The people along the way.
Austin here. I want to tell a story that changed our life.
I dug up an email from February 4, 2020. This was only 35 days after we launched the company. Almost 4 years ago exactly.
“Hello Chastidyi,
Amber Sims let me know you had a customer that had been facing some severe medical challenges and were renewing their vows. I was hoping to get some more information on that and see if I could help in any way.
Thanks,
Austin”
“in the beginning everything is so new.”
For those that have started a new business you’ll probably remember that moment like it was yesterday. It was a big deal for my family and me. Things are just different. Once a business gets rolling you have somewhat of an idea of your future and the path you want to take. But, in the beginning everything is so new. Navigating the landscape is scary and exciting. It was time to take the hours and hours of reading, research, conversations, and implement them. As you may guess all business theory and training sort of goes out the window until you actually have the business established. I found the best way to find couples looking for wedding videography was to try and surround myself with as many people as possible that were already serving those couples in some way, shape, or form.
the email back:
Hey!!
Their names are April and Nick. Their vow renewal is this Saturday from 3:00-5:30. I will be doing photography and had planned to do videography as well, but I would love to have someone more experienced involved to help document this special moment. Nick has a special type of brain cancer and was given just a few months to live. He is getting close to the point where things are going to start deteriorating rapidly so they wanted to get this happening while he was still able to enjoy it. They’ve been married a little over eight years and have I believe three children. She is super sweet, and has told me some wonderful things about him. If you’d like to participate, I would be overjoyed!!
Thanks!
Chastidyi
Team Ranew | “Ranewing” their vows
Oh what a day. It was so cold. It was so snowy. It was so beautiful. It was SO emotional.
That day was a pivotal point for nearly everyone that witnessed the vow renewal at Chapel in the Hollow. That day I got to meet five INCREDIBLY strong people. Nicholas, April, and their three sons Kaden, Carter, and Lincoln. For over 13 months Nicholas valiantly battled Glioblastoma Multiforme, fighting for every last moment he could spend with his wife and three sons. Nicholas lived in his flip-flops, loved the beach, and would often enjoy video games with his boys or his friends. Prior to his diagnosis, Nick began learning to play the piano and paint, Bob Ross style. His favorite meal was his Mom’s homemade spaghetti and he grew up fishing with his Dad, an activity he would later enjoy with his own sons. His level-headed thinking and calm demeanor were the perfect balance to April, who he met when he was 13 years old.
The vow renewal was a brief moment in time for a couple that has spent years together, 8 of which they were married to each other. But, those few hours were important. They were important to each other. They were important to the family. They were important to the kids. When we say “wedding films will outlast Instagram”. We mean it. As hard as this sentence is to type… This was one of the last opportunities to not only profess, but to formally capture, their love to each other…. And let me tell you. There was a LOT of love to capture that day.
Forever love
Just 77 days after the vow renewal, Nicholas Stephen Ranew, age 35, entered Paradise just after one o’clock in the morning on Saturday, April 25, 2020.
To be apart of something so emotionally overwhelming was an experience that really gives you something to reflect on. To be able to have a piece of history captured and preserved for your partner, your kids, your future family. It’s truly amazing we’re living during a time when this is possible.
A part of our history
I wanted to share this story for two reasons. I want to emphasize how important this day was to the Ranew family. The conversations I had with them in our short time crossing paths were very emotional. That family is so strong to face the inevitable head on, with poise, with confidence, with love… I will forever remember this day. It further strengthens our belief in how powerful a wedding film can be. Because not everyone gets to knowingly prepare for the end. Those memories are captured forever.
100 Couples
The second reason is because this story is a part of us. Nicholas and April crossed our path 4 years ago. This caused us to cross Chastidyi at The Chapel in the Hollow’s path 4 years ago. That day was the catalyst for Yugen Productions relationship with The Chapel in the Hollow. Since that day we have become the resident videography team for them and have had the opportunity to film over 100 weddings at that chapel. A small piece of Nicholas & April’s story has inadvertently affected over 100 couples lives, has affected my life, and will continue to affect as many couples as we’re able to work with at the wonderful Chapel in the Hollow.
Ranew Legacies lives on and if you want to learn more about this wonderful family ou can do so here: