I cannot find the accurate words to describe Olivia + Patrick. This experience was more than a dream. The main purpose of my trip to Ireland was to capture Olivia + Patrick's wedding day, but it turned into so much more than that for me. I not only traveled to a country I have always craved to see to do what I love, but I made lifelong friends that are indescribable. My husband and I had a trip that feels unreal when we look back at it. Olivia + Patrick gave us a gift that we will be forever grateful for...they became our dear, dear friends.
For those of you who do not know, I met Olivia + Patrick when I was in New York with co-workers from the real estate office I worked part-time at. We were in Central Park, running around in the snow taking pictures when a friend of mine said, "Look! They are getting engaged over there!" With camera in hand, I began to photograph it as it unfolded. Once I knew from a distance that she said yes, I ran up to them and told them I captured the entire proposal. The joy and shock on their faces was already worth it right then and there. I took a few more, got their email addresses, said good-bye and that I'd email them the images soon. No names exchanged, just a sweet meeting between strangers.
Olivia + Patrick both responded to the images I sent saying how grateful they were for them:
"I cried when I saw them as it brought the whole moment back. We plan on framing one for our home, and we can’t thank you enough for capturing such a significant moment in our lives. The last week has been a whirlwind and we are enjoying every moment. We will be back in New York at some point this summer so we will track you down."
I explained that I was actually visiting from Nashville, but that I was in fact a wedding photographer. Then, Olivia said this...
"We think it would be great if we could combine our wedding day with your visit to Ireland... We think the coincidence of you being in Central Park at the very moment of our engagement is too romantic a story to take for granted. It would be great if we could keep that story going!"
My heart stopped. This couldn't be real, but it was. Fast forward several months, with Olivia helping us plan our unbelievable trip, my husband and I made our way to Dublin, Ireland. Patrick is a professor at Trinity College and Olivia has studied and worked there for years. So, one of the most beautiful universities in the world was their wedding spot. They knew everyone on campus, and their wedding was also part of a documentary, which I also was a part of. Olivia showed me how to access all the areas on campus on the wedding day where access was limited, like the Old Library... I couldn't believe the scenery.
The evening before the wedding, Jared and I were invited to join the bride and groom and their close family and friends for dinner. We of course accepted, showing up at a quaint Italian restaurant. There were only 8 of us at the dinner... the intimacy of the dinner with new friends was surreal with so much laughter, wine, and constant embraces. I leaned over to Olivia, who I sat beside, and said, "We cannot thank you enough for all of this." To which she replied, "Madi, you are a part of this."
I feel like I have said so much about our experience with Olivia + Patrick, but I have only skimmed the surface. I will share more of this trip soon, but, in the meantime, enjoy these images of the perfect wedding day with Olivia + Patrick. I wasn't surprised that their day was as incredible as it was... Thank you Olivia + Patrick for allowing me to capture your beautiful story.
