“A couple of weeks ago, my nearly 9-year-old approached me, and asked if I would have time in my schedule to book a wedding with her. She wants to put on a wedding for her beloved dolls who have fallen in love. And, because apparently I’ve raised her to understand that an artist’s time is worth something, she wants to pay me. In lots of love and massages. YES.
![young girl kneels on large rock as she holds a ken doll and barbie is laying on the rock](https://lwm-a2.azureedge.net/uploads/2018/01/Barbie-wedding_-4-1600x1200.jpg)
Her 7-year-old sister caught wind, and wanted to be a part. She offered to pay in ‘dirty work.’ I’m not quite sure what ‘dirty work’ means yet, but that was a deal I was definitely willing to make. They booked the shoot, and they began planning.
![little girl with red curly hair holds two plastic dolls in front of large rocks and body of water](https://lwm-a2.azureedge.net/uploads/2018/01/Barbie-wedding_-93-1600x1200.jpg)
Apparently Barbie (who is lovingly named Lila, now) and Justin weren’t able to wait for their wedding day to hold their ceremony. I guess I missed it. I was a little bummed. But I was still humbly asked to shoot their formals. At the art direction of my daughter, of course. I obliged. Because, heck yes.
![ken doll dressed in prince clothing lying opposite of barbie in white gown on rock next to body of water](https://lwm-a2.azureedge.net/uploads/2018/01/Barbie-wedding_-30-1600x1200.jpg)
I don’t think I’ve ever had a more fun afternoon collaborating and creating art with my loves. All three of them came up with their own really fun and creative things to do that I probably never would have thought of. I love how kids can refresh my creativity and my soul, all at the same time.
Here’s a little snapshot of what we created together, minus the memories to last a lifetime.”
![close up of barbie in white gown with arms wrapped around ken who is in prince outfit](https://lwm-a2.azureedge.net/uploads/2018/01/Barbie-wedding_-25-1600x1200.jpg)
![ken sits next to barbie on a rock with his arm wrapped around her while they look out into the distance](https://lwm-a2.azureedge.net/uploads/2018/01/Barbie-wedding_-39-1600x1200.jpg)
![barbie wraps arms around ken who is wearing prince clothing](https://lwm-a2.azureedge.net/uploads/2018/01/Barbie-wedding_-43-1600x1200.jpg)
![ken and barbie are sitting toy horses next to each other on a rock](https://lwm-a2.azureedge.net/uploads/2018/01/Barbie-wedding_-80-1600x1200.jpg)
![backs of ken and barbie sit on toy horses on a rock](https://lwm-a2.azureedge.net/uploads/2018/01/Barbie-wedding_-89-1600x1200.jpg)
![close of of ken and barbie holding hands while sitting](https://lwm-a2.azureedge.net/uploads/2018/01/Barbie-wedding_-110-1600x1200.jpg)
![barbie looks at ken while sitting on a rock and holding hands](https://lwm-a2.azureedge.net/uploads/2018/01/Barbie-wedding_-114-1600x1200.jpg)
![aerial view on ken and barbie holding hands while lying in the grass](https://lwm-a2.azureedge.net/uploads/2018/01/Barbie-wedding_-124-1600x1200.jpg)
![ken and barbie sitting in the grass leaning on each other in front of rock](https://lwm-a2.azureedge.net/uploads/2018/01/Barbie-wedding_-131-1600x1200.jpg)
![young girl looks back smiling with younger girl walking away in front of her](https://lwm-a2.azureedge.net/uploads/2018/01/Barbie-wedding_-146_edit-1600x1200.jpg)
This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Brandy Young, 35, of Huntington Beach, California.
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