It was a beautiful day in October. Sun was out and spring had sprung. The venue was at Stella’s Kitchen in Lysterfield, one of my favourite local cafes in the area that Jeff and I sometimes visit when we feel like going on a fancier date where we’re properly seated and we can watch the Australian landscape outside with the occasional kangaroos jumping about in the bush.

Contrary to how I looked in a lot of these photos — with my resting bitch face on like a fucking psychopath — I actually quite enjoyed myself at Krisfaye and Jhib’s wedding. It was simple, intimate, and just plain beautiful.

The bride, of course, looked lovely. And the couple, together, looked happy. Witnessing their vows, I wished them well. That they may have a lifetime of love and laughter the universe has to offer.

I wished them both a happily ever after.

As I write this now, I can’t help but think of Jeff’s mum who would pass away three months later.

Like, you just don’t know.

It’s a real kick in the gut. Something you don’t even think about until it happens.

And perhaps it’s designed to be that way. Perhaps we are all meant to enjoy each and every moment and not have to be so pensive about death all the time so as not to rob you from all of life’s precious privileges of sharing it with family and friends.

These were some of the last photos taken with her that didn’t involve intravenous fluids and hospital beds. When she was still the vivacious lady I had always seen her as. If they had a dance floor, she would’ve gotten the party started and turned it into techno disco.

Wherever she is now, I wish her a happily ever after as well.

*Raven at 9 years old