The Beautiful, Awkward, and the longing

When I arrived, I walked into the barn a few steps away from my photographer friend, carrying bags so heavy. I thought I was going to fall backwards. I was so shy that I let her talk to the coordinator who was putting the decorations on the tables. She turned to me and introduced herself, and my friend introduced me in return.

"Hi," I said, quickly, offering a nervous smile before following Anna out of the barn.

Little did I know you were in there setting up in the other room, and we had yet to meet. So I went completely oblivious to you. Not knowing that you would become a huge part of my life. I get into the car with Anna and drive down the dirt roads. Like a minute goes by, and we are at a little cottage, a little deeper into the woods.

She parks the car between two bushes, and she gives me a look to ask me if I'm ready. I smile back to say "ready."

I get out of the car and follow her into the cottage. Immediately, I am met with a room full of girls in light green pajama shorts and button-up shirts, blasting music, running around putting on makeup, getting ready for the big day. It was overwhelming. I didn't know where to go or sit, so I just followed my friend, Anna. The person getting married popped her head out of her own private room.

Anna once again introduced herself and me to the bride. She said "Hi" with a bright smile. I returned the smile. I thought to myself, she is so nice. She showed us to a place where we could put our stuff, which was near a window. Anna started collecting the bride's little details for outside photos. Such as her shoes, his, and her ring, her flowers, and her necklaces. She handed them to me to hold. It was so much that I almost dropped it. I was so nervous. I didn't want to lose the stuff.

She opened the door, and I followed her outside. She looked around to find a place to take the pictures. "We need to find a woodsy place to take pictures,' she says. I look around, but I don't see any place to take pictures. Then, she finds a rock next to a tractor shed. I knelt to help her step it up on the rock, being careful not to lose any of the pieces.

After I was done, I backed up and let her take the pictures. I looked around, taking in the area. We were deep in the woods, and I was surrounded by trees, a water fountain in the middle of the dirt road, and a cottage surrounded by a fence with flowers in the front. I stood there taking it all in, wondering, "I should get married here someday."

I watched Anna work as she took bridesmaid photos, inside the cottage with her mom, getting ready photos, and then, we moved to outside the barn where a patch of grass laid to take more photos of bridesmaids, man of honor. I took some photos, as well helped her fix the bride's dress and remove any unwanted things. It was like a fairytale wedding.

Moments later, came the time for the actual wedding. At first, I couldn't see it. A tree blacked my view, so I stepped closer. Then, I saw them. A row of benches lined the cement floor, leading down a long walkway towards the place where the bride and groom would stand. I stood their for a minute, taking it all in. The flowers, the trees, the wooden benches, the aisle. Everything was so beautiful that I couldn't help, but imagine what is would feel like to be walking down it someday.

The whole moment felt almost unreal. I captured the little moments, the way everyone watched her, the emotion on their faces, I took so many beautiful photos trying to capture the beauty of the ceremony.

After the ceremony, we followed the couple into the barn snapping photos. Then, I saw it. You. At the DJ table looking like you were having the time of your life. And I thought "Wow. This guy is awesome."

And that's the moment I knew. We caught eyes and it was like the world had stopped. I smiled and he smiled back. Then, I felt a hand on my shoulder. Anna.

"Hey, are you okay?" she said with a smile. I nod. I look right back at you and you are still looking at me. I look down at my feet, and I can feel my cheeks turn red.

I turn away and try to focus on my job. The rest of the wedding goes off without a hitch. I take photos of the maid of honor speeches and the man of honor, the cake cutting etc.

Then, you announced that the dance floor was open. I danced a little while taking photos of people dancing. As I had my back turned you bumped into me. I turn towards you immediately apologizing.

"I'm sorry," I say putting my hand on his shoulder. He smiled and I swear the whole world fell away.

"Do you want to dance?" he asked, holding his hands out. I nod, taking his hand. we danced the night away.

But only in my imagination did this come true.