Picture this: a cozy Christmas lunch filled with laughter and warmth. Amidst it all, my dad, with a glint of excitement, made a simple request: “Can you take our photo tomorrow?” he asked, looking at his new wife. We call her Ma Nang, a phrase used to show respect for women in Laos. When she finally came to America, we were so excited to celebrate my dad’s new life and marriage because it has been a journey.

The next day, he traded his casual clothes for a sharp suit. As my brother-in-law adjusted his tie, I found myself by Ma Nang’s side, gently assisting her with her hair and dress. We communicated with broken English and Lao, but our smiles bridged any language barriers, speaking volumes of our shared joy.

To everyone who played a part in this journey, thank you.

Your efforts didn’t just unite my dad and Ma Nang; they paved the way for a lifetime of happiness together. It was a magical moment. My dad’s eyes sparkled with love, and Ma Nang looked radiant. But behind this picture-perfect scene lay a story of determination and support. Family and friends had come together, overcoming obstacles and paperwork, to bring my dad and Ma Nang together in the same country. Their journey wasn’t easy, but their love and the help of their loved ones made it possible.

Capturing memories of my family means the world to me. Whether it’s a spontaneous hug, a shared joke, or a tender glance, these photographs serve as tangible reminders of the cherished moments we’ve experienced together. Being able to immortalize these memories brings me fulfillment, knowing that I am preserving our family’s legacy for generations to come. Through photography, I can encapsulate our bond, creating a treasure trove of memories that will last a lifetime.

Being able to look back at memories from last year or over the last decade gives a sense of comfort. I encourage you to document life as it happens. Whether it’s spontaneous or a planned event, you’ll be glad you can remember it just as it was.

So here’s to love, in all its forms, and to the beauty of family photography sessions that capture not just smiles, but the stories that bind us together. As I look back on this session with my dad and Ma Nang, I am reminded that sometimes, the most profound moments are found in the simplest of requests—a request for a photograph that became a testament to a love that knows no bounds. Here’s to a new life, here’s to marriage!