Whitney & Matt | A Heartbreaking Love Story
Whitney and Matt’s love story began seven years ago when they met in college and immediately became inseparable. In 2013, on a beautiful day at sunset, Matt proposed to Whitney at the Lawrence Hall of Science, overlooking Berkeley, Oakland, and the entire Bay. Shortly after they were engaged, Whitney contacted me about engagement and wedding photography, and though they held off on photos and on planning their wedding for the moment, they got back in touch and hired me a couple years later when they finally set a date for their wedding in August of 2017. I was thrilled to be working with them. They were a wonderful, down-to-earth couple who loved all things Cal, were ambitious and yet laid back (Whitney having just completed law school and Matt working hard as a transportation engineer), and most importantly, loved each other deeply.
Then, one night, Matt passed away unexpectedly in his sleep. I was heartbroken to hear it from Whitney, but I can only imagine what it was like for her to lose the love of her life at age 28, and for the future they had envisioned together to be gone so suddenly. When I asked if there was anything I could do for her, she asked only that I photograph their wedding rings for her.
We met at the Lawrence Hall of Science where Matt had proposed three years ago. Whitney brought a handwritten letter to Matt, and I brought some beautiful florals from my friend Amanda Vidmar Designs. Whitney seemed to be doing well despite the circumstances, and though I’m sure the disbelief comes and goes, she was able to talk about all of the wonderful things she and Matt had shared despite mourning the future they had lost.
I asked to share their love story not just because of its tragic end, but because I wanted to honor what they had. Trite as it may be, I hope we can all be reminded to hug those we love a little bit tighter and to realize how incredible it is when we are able to love and to be loved, day after day.
There are no words to make this loss any lighter, but to Whitney and Matt, may your love live on.
Anna Wu is a wedding and lifestyle photographer. Contact her to inquire about photography in San Francisco, elsewhere in the United States, or abroad.
