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“Butterfly kisses…”
When Christine first sent over her engagement session form one of the first words I read was, “Butterflies”. As I continued reading, tears filled my eyes…
“I love butterflies, and would love to have live ones released on my wedding day. My brother died unexpectedly on June 4, 2003 at the age of 36. His death was very hard on me; he’s my only brother. There was a 10 year age difference between us, but he was always like a father figure to me. After he passed away, I started seeing butterflies. They would be outside of my window where I worked on the 21st floor in Uptown. They would land on my shoulder and stay there even when I was walking outside.
My grandmother passed away 14 months after my brother’s death. We had a small private ceremony for her and spread her ashes. During the ceremony, there were swarms of butterflies all around us.
I do realize that this all probably sounds a little crazy, but I found it to be very comforting at the time and still do. I have a strong faith in God, but there are so many things that test our faith on a daily basis and sometimes it’s hard to understand why bad things happen. During the grieving process, the butterflies confirmed for me that there is life after death and I think God sent the butterflies as a way to console me.
The best butterfly story is probably happened last Christmas when we were visiting my brother’s grave on Christmas Eve, my brother’s birthday. Every year, we go to sing happy birthday to him & to release birthday balloons. This year my mom, sister, John, & my niece went out there in the freezing D.C. cold. My 3 year old niece came with us as well; she helps to lighten the mood. She also thinks that the cemetery is a huge playground. Almost every grave has a wreath and Christmas decorations or flowers on it. My niece ran up to some shiny ornaments that had blown off of a wreath and started telling me that “it was a butterfly and that it was up in the air.” I had my I-flip in my purse and took it out to record her. When I feel doubt, I take it out and play the video.
I actually starting researching this phenomenon online to see if anyone else had experienced this and what I found was shocking. Many people do which is shocking & comforting at the same time. I read so many articles that say, “The butterfly is the most frequently mentioned After Death Communication sign. It is a spiritual symbol for life after death because of its metamorphosis, or transformation, from a caterpillar that crawls on the ground to a beautiful, almost ethereal creature that flies through the air. It has also become a symbol for personal growth and spiritual rebirth.” ~ Christine
And so…my days of longing to do a sunset, butterfly inspired engagement session had arrived. We kept it understated (saving the LIVE butterflies for wedding day) and found the perfect delicate spot in which to play and have fun. It was the perfect day. The perfect couple. And the most amazing way to celebrate life and love!!!
Styling + Hair + Makeup by sugary-sweet, Lindsey Regan Thorne. Wheel barrow courtesy of DADDY!! 
Ashley Gillett - What Christine said rings so true to me. I lost my grandmother last year and I swear I’ve seen a butterfly almost every day since. Always makes me think of her.September 16, 2011 – 8:07 am
Sarah Spooner - LOVE THIS. Butterflies always surround me when I’m thinking of my grandmotherSeptember 18, 2011 – 2:01 pm
Lindsey Regan Throne - You captured them beautifully!
Her story bring tears to my eyes!
I just love working alongside you. I love you!September 20, 2011 – 8:51 am
BUTTERFLY + FALL INSPIRED ENGAGEMENT SESSION » Lindsey Regan Thorne - […] so myself} with the outcome! Why butterflies you ask? Be prepared with a tissue… and read HERE. Needless to say, sweet little butterflies became the beautiful accessory to this touching […]September 21, 2011 – 7:26 am
Butterfly Inspired Engagement Session from Kristin Vining Photography | Style Me Pretty - […] she most needs reminding that they are still with her. Those reminders? Butterflies. Hop over to Kristin Vining’s blog to read more about this couple. I dare you not to tear up. It’s near […]April 10, 2012 – 10:43 am
Moon Walker - Wow. Christine shares my obsession with butterflies, and for the same reason. *hugs* Everything about this is beautiful.April 10, 2012 – 10:56 pm
Christine + John | Style Me Pretty Feature » Charlotte NC Wedding Photographer - […] married last month (those images coming soon) and their esession took place last year at The Dairy Barn in Fort […]April 11, 2012 – 9:13 am