Carol and Erron (how cool is that spelling!) are an adorably sweet pair of humans. Before they hired me to photograph their wedding, we “met” via FaceTime, peppering each other with questions and telling tales. Their humor is quirky. They both devote themselves to helping others in their jobs, what with Carol being a Unitarian minister and Erron teaching adult education. Their love for each other is so evident, so delightfully shining on their faces. I fell in love with them on that call.
They live in Kentucky now, but Carol is originally from Salem. Because of the geographical differences, we didn’t initially think that an engagement shoot would be possible before their wedding. However, when they suddenly came into town to visit family, I was so happy to have the chance to meet them in person.
We managed to explore a few different locations in the Salem area. Beginning at the White Oak Tea Tavern, we used all of the natural beauty to our advantage. The gardens were in full bloom and this magnificently ginormous tree stood watch as we danced and smiled around. Carol even told me a story about how, long long ago when the tavern was still a residence, the daughter of the house wanted to marry a man but her father denied the union. As a token of his love, her lover etched their initials into one of the windows. The windows on the building are original to the structure, so apparently those initials are still there! I couldn’t spot them, but either way I do hope that Carol and Erron’s relationship has much more success :)
We also visited East Hill Cemetery. Carol has family heritage at this historic cemetery, and the mountain views were absolutely beautiful. A graveyard may not be everyone’s choice for a photoshoot, but Carol and Erron were totally at ease with it and I loved that. There was no fear or discomfort - just a sense of appreciation for the beauty of that place, for the beauty of life.
Lastly, we traveled down the road to the Salem Museum, which is where Erron and Carol plan to have their wedding. It is yet another place rich with history in the old town of Salem. The museum is housed in an original 1845 brick home known as the Williams-Brown House. We wandered the quaint herb garden, stately front porch, and lovely rooftop patio.
As the sun set behind us and I clicked my shutter for the final few shots, I felt so happy for these special people. Despite their wedding being postponed due to the pandemic, they still have so much abounding goodness in their love. I know they will have a wedding ceremony. I know they will have a wedding reception. I know they will get to celebrate this milestone with their closest loved ones. It’s only a matter of time. But, for now, and soon-to-be forever, Carol and Erron have each other. And I think that is wonderful.