She must be a really good mom.

As the wedding attendants prepared for the ceremony to begin, the little ring bearer and his parents arrived and joined in the process of getting ready for the wedding. I noticed Carter and his mom in the living room, and I slipped in to shoot a few photos. When Carter heard my shutter click he looked up, and I struck up a conversation with him.

 “How old are you?” I asked, and his little hand fumbled to hold up three fingers.

“You’re three? Wow – that’s big!” I continued. “Is that your mom helping you with your bowtie?”

Carter timidly answered my question by nodding yes.

And when I said, “She must be a really good mom to help you like that,” the corners of his mouth turned up in the sweetest smile and he nodded yes again as he spontaneously lunged forward and hugged his mom tightly. Oh my gosh – just so sweet.

I continued snapping photos of Carter and his mom, and I loved hearing the way Carter’s mom spoke to him. Her tone was soft and loving, kind and patient. Her sweet and compliant little boy allowed her to fix his tie and adjust his clothing without any objections.

The look on Carter’s face when his mom hung the “Here comes the bride” sign around his neck was priceless! Time stood still for a second and I heard his mom reason with him. “It’s just like your program at school,” she reminded him, and went on to explain what the sign said and that the bride and groom wanted him to wear that for the wedding.

There was a brief moment when I wondered if Carter would protest. He didn’t seem so sure, and even went so far as to test the lettering on the sign – rubbing a letter to see if it was a real chalkboard that could be erased. And in as much time as I thought there might be protest, he was totally fine with the whole thing and very compliant.

The photos taken of Carter just as he was preparing to head up the aisle for the wedding ceremony show his sweet and trusting relationship with his father. His dad had walked with him just so far, and then stepped away prematurely. Carter paused, not sure he really wanted to continue up the aisle when his dad stepped back and gently nudged him forward.

As the afternoon and evening wore on, I noticed Carter here and there among the wedding guests. There was something so sweet and endearing about him, and it was clear that the people in his extended family feel the same way about him.

One of the things I love most about photographing events like this is the opportunity to witness relationships and sweet connections like the one Carter has with his mom and dad. It was so refreshing to witness their interactions, and I can only imagine how much he is adored at home.

I sent an email to Carter’s mom and asked if I could share these photos on my blog and she kindly gave permission. Judging by the lovely little boy she’s raising, I’d say she must be a really good mom.

♥