 
(photo taken by Scarlett Lillian and “borrowed” from her website)
Oh boy, I don’t know where to begin with this post. ¬†Today was such a heart-felt and moving day for me that it’s hard to put to words the different emotions I felt today from photographing Scarlett’s dad’s funeral service. ¬†
I spend most of my time photographing weddings where the focus of my photography is to capture a new beginning. ¬†Today, I did something I have never done before, photographing a new ending, yet honestly after witnessing Johnny’s funeral service, I was amazed how it wasn’t an ending at all, rather it too was a new beginning. ¬† ¬†As most of you know, Scarlett’s dad passed away from cancer on February 21st and today was the day family and friends were able to remember Johnny Williams through an absolutely wonderful service that was¬†held at the Ponte Vedra Valley (where I learned that Johnny actually helped to put up dry wall there!).
I feel so tempted to “tell his story” but I really think it will be best to let Scarlett do that! So keep checking her blog for when she will be able to pour out her heart, (as she so wonderfully does), then you will learn more about this special man!
It was truly a special day to be apart of Scarlett’s dad’s service. ¬†I cried so many times watching the beautiful slideshow that Scarlett put together, that I couldn’t tell if my images were focused or if they just looked blurry because I couldn’t clear my eyes enough, oh my goodness!!! ¬†
Watching the slideshow filled with many photos of Scarlett with her daddy, Johnny with his wife, and the three of them together really showed me how close the three of them were. ¬†The photos spoke to my heart in so many ways, which is why I love being a photographer, what we do truly last’s a lifetime. ¬†
I left today feeling like family is the most important thing in life. ¬†That no matter how busy we get with all the things that pull us in every direction possible, MAKE THE TIME for family. ¬† The slideshow spoke volumes for how Rene (Scarlett’s mom), Scarlett and her daddy did this! ¬†That although Johnny is no longer here, I know that Rene and Scarlett have no regrets thinking, ‘why didn’t I do this with him, or I never got to tell him this….’. ¬†They loved him very much and when Johnny passed away, I know he felt their love and therefore was able to pass away in happiness, fulfillment and peace. ¬†
If you have not read her story of her father and the last days with his wife and Scarlett, you MUST take the time to read Scarlett’s blog, but before you do, GRAB SOME TISSUE because you will be crying!!
Scarlett did this video of her and her dad dancing together with Scarlett dressed up as a bride. ¬†Since her father will not be here to walk her down the aisle when she gets married or for their father and daughter dance, Scarlett made a video of them both dancing their “first dance”. ¬†When this video was shown, of course everyone was balling! ¬†It was truly touching. ¬†
 
 Although a death can be such a sad thing, Rene and Scarlett really wanted it to be a happy celebration for Johnny no longer has to fight his battle with cancer and can now live in peace with no pain.  Johnny also was a faithful Christian and there is much reason to celebrate his happy entry into Heaven.  Aside from all the sad parts in the slideshow there were truly some hilarious moments that brightened your soul in an instant!
Isn’t Rene so beautiful! ¬†Just look at her watching a video clip of the love of her life! ¬†
And here’s adorable Lyndsay with Pink Coffee Photo Art, who partnered up with me to photograph the day.¬†
Before I left we squeezed in some friend shots…
Rachel, Franca and Scarlett!
Scarlett’s old college girlfriends…
And I cannot forget to capture Scarlett with her new mystery man ; )  I finally got to meet Mark today!  Mark works for the fire department in California but is also a photographer!  Very nice and cool guy!!
Ginger Dupre, another great photographer, Scarlett and of course, me : )
Of course there are more photos from today, but I will leave it up to Scarlett to choose her favorites : ) ¬†I’ll keep you all posted when she will post more images, and aside from looking at photos, I can predict you will be encouraged by her words as she expresses her heart from such a beautiful day!
Scarlett, my dear friend, thank you so much for giving me the honor of photographing such a memorable and special day!!!  Much love to you girl!!!  xoxoxoxoxoxoxox     Darice : )
11 Comments
Aw, Darice, how wonderful that you were able to capture this beautiful event! I really wanted to be there and celebrate Johnny’s life, but I’m not quite doing well enough to leave the house yet. I’m so glad to be able to share in the memory through these touching images!
Scarlett and her mother have been such an inspiration with their tremendous strength and enduring faith through all of this. How they have honored Johnny’s memory is so beautiful! Having lost all four of my grandparents to cancer, I know the bittersweet feeling of letting go and being relieved that someone no longer has to suffer. It’s the latter that brings peace to our hearts and allows us to cherish the memories that we will always have.
these are all beautiful, darice. scarlett will love them. what a wonderful way to celebrate the life of her father. you captured some wonderful moments in time. i know you girls are so close. thanks for being there for her. i know you are a blessing to her.
What a beautiful tribute to her father! Well done, Darice! I so wish I could have been there for Scarlett and I know she and her mom will treasure these images always. Thanks for providing a peek into the celebration of a wonderful man!
God bless!
Heather
Beautiful pictures….what a day of celebration it was and you did a wonderful job of capturing the moment. God bless you, Connie Haile
Hi ladies! Thanks so much for you love! There are so many more photos but I really think Scarlett would do much better than me to tell the story so I will leave the rest of the photos to her. It truly was a day of CELEBRATION, there could be no better way to phrase it! I am still impacted by the love the three of them have for each other!! I hope to be that close to my children when they become adults too. Nothing in life is more important than family!
Scarlett & her family are truely amazing. They are an inspiration for love and how close a family should be. You did a wonderful job capturing their spirit and love of life. These images have touched me. Thank you.
I tried to explain to my husband Jon Saturday afternoon and again Saturday night just how beautiful this was but couldnt quite find the right words. I was so happy to see your images and how wonderfully you captured the day through those images and with your words. I just know Scarlett and Rene will cherish the photos for many, many years. I think my absolute favorite is the one of Scarlett crying and Rene holding her. While this image breaks my heart all over again for Scarlett, it is also a tremendous testament to Renes strength. She is an amazing woman. I definitely see where Scarlett gets all of her wonderful traits from! Her amazing parents. I know how hard it was for you to capture the images being a close friend and feeling the emotion but you really did a fantastic job Darice. Thank you for sharing them!
Thank you, Darice, for capturing this wonderful celebration of life. I can’t wait to see more of the photos.
Rachel S.
Heartbreaking and beautiful all at the same time. Those photos just made me almost sob out loud at the office. What am amazing thing to do.
Can’t wait to learn from you! See you Sunday.
What a beautiful ceremony, to honor a wonderful man,dad,husband, and my best friend.
thank you from the bottom of my heart
Darice, what a touching tribute and amazing honor to be able to do this for a friend. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into what a special man Scarlett and Rene’s amazing man was!