This black and white photograph is of epic importance to me as my one of my all time favorite wedding images because I love the simple story it tells of a journey and because the photograph is of one of my best friends Steve Macomber and his wife Maggie. We made this image behind a rental beach house in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina on the intracoastal waterway. This was a long boat dock over the shallow marsh. To me, this image illustrates a couple at the beginning of a path together. We have no idea where life will take us but in marriage we commit to a walk together to the end. This is the only wedding I’ve ever shot where I was both a groomsmen AND the wedding photographer. In fact, I was Steve’s best man on Feb 26th, 2005. With each passing year, I appreciate more and more the wedding photographs I’ve made of so many couple’s who have chosen to start a life together. I am now a “seasoned” husband married for more than 17 years with two teenagers. The milestone of wedding celebration means more to me now then when I made this photograph 13 years ago. Moments of celebration are gift in life, when captured in a photo they allow us to reminisce and to cherish. As I write this post, I am overwhelmed by the grief at the loss of my mother who has been fighting for good health for over a year after a fall when she broke 3 ribs and spent 2 weeks in the hospital. This was the beginning of a gradual decline in health with too many ailments to count. After more than 7 hospital stays, 5 operations including a foot amputation, and 4 stints in 3 different nursing homes in 13 months I have seen the definition of pain and suffering. My mother has fought the hardest battles of her life and her groom has been by her side every step of the way. After more than 54 years together Jim and Judy Exum’s journey together is over as COPD and pneumonia have taken away the breath of life. My mom and dad are my heroes, my mentors and my anchors. Life is short and life together is a gift so try to be kind, to be patient, and to cherish the time you have together. With humility – Steve Exum. #lifeisshort