Jessica and Samuel Taylor-Bearman, what can I say about these two…this was by far, a very special wedding

In 2006, Jessica was diagnosed with the severest form of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, or M.E as it’s also known. Jessica kept deteriorating until she was unable to move, talk, eat or do anything. She was completely bedridden. Due to the severity of her illness, doctors said Jessica would never be able to walk again. Jessica has always been determined to get better and couldn’t believe that this was to be her future.

Samuel and Jessica met through their mutual friend, Stewart. Samuel became a huge part of Jessica’s life very quickly, doing medication and injections. Nothing ever phased him. We were blissfully happy, and on a day we were left with Samuel caring for me, he asked for my hand in marriage.

When Samuel popped the question, Jessica had already achieved a lot more than what the doctor’s diagnosis had told her. She started my own charity from bed called Share a Star. It helps seriously ill 0-21 year olds and their families by creating handmade stars, unique to the youngster to give them hope. They can hold their whole world in their hands through treatment and hospital stays. Share a Star send out happy boxes full off smiles to poorly kids and their siblings and provide outings too. Jessica wanted to give others suffering with chronic health problems hope that dreams really can come true. Jessica planned to try and learn how to walk like she had re-learnt how to speak, move and eat. It was a huge ask but to see the love of her life’s face on their wedding day with all of her family and friends who had been there the past 11 horrendous years and join with Samuel’s family seemed like a dream she couldn’t quite reach. However, after over a year of slowly getting used to being upright then new medications, the day finally came. Jessica walked down the aisle on the arm of her father Colin. There were very few dry eyes in the church at that point. The church ceremony was beautiful and performed by Sue who was not only the vicar but a family friend, which made the whole thing even more personal.

After the ceremony, it was off to the village hall in Cliffe Woods for the wedding reception. After some very moving speeches, Jessica and Samuel took to the dance floor for their first dance as Husband and Wife. Soon after that Jessica went home to get some much needed rest

On the day, I didn’t want to rush Jessica or push to get the couples portraits done. Even though the portrait part of the day is my favourite part, I was conscious of Jessica getting tired and not being able to fully enjoy the reception. So I suggested we do the couples portraits on another day when we could take our time and go to a few spots that I had in mind. A coupe of days ago, after Jessica and Samuels honeymoon had passed, we got together to do the portraits. My good friend Hayley kindly offered to come and do Jessicas make up, so that we could recreate her look from the wedding day. We headed into Rochester, stopping at Rochester Castle and another favourite spot of mine to shoot some portraits during that magical time of day when the sunlight is golden and beautiful. Yet again Jessicas spirit and kick ass mentality shone through as we got some stunning shots of the two of them together.

Before I stop writing and start showing photos, here a few links to check out to find out more about Jessica, her charity and a book that she has published
http://shareastar.org/ | The World of One Room | A Girl Behind Dark Glasses

So now lets see some photos of the big day!