I know, I am late to jump on this train! I honestly blame my niece for this new obsession. Brooke (12) saw The Greatest Showman shortly after it came out two years ago, and had asked me almost every time she saw me after that if I had seen it yet.
Well, as of last December, I finally have. And as of April 23, 2019, I’ve watched it at least 3 times, and the entire soundtrack is saved in my Spotify playlist as a frequent favorite for my long commute.
I. Love. This. Movie. It might be a new all time favorite, which is tough to rank in my head because most of my favorites are Marvel films. I think the reason why I’m so obsessed with this movie is that it deeply resonates with my sense of dream-chasing, much like I imagine it does with most viewers of the film.
Without spoiling too much for those who still haven’t seen the film, the movie is a loose interpretation of the life and ambition of Phineas Taylor (P.T.) Barnum, and the origination of the American circus. The storyline follows him as a young boy into adulthood, pursuing a dream of creating a world where the impossible becomes ordinarily beautiful, and the “misfit carnies” find a home and community because of his show.
There’s a lot of hooks this show sank in me:
Hugh Jackman. Come. ON! This man has recently risen to become my favorite actor, a title I didn’t actually have for anyone before (I’m much better at naming singers or artists I consistently follow than actors). But this man can act, dance, and SING! And make it believable! My appreciation only rose after rewatching the X-Men/Wolverine films… one movie he’s a mutated, self-healing, steel-boned animal and super hero, the next movie he’s a tactful businessman and colorful, singing showman.
It speaks to dreamers.I feel like I related to the themes presented in the movie — Barnum’s aspiration to create a world where the unusual becomes beautiful; his fall to starry-eyed temptations as the glitz, glam, and fame gets to his head; the return to humble beginnings and purpose. It serves as a warning to anyone entering into building the thing they’ve dreamed about that success often comes with a greater responsibility to manage your perspective.
The ending supports forgiveness and values an unbroken family unit. Though Barnum made mistakes that I almost expected to end his marriage in the film, the story takes a turn when he comes to a realization of the harm he and his ambitions have created on his family. During the last scene of the film, you see Barnum pass off the ringmaster’s hat to Philip Carlyle (Zac Efron), as he departs to begin focusing his life on his wife and two daughters. While some may think this promotes giving up your dreams to have the traditional family experience of staying home with the kids, I see it differently. He built his dream enough that he was able to provide for his kids and wife, and retired on the earnings that were well established in the business while trusting a responsible successor to carry on the work. It’s the American dream! And it only happened due to a lot of hard work and resourcefulness to rebuild what was lost. I hope to apply the same grit and determination in my business, because my dream is to have a career that lets me enjoy a family life one day and bring them along for the ride to show them what is possible when you set your mind to it.
Have you seen the film? What did you think of it? Are there any other movies similar to this one you’d recommend? Feel free to share with me in the comment section below!!
When Taylor reached out about having me photograph her Hilton Head Island wedding, I could hardly believe it. Since marrying my husband, I’ve enjoyed annual trips to Hilton Head with my in-laws, who have been visiting for years. I’m not much of a beach person (love my lake life!) but the beauty of the low country made this a top bucket list place for photographing a future wedding. Kolby & Taylor made that a dream come true, as they lived their own dream day! On September 14 at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, Kolby & Taylor tied the knot – and I got to be a Hilton Head Island wedding photographer.
A Hilton Head Island Engagement
Kolby and Taylor met while they were in their respective professional programs. Kolby was attending Duke University for Physical Therapy. Taylor was attending law school at UNC Chapel Hill. They connected pre-Covid, stayed in contact all throughout, and finally met in person when they each returned to campus in August of 2020.
As a couple, they made a habit of exercising together every morning, taking walks and runs to talk about life and their goals. They also love visiting Hilton Head Island, where Taylor’s family lives. The beach is their happy place, where they both enjoy the sunshine and relaxation time. Kolby will listen to a podcast, and Taylor will read her books. They also like to play Spikeball, chat about life, and enjoy the water.
Fast forward a couple years. Kolby and Taylor would travel to spend a lot of time in Hilton Head, where Taylor’s family lives. After what Taylor thought was just a normal weekend visit, they went out to dinner, and her whole family decided to take a walk through a nice park on the water. While posing for pictures, Kolby got down on one knee! That park has now become a special place on the island for the two of them.
Their Hilton Head Island Wedding Day
Their wedding day was a source of some slight anxiety that week. Kevin and I decided to take a week to visit Hilton Head. We celebrated our second anniversary on the island. But the entire week, the weather was not kind to us. It was rainy, chilly, humid, and very few hours of actual sun the entire week. The forecast threatened much of the same miserable wedding for Kolby and Taylor’s big day.
To be clear: RAIN ON A WEDDING DAY IS OK. It’s unavoidable, and you can still get GORGEOUS images on a rainy day. I have plenty of proof of that from Zach & Camille’s wedding, Mary & Joey’s wedding, Kevin & Emma’s wedding, and so many more! My own wedding day still stands as the rainiest wedding I have ever attended, and I LOVE my wedding photos.
But I knew rain would add certain challenges based on their chosen Hilton Head Island wedding venues. Their ceremony was set for the beach at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort. I selfishly wished, for the sake of my photos (and for Kolby & Taylor’s experience), that the sun would peek out even if just for the ceremony.
The Lord heard our prayers, because the entire day was fantastic weather!! Our only challenge was the intense wind on the beach, but even that couldn’t affect how beautiful the ceremony was. I shot quickly and took many photos of each shot to ensure we had at least one good option despite windswept hair and dresses.
