People often ask me if I’m a wildlife photographer.
I usually reply, with the seriousness of a man pondering the mysteries of the universe:
“I am… among other things.”
That’s when the puzzled look arrives. The kind that says, “Does this guy photograph wolves or wedding cakes?”
So I clarify:
“Life, motion, stillness, form. If it speaks to me, I capture it.”
Which, in hindsight, was the perfect warm-up act for what unfolded at Beavertail Lighthouse this summer.
I was there with Trish, my son, my grandchildren, and Penny—their Portuguese Water Dog who believes every shoreline was built specifically for her personal enjoyment. We were climbing around the rocks, the kids doing their best impression of mountain goats, and I was taking a few shots of them perched above the surf.
And then I happened to glance down the coastline.
There—radiant, windswept, glowing like a lighthouse spirit in tulle—stood a bride.
At least I assumed she was a bride and not a ceremonial offering to the sea gods. Hard to tell these days.
She held a champagne glass in one hand and a smile so bright I could see it from 100 yards away.
Then she did what no self-respecting photographer can resist:
She posed.
Well… you can see how the rest played out.
But the moment got me thinking.
Here she was—this joyful, bubbly, luminous young woman—and her marriage was literally on the rocks.
Honestly, it can only go uphill from there.
Now, through the magic of the internet, the winds of Rhode Island, and maybe a helpful bridesmaid or two, I’m betting someone will eventually tip her off to my blog. And when she gets here, I want to leave her and her groom with this:
Marriage is not a 50-50 proposition.
Some days it’s 80-20.
Some days it’s 10-90.
And occasionally it’s “I’ve got nothing left, so can you carry us both?”
But if you show up for each other—truly show up—on the easy days and the lopsided ones, you’ll be just fine.
And if possible, make your partner laugh every single day.
I’ve been married 46 years, and I make Trish laugh every day.
Sometimes with me.
Sometimes at me.
Both count.
To the bride on the rocks:
May your life together be surrounded by love, buoyed by joy, and anchored in patience and kindness.
From where I’m standing, you’re already off to a great start.
I’d love to share my posts with you. If you subscribe, they’ll come straight to your inbox—most days, like a little note from me to you. It means a lot to know you’re reading along.
Browse my complete art portfolio and shop for prints at imagesbygacioe.shop
Leave a Reply