STORY: BriJoRae’ Pusch-Zuniga
PHOTOGRAPHY: BriJoRae’ Productions, Topeka KS
Hi everyone! My name’s BriJoRae’ but most people call me Bri or Bee. I’ve called Kansas home for about 28 of my 30 years of life. And about 15 of those 30 years, I’ve been a photographer.
I can remember always noticing the beauty in people, places and things. Even as a little girl, I had this sparkly little purse and my parents made it a thing to check my purse before leaving people’s houses. Just like I loved that sparkly purse, I loved to pick up sparkly things I felt belonged inside it to take home and sparkle with me! My father tends to think how my eyes would catch the light bouncing off of things, and this is what led me to photography! I’m inclined to believe he’s right!
There’s a young woman I’ve known many years named Raevon. Her sparkle is entirely her own. She’s always been daring, a tad on the defiant side, strong and outspoken. So when she came asking me to help her with her wedding, I knew there had to be something about her big day that would stand out. Her only guideline was it was to be an elopement; a day for her and her fiancé’ to have all to themselves.
With her full trust, immediately I went to work planning her big day! There’s nothing more intimate than an elopement, so what could I do to add just the right touches — to make this day sparkle but also keep her and Dominique’s secret?
When I first mentioned the red dress to Raevon, she hesitated, having an idea in her mind of what statement a “red dress” would make. That darn scarlet letter was about to be the death of a brilliant idea before it had even been birthed- until it hit me. The truth is, so many women these days (people for that matter) are not virgins when they get married. We live in a society that has very much revised its moral compass in the realm of sex and sexuality. In reality, our compass is in a non-stop spin, pointing every direction, thus providing no clear answer to anything. So which way do we turn?
In the direction of the red dress.
Because it has become common to see a woman in a red dress and instantly pass judgement on who and what she is, I felt the need to share with Raevon the truth I saw in that red dress. Sex appeal should not be shameful. Raevon’s truth (flaws and all): she is beautiful. She is daring because she is confident. Defiant because she refuses to give up regardless of how the world may try to keep her down. That mindset breeds strength to stand. And her outspokenness is courage to say what most people are thinking but where they choose to hide, she chooses to fight.
But don’t take my word for it. The proof is in that Raevon and Dominique have been engaged for a few years now. They’ve had much of their own issues, and they’ve had to fight to get to the altar. Infidelity, discouragement, separation and even death. All issues many other people fight against behind closed doors. But they’ve fought and learned to stand together so their fighting has become for one another rather than against one another.
I bet there’s a little Raevon and Dominique in your love story, too.
So the red dress wins — no longer a statement of shame but of the blood, sweat and tears it takes to make marriage work! At some point you realize, you have been wearing your red dress without your wedding ring long enough (I know that story, too).
Once Raevon was ready, all we had left was selecting Dominique’s attire and choose a location. A laid back guy, all Dominique desired were colors and braids to accent his bride – perfect for a man who just wanted to marry the woman he loved.
Inspired by their strength, there was one place in Kansas I knew would be a testament to forming a strong foundation. Eighty million year old, Monuments Rocks, KS, is about a four-hour drive west from our Topeka home. It is off the beaten track, has stood the test of time and is very much an elopement-worthy staple! [Editor’s note: this is private land, so be sure to get permission prior to planning an elopement!]
Very near to Monuments Rocks, is a little town called Hoxie, where we found the final piece to our puzzle! Flower Barn is a quaint little floral shop with a young owner by the name of Aaron. Though he’s only owned the shop for five years, Aaron inherited the shop from the prior owner when he was just a boy- another story of standing the test of time.
On November 1st, 2018, Dominique Anderson and Raevon Bailey become man and wife, knocking down the old, and submitting themselves to the new. Just in case you’re in the same boat or some place similar, Raevon has some encouragement for you.
“Don’t let anyone keep you from what you want to do,” the newly named Mrs. Anderson says. “Put your faith in God and trust that He knows what’s best for you. If you’re still hesitant, take your time. There’s no need to rush what is meant to be.”
BriJoRae’ Pusch-Zuniga is a photographer, elopement coordinator, officiant and business owner located in Topeka, Kan. See more of her work at : www.BriJoRaeProductions.com
Kansas Weddings Magazine is an annual publication featuring the beauty of a Kansas wedding. Contact us to include your love story in the next issue!
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