Photographing Sandra

I have known this beautiful woman for several years now. I am honored to know her. She walks in both elegance and joy. When she laughs the whole world changes for just a moment.

I love my friend Sandra.

I had to talk her into this shoot. The truth is, she has not even the tiniest inkling that she is so gorgeous. She doesn’t have a clue. I was determined that I was going to show her. We had photographed her with her precious children in the 90 degree Georgia weather the week before and I had the idea then to sneak her away to my studio for a shoot all her own. She eventually acquiesced when I begged here (just a bit).

I wanted to show her what a classy woman she is so I planned the shoot with the hair and makeup artist myself. I was thinking classic so we stayed with a 60’s Jackie Kennedy style. Of course with her gorgeous lips she looks like Angelina Jolie a bit. I was like a kid. I had the best time planning all of this for her. She was moving back home to Michigan two days after our shoot and I wanted to give her a special gift before she left. She had given Johnny several things from her house for his new apartment so I wanted to bless her in return. She is one of the most generous people I know.

Some of you may know Sandra’s story. In 2011, she and her family were on their way to her first 5K race when they were struck by another driver. Sandra’s husband Glen later died from his injuries and Sandra had to learn to walk again. It is hard to type these things. She has been through so much. But I have watched God carry her as she placed her shattered life in his hands. She embodies the grace that God has wrapped around her life and the lives of her children.

That’s what I see when I see her. Grace personified.

This year, Sandra took the opportunity to publicly extend forgiveness to the woman who had struck her family’s vehicle that day. The video of her doing that got around and Sandra was invited to share her story on The View several weeks later. I was so proud of her. She handled herself with the grace and love that only God can give.

Sandra moved home to be close to her extended family where she can rest in their support as she continues her journey of healing.

I will miss you Sandra. I am so grateful that we crossed paths even if just for a little while. Thank you for your obedience to God and your willingness to live out vulnerability and love. You are a beacon of light and hope for those who are searching for him.

Look how beautiful you are!!!

Also thank you for letting me love you back.

Always your friend,

Mary Anne xxoo

I Corinthians 13:3-7 ~

” If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.