Christa + Brandon | Door County

What can I say about 2020 that hasn’t already been said? It’s a year that will certainly not be forgotten. The year of continuous devastation and the transformation of life in our world with labels of “new normal” that will never actually feel normal. For so many, 2020 was most likely packed with resolutions, goals, and milestones, none of which are able to be met while everything is being flipped upside down.

This was the first year for me, Laura Lynn Rhode Photography, where I came marching into the new year with nothing. There were no new aspirations, to-do lists, or resolutions which is very unlike me. For that, I am incredibly thankful and often times I think of it as a small blessing in the midst of all the chaos. With a lack of expectations for myself, the heartache over things not going as planned due to the given circumstances was a bit of a relief. Today, however, is the first time where it’s hitting me.

I should be on a plane.

I should be overwhelmed with excitement and anxious for my next destination. I should be repeatedly going over all of my checklists in my head, nervously assuming there HAS to be something that I forgot. On the other end of that flight, there should be an amiable couple who are ready to live out the day they have been planning and dreaming about for so long. This should be the day that I’m on my way to my first destination wedding and the day that they get to share their vows. 2020 had a different agenda for all of us and I’m not on a plane.

This is only one of many weddings that have been either cancelled, rescheduled to a later part of the year, or completely slingshot into next year. Although it’s challenging as a photographer, I cannot begin to imagine the stresses each and every couple has faced with a wedding date intended for 2020. Brandon and Christa, like all of my couples this year, have remained so positive through the unexpected struggles! I can not thank them all enough for their patience as we navigate through this together.

Maybe 2020 isn’t our year but I have a feeling 2021 is going to bring us a whole new level of appreciation and learned strengths. I can’t wait to catch up on the shifted wedding dates and roam the vineyards of Wilson Creek Winery in Cali with these two!

Brandon + Christa

Door County Engagement 2019