their love story:
jim and catherine met through mutual friends about 5 years ago. at that time, jim’s wife had been diagnosed with cancer and he was seeking help thru others. about a year later, after his wife had lost her battle, he began to ‘notice’ catherine and wanted to know more so he asked her out for a cup of tea. both were nervous but enjoyed each other’s laughter and decided to visit again soon and share more tea. over the next few months, catherine also shared her own story with jim – family loss thru divorce.
in their early discussions, both agreed that friendship was their priority. however, it wasn’t long before it turned into much more. weekends became too short. holidays together were planned and enjoyed. and then they decided to take a big step forward and began living together. they became an informal couple and decided to call each other companions – always reminding themselves we were friends first. they purchased a farm house, bought some cultivating equipment and seeded their first garden. there were successes and failures in the garden but they knew, regardless of the outcome, the plan was right for them. omnivore acres was alive and so was their love for each other.
this fall, while discussing birthday presents for each other, they soon agreed to celebrate more than just their birthdays. they decided to formalize their love and life together through marriage and share the same last name. rings were made and a private ceremony was planned for december 28, 2009 at the oswego hotel, victoria, b.c., with only witnesses present.
that’s when catherine contacted me. they attended a wedding that i photographed earlier this year and loved my work and asked if i was available to capture them exchanging their vows. i am so honoured that they asked me to be a part of their special day. and i love that i am able to help them share the love and joy captured with the images below with all their family and friends around the world.
they are now more than friends, companions, partners and lovers – they are jim and catherine gowans. congratulations to you both.