Between the glorious, glowy sunlight and the wind, their portraits on the beach turned out to be so epic! Taylor’s dress flew dramatically in many of the shots. And her hair and makeup artist deserves a round of applause. Her updo survived and looked gorgeous even as the wind took the wispy pieces left out.
Highlights of the Day
There was so much to love about this wedding. On a personal note, it was my first wedding back in the saddle after giving birth to my daughter! (Birth story soon to come!) Despite worries of feeling a little rusty with postpartum brain fog, I’m feeling bold enough to say this was my favorite/best work yet! Here are some highlights you’ll want to seek out as you scroll:
A Dreamy Tower
Shoutout to Taylor’s friend and bridesmaid Jordan for showing me the tower room at Gull Island Manor, a short-term rental house in Sea Pines! I never would’ve known to wander up there, but it ended up being the dreamiest spot for details and Taylor’s getting ready photos! That light – *chef’s kiss*!
Lean Supplies And A Broken Ring Dish
For the couple’s wedding day details, I really didn’t bring a ton with me from my usually packed styling kit. We had to travel light to fit the essentials. What’s more, my favorite ring dish snapped in half when I dropped it going up the stone steps to the manor!
It was time to get creative. I actually ended up loving the look of my broken ring dish and decided to use it! I also found some dead palm foliage on the outer landscaping to feature in the flat lay of details. Paired with a wisp of Spanish moss, what once was a lean styling kit soon became true-to-location details that made the photos sing “Hilton Head Island wedding.” This just goes to show: Less is more. The less I have to work with in preparation for styling details has sometimes led to my most creative work!
A Touching Island Wedding Ceremony at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
Despite the crazy wind, we were all so grateful for beautiful sunlight during Kolby & Taylor’s wedding ceremony at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort. Kolby & Taylor opted out of having a First Look, so I was dead set on getting Kolby’s reaction to seeing his beautiful bride. What I captured was one of the sweetest Groom reactions – instant happy tears as she came down from the dunes.
Another standout moment from their ceremony happened toward the end. Kolby’s dad officiated the ceremony. After a beautiful exchanging of the rings, and just before inviting the first kiss, he began choking up as he pronounced them husband and wife. It was so profound coming from a father (and now father-in-law). You could hear the soft “aww” reactions from the guests. That was such an emotional, happy moment!
Experience > Tradition
Kolby & Taylor planned a truly personal and intimate wedding reception at Gull Island Manor. It more so mimicked a dinner party than wedding reception. They hosted a warm cocktail hour with an open bar featuring their signature cocktails. Guests could explore the grounds while enjoying appetizers and getting their photo taken by the live painter commissioned to watercolor their portrait for a unique take-home gift.
When dinner was ready to start, guests descended to the lower tier of the garden overlooking the marsh. There, a long singular table was set with cheesecloth, candle sticks, place settings, and customized name plates made out of oyster shells.
The couple came down last, but there was no planned fanfare. They decided to forego the traditional dances and simply welcome guests to a laid back dinner serenaded by live musicians. This allowed the couple plenty of time to mingle with each guest and create special memories with the entire party, including a surprise visit from Keebler their dog. I absolutely loved this approach to a wedding celebration – and I could tell everyone else did too!
Final Thoughts From Kolby & Taylor’s Hilton Head Island Wedding
I’m so honored to have served as Kolby & Taylor’s wedding photographer. The entire experience was a dream for me – one that I hope opens the opportunity for even more chances to expand as an HHI wedding photographer. Their warmth and friendship was extended to me from the start, and their guests and family were a true delight to spend the day with.
I’ve begun asking couples to share what they love most about one another, and what excites them for marriage. Here’s how they answered.
What Taylor Loves Most About Kolby
“I love how devoted Kolby is to our little family. He is the most selfless person I know and would do anything to make things easier on others. He supports me emotionally and has the utmost patience when it comes to helping me navigate stressful situations, and he would do literally anything for our dog Keebler. Keebler gets to go to the dog park, walks, gets bones, pup cups, everything! He’s so spoiled because Kolby likes to take such good care of him.”
What Kolby Loves Most About Taylor
“I love how much Taylor guides and anchors me in our life. I am a very good-with-the-flow person which helps me stay optimistic and positive. However, I struggle sometimes with direction and focus because of this. Taylor has given me so much purpose in life and given me the direction for how I want my life to go. She is so ambitious and helps me make goals for ourselves that I would’ve never thought possible. Even in the few years I’ve known her, she’s helped me achieve goals and see a future I would’ve never thought possible for myself and for us.”
The Most Beautiful Thing About Marriage: According to Kolby & Taylor
“The most beautiful thing about marriage in my eyes is the commitment to stand by your partner no matter what life brings. My parents have had a long marriage and I admire the way that they’ve stuck by each other through every challenge. It’s easy to walk away from something when things become difficult but marriage is the commitment to another person to instead engage with them and work through the issues instead of walking away. In my eyes, marriage is beautiful because its permanent.”
K&T, I wish you both so much happiness in your marriage. Enjoy your honeymoon in Europe!!
If you love my work and you’re considering getting married in Hilton Head Island, or another destination in the southern East Coast, I would love to chat! I am based in the DC area but travel often for weddings. Contact me for more information!
Vendor Shoutouts
I was honored to work alongside a vendor dream team, consisting of the following talent:
