, I know you don't do weddings anymore but when I get married, will you do mine?" I told her to give me a call before choosing a date. Boy, did that day arrive way too soon.

When Payton and Nathaniel got engaged she called me and was planning a wedding for December of 2023. Anyone who knows Payton knows she is one of the best, most patient, laid-back, easy going people and thank goodness!! Nathaniel is in the service and received order that would take him out to the country for a year, at the time they were planning to be married. So a change of plans was in order. The bride and groom decided to move their date to December of 2022. The week of the wedding, some rough weather was in the forecast so they yet again moved their wedding from Friday to Thursday evening. Payton wore a simple white dress and her mother's veil. She was a beautiful December bride. The plan was to have a reception in June of 2024 to celebrate the newlyweds. As the planning began it was shared with me that Payton was going to be wearing Sarah's dress for the June 8th event.

The day was perfect, the bride was stunning and the dress was perfect. A few alterations to better suit Payton's style, but exactly like she was wanting.

To be able to photograph the brides parents 27 years before and now their daughter wearing the same dress, was phenomenal and I am so blessed to be asked to capture both. Congratulations Payton and Nathaniel! I can't wait to watch your walk together. Blessings, Lori