Why Weddings?

“When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible” – When Harry Met Sally

I'm gonna let you in on a little secret. My guilty pleasure - RomComs. Yup, Romantic Comedies...more specifically, WEDDING ROMCOMS! I love them! My Best Friend's Wedding. Father of the Bride. Runaway Bride. 27 Dresses. The Proposal. The Wedding Planner.....I LOVE THEM! I could watch them all over and over...in fact, I have.

I mean, who doesn't love a good wedding!?!

Weddings have everything. Family. Fancy clothes. Emotion. Great locations. Fun. Occasional drama. And let's not forget most importantly- LOVE!

Documenting the merger of two hands, two hearts and two families is some high pressure stuff. From preparations in the bridal room to shots in the groom's quarters, I love that build up of energy. The walk down the aisle. The ceremony.

And then just like that, the energy shifts. The pressure is off. There's a sense of relief and now it's party time!

Better Call the Wambulance.

I seriously tear up at least once for every wedding. It happens at different times in the day. Sometimes its when the Groom catches his first glance of the Bride. It's like he's seeing her for the first time...or in a whole new light. It's quite magical.

Then there's the vow exchange. When a couple makes their promises to each other but they get lost somewhere between tears and laughter. Aww come on, if you're a photographer and don't tear up at that, you should be doing macro shots of bugs in your garden.

Music takes me places, so I'm always interested in a couple's choice in Wedding Songs.

Combine that with their First Dance, and it is enough to give me the sniffles. A darkened venue, two souls swaying on the dance floor, all eyes on them. You'll often find me swaying alongside them. Stepping to the music like some Third Wheel to capture the best angle with the best background. Better believe, I have my hanky at the ready.

I loved her first...

The Father / Daughter Dance. So as a dad of five daughters, this one really hits me in the feels. Watching them waltz across the floor in a symbolic release.

Dammit, I told myself I wasn't gonna cry!

Maid of Honor / Best Man Toast - ok, usually these are heartwarming or hilarious, but occasionally somebody better call the wambulance.

Best Seat in the House

So yeah, as a photographer, covering weddings can be tough. It's exhausting physically, emotionally, and mentally. The next day Wedding Hangover is no joke, but the pay off is well worth it. Yes, the pay is good - but making new friends, seeing the reaction from a couple when they get their images, and establishing customers for life is PRICELESS.

All of this and I get to watch my own personal RomCom from the best seat in the house.

This blog post is dedicated to the couples who believed in us enough to make us part of their Special Day. You are the very reason why we do this. Thank you!