When Stephen and I got engaged, I received the sweetest email from Corine at Studio Tran Photography.
But a little back story first- I've been drooling over her and her husband's photography for years. They are so good. I love their style and I love their pictures. Not to mention, they are just the cutest couple with the cutest little family! The email said that she and her husband wanted to offer to photograph our wedding for us. At no cost. I was in awe. It was such a humbling offer after I had spent years admiring their work.
But our wedding date that we had in mind had gotten postponed due to some issues with my annulment through the church, so when we had finally set a date (kind of last minute), I let Corine know and they were already booked. I was so bummed. But being the kind heart she is, she instead offered to take engagement pictures for us because she said she wanted to do something. It had been a little over 2 years since Tripp had passed away... and here were two people, still offering to do something to make me happy.
It was humbling, to say the least.
I LOVED how our pictures came out and I am so grateful that we have them to look back on (especially since our wedding photos turned out to be a disaster!) But Corine and Beebe at Studio Tran are not just good at what they do, they are an amazing couple with such kind and generous hearts. Because about 3 months after our wedding, when we found out we were going to to be parents again, I anxiously awaited my 20 week U/S so I could share the news with all of you here, who have so wholeheartedly loved us and our story... and as soon as I did, I received another email. Corine again offered to take my maternity pictures. I was in shock and just felt so grateful. Especially since I probably wouldn't have taken them otherwise. She told me to bring Tripp's special toys and pictures of him so that we could include him in our session.
I just can't tell you how much these pictures mean to me...
I will treasure them forever.
Corine and Beebe, I know you guys wanted to do something special for us.
But you really did SO much more than that.
Thank you for capturing the love, the sadness, and the new joy all together.
You guys are incredible people.
As Christmas approaches, I am feeling so many emotions.
I'm feeling really sad that another holiday is passing and my sweet boy is not here with me.
I'm feeling sad for my fellow mommies and daddies who have lost babies like I have.
I'm feeling some expected guilt over being happy about becoming a mommy again soon.
But I am also feeling grateful for what God has given me and for the amazing people who have come into my life. The friendships I've made and the love I've been shown reminds me every day that Tripp's life was not in vain. His 2.5 years here on Earth was successful and fruitful.
He did so much more than I even realize.
Merry Christmas to you and your families.
I hope aside from all the gifts, that everyone remembers the "true" meaning of Christmas while being able to spend special time with the people you love the most.
And again, thank you all so SO much for loving us and for loving my sweet Tripp.
Love,
