Bridal| Hopie's Day| North Carolina Children's Photographer

A Special Session for Hope: A Day in Her Mama’s Bridal Gown

There are moments in life that we hold dear, moments that seem to transcend time and place, creating memories that stay with us forever. A wedding day is undoubtedly one of those moments, a day full of love, promises, and new beginnings. But what happens when the wedding gown, the symbol of one chapter, is worn by a sweet child who may never see her own wedding day—its legacy carrying both memories and dreams for the future that become hope and healing.

For Hope, this special day was not about a wedding or a typical bridal moment. It was about honoring a family tradition, a beautiful connection between mother and daughter, and cherishing a moment in the here and now —a day when Hope wore her Mama's wedding gown.

Hope's Mama, just like many brides before her, wore a gown that was filled with meaning. It was the dress that held her hopes, her dreams, and her promise of love on her own wedding day. And as the years passed, that dress became more than just a garment—it became a symbol of enduring love, history, and heritage; a symbol of the strength her and her husband have endured countless procedures, hospital stays, and tests. And yet, that same dress is also a symbol of impending grief. Grief in the reality of Hope's diagnosis and the substantiality of Hope not having her own wedding day.

In a beautiful and emotional afternoon in February, we dressed her in Mama’s wedding gown, placed her Mama's pearl necklace around her neck and a bracelet on her tiny little wrist and pulled her brown curls back with a pearl headband, for a special session that was meant to capture her in the gown and in the moment. It wasn’t a traditional wedding photoshoot, nor was it about planning a wedding; it was simply about embracing the beauty of family, love, and the bonds that define us.

Documenting the Sweet Day

The special session wasn't about preparing for a wedding or celebrating a future marriage, but it was an ode to the passing of time. A way to document the sweetness of the present moment—the beauty of Hope, her young life, wearing a gown that held her mother’s past. The day was full of laughter, tears, and quiet reflection by each one in the studio.

While science says, We may never get the chance to see Hope in a wedding dress of her own, but that didn’t matter. The gown, now worn by her, spoke volumes about the strength of family traditions. The photos from this day captured not just the satin of the dress but also the legacy woven into each thread. Hope, full of grace and beauty, looked stunning, but it was the moments of joy, reverence, and connection that made the session unforgettable.

Wearing the dress of her mother was an incredibly meaningful gesture, one that symbolized the bond of Mother and Daughter, the continuity of love through the generations.

There is something incredibly poignant about the idea that Hope may never wear a wedding dress of her own, but this moment, captured forever in photos, is a beautiful reminder that love isn’t confined to one single moment or day. It’s not about the future wedding or the grief that feels heavy as it seems to take more and more, but about the love we have right now, the love that continues, no matter the day, the dress, or the diagnosis .

More About Our Hope

Hope was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome as an infant. Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder that affects the way the brain develops. This disorder causes a progressive loss of motor skills and language. Rett syndrome primarily affects females.

Most babies with Rett syndrome seem to develop as expected for the first six months of life. These babies then lose skills they previously had — such as the ability to crawl, walk, communicate or use their hands.

Over time, children with Rett syndrome have increasing problems with the use of muscles that control movement, coordination and communication. Rett syndrome can also cause seizures and intellectual disabilities. Unusual hand movements, such as repetitive rubbing or clapping, replace purposeful hand use.

Although there's no cure for Rett syndrome, potential treatments are being studied. Current treatment focuses on improving movement and communication, treating seizures, and providing care and support for children and adults with Rett syndrome and their families.

Hope has many mutations to the genetic code of this disease that has made life so very hard and different for her family. Hope is currently on Hospice and we don't take anything for granted. Thus, this session was birthed and is by far one of my most favorite works of art.

Dear Hope and her family,

Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your lives and Hope's circle. Being her photographer and one of her loving caregivers is an honor. I and my family love her with a love that is so true and vibrant. We stand beside of each of you and pray for miracles and cures so that Hope and other children have more time and more HOPE.

Love ,

Leslie

And a video of our time together: https://fb.watch/xZF4eM-DRm/