9.11 I remember, do you?

It's hard to believe that seven years has past. Four years before Jaxon (pictured above) was born.

As I close my eyes, I remember....

The phone rang in the middle of the night, a typical humid New Zealand night. Peter answered, tapped lightly on the door and whispered, 'Sarah, your dad is on the phone.' I was half awake when my dad said, 'New York is being attacked.' In my half slumber (and being from New Mexico) I instantly thought of aliens. In dreams or in moments of half awareness things like that oddly make sense. I was confused, sat up in bed and turned the TV on to CNN. I shifted my eyes towards the glass paned french doors that led outside to the upstairs balcony. In the reflection of the glass, I could see my kiwi family all leaning towards the glowing television, where smoke bellowed from the first plane that collided with the tower. Everyone in the room was silent. Directing my attention back to the TV, the second plane hit and we all gasped in unison. I quickly looked away from the TV and stared outside into the darkness- twinkling lights sparkled off of the Auckland harbor water. Looking past Rangitoto Island, into black darkness, I imaged my family back in America and instinctively wished my family were safe with me, in New Zealand. I was more than 7000 miles away from my family. I was further away from New Mexico than I ever felt before, utterly helpless. Thinking ........why??? I clutched tightly onto my future husbands hand, instantly feeling safer.

I open my eyes, I remember.

Approaching my dad's house yesterday, I saw hanging at half mass, the strong colors of America. Two and a half year old Jaxon was running around the yard, laughing and rolling in the grass, oblivious of 9.11- as he should be. I grabbed my camera and asked Jaxon to hug the flag pole. He did. But as he let go, he quickly leaned towards the pole and said, 'Oh- and a kiss too.'

Angelica + Joe are MARRIED! (sneak peek)

When Joe saw Angelica walk up the isle his eyes instantly welled up with tears. He blinked and held his breath for a moment in time. I can only guess that they were tears of joy because walking towards him was pure beauty. Angelica had her arm intertwined with her dad and as her dad let Angelica go, his eyes too were instantly filled with joy. Angelica's dad was giving his beautiful daughter away to a good man, named Joe. Angelica and Joe declared their commitment to each other at the famous St. Francis Cathedral up in Santa Fe! The sky was a crisp blue New Mexico August sky- a wonderful day for a celebration!



After we pack up our equipment and head home, often we reflect on the bride and groom's celebration of the day. As Guadalupe and I talked about what a great day Angelica and Joe shared together, I imagined the reception continuing as the clouds rolled in.... the guests dancing the night away. As I sat in the car being thankful for such a wonderful day, I looked in the rear view mirror back up towards Santa Fe and I too held my breath for a moment in time. Guadalupe instantly pulled the car over so we could get a better look at the path we left left behind us. We witnessed a double sunset rainbow- something so special and very beautiful. We started the day with pure beauty so why not end it the very same way??



Thank you for choosing Eastbrook Studios for your wedding! We look forward to watching your three handsome boys grow up and witnessing your relationship bond closer together. There were so many couples at your reception, who have been married for years. We have never seen so many couples stay dancing on the floor once the 20 year mark was called out! We have no doubt, that one day, you will be the last couple dancing on the floor.

Joe looking so handsome!

Angelica is stunning!


A perfect kiss.

A wonderful moment before heading to the reception!

An amazing way to end such wonderful day!