I learned of some sad news, tonight. Dolly, the horse from Hailey’s bridal session a couple of years ago, just past away at over 30 years of age. Hailey was a super-special bride…one of my first, during my first full season of shooting weddings, and she put a lot of faith in me, especially considering how new I was to the business of weddings. She was also one of my bravest brides….getting on and riding her special horse, Dolly, during her bridal session.
Including Dolly in the bridal session was all Hailey’s idea, although I was beyond thrilled when she suggested it. Dolly had been her horse for many years, and they had spent hours- upon- hours together during rodeos and riding, so including her in the bridals was very natural and matter-of-fact for Hailey. I’ll never forget the entourage of family at the session….mom, dad, aunt, uncle, grandmother…..and no one batted an eye when Hailey hopped on Dolly, fully decked-out in her gorgeous wedding gown. I suppose it was natural for everyone, seeing Hailey up there.
At the Pottsville football game tonight, I learned that Dolly had just died. I was so sad to learn that Dolly had passed away, and I know this is a very hard time for Hailey, but I have a feeling that the value of these pictures we took back in 2009, just jumped a bit. I know pictures aren’t everything, but gosh, they matter, don’t they? They hold weight and gravity in our lives, and in the way we remember some of our most special memories.
Thanks for being a brave bride, Hailey, and for sharing Dolly with us all….
