The Rose Gardens
Photo of the day #13
May 15, 2016 1:21 PM
Random photo from my collection.
This photo is from the wedding of my very good friend Rain to their husband, Owen. I met Rain while I was working in the Walmart deli in 2011. We bonded over our work ethic, sense of humor, cut-the-BS-ness, and, of course, our dislike for Walmart. We were both going through some serious stuff in our home lives at the time and were there for one another. I’ve always thought of them as my soul sister. Rain was from Mississipi. I liked to tease them sometimes when they said “ten” because it sounded like “tin”, but I thought it was cute. We both came from different backgrounds. Rain’s parents wanted them to fit a specific mold of what they wanted Rain to be. I’ve always admired Rain’s determination and authenticity. I know it wasn’t easy, but they never let anyone dictate who they should be.
After finally getting out of the abusive relationship that Rain was in when I met them, Rain met Owen. It was the first time I had truly seen Rain happy in a long time. I thought, finally, Rain is getting what they deserve. Someone to support them and uplift them. I was honored to both be in the wedding and photograph the wedding (with Zac’s help too). This photo is bittersweet because I thought it was the happy ending I had been hoping for Rain. I think it was in the beginning. It wasn’t until fairly recently I learned the truth about how their relationship had deteriorated. I felt awful for not having any clue that things were even bad. But I know from experience in an abusive situation like that, you tend not to want to tell people or just hope that things will turn around.
I think Rain is one of the strongest people that I know. Time and time again, they have overcome adversity and have not only succeeded but excelled in so many things. I lost count of how many majors Rain has. I think it’s 3? They also have a minor. All on their own, with no help from their parents or a supportive spouse. Rain is what I consider BAD A$$.