The tradition of the wedding ring is said to have started in Ancient Egypt.
Couples exchanged rings made from woven reeds and braided hemp - a far cry from the modern "three months salary" recommendation of today.
The Ring Exchange between Manny & Carrie at the Gruene River Hotel, in Gruene, Texas.
Traditionally, rings were placed on the fourth finger of the left hand, as it was believed that that a love vein ran directly from this finger to the heart. The rings are known as a symbol of an unbreakable bond of love. A symbol of infinity, having no beginning and no end.
As mentioned in a previous post, my wife and I had no rings when we got married. I remember standing at the Bell County Courthouse. The Judge asked us if our hands were empty. I couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed at the fact that we showed up with no rings. Looking back, I'm not even sure if it was something we had even considered. We answered yes, showing that neither of us held anything. The Judge respectfully said, "well they shouldn't be" as he took hold of our hands and moved them together.
It was all smiles after that.
David & Kristen's Royal Place Settings in San Antonio, Texas.
Maybe a few weeks later, we hit the local pawn shops outside of Ft Hood, Texas. We looked around until we found the right ring set for us. We eventually upgraded our set by making a slightly bigger investment much further down the road.
Rings come in all shapes, sizes, colors, materials, and designs.
It's fun to see the personality of a couple as it shines through their selection of jewelry.
Joseph & Rochelle making it official at Lara's Vineyard in San Antonio, Texas.
I thee wed...
It's obvious everyone loves that moment when the officiant asks for the rings. The guests hold their breath and tears, that had previously puddled, begin to fall. It's an important moment of the ceremony and you can bet I'm in the aisle capturing every bit of it.
But as a photographer, I actually enjoy the rings more, much later in the day. I usually wait until after the major events of the evening have passed: the grand entrance, dinner reception, first dance, cake cutting, bouquet/garter toss, etc. I ask the bride and groom if I can borrow their rings and I find a little creative space where I can have a few minutes to myself.
David and Stephanie Dessert Table at Texas Old Town in Kyle, Texas.
I don't do much macro photography (extreme close up). You won't find me in a garden zooming in on bugs or anything like that, but I do love getting close up images of wedding rings. I geek out a little bit when it comes to ring shots. I take so much pride in them, that I have a lens that only leaves the house for this specific purpose - the Sony 90mm Macro, f/2.8. Famed photographer and Sony Artisan of Imagery, Miguel Quiles, nicknamed this lens "Excaliber" because its so sharp! (See? I went full geek.)
Wesley & Rocio's Loteria Table Settings at Lost Mission, in Spring Branch, Texas.
For ring shots, I take the time to set up a scene using elements from the evening. It's one of the few moments of a wedding night where I get to be totally creative rather than documenting the event before me. Once the stage is set, I snap a photo and then I'll probably change the angle of a light. I take another and then I might move a flower ever so slightly. I click the shutter and then I move glassware in the background. Step by step, I make miniscule changes until I reach the final images like those you see above.
When it's right, I know it's right.
I hope you enjoyed this blogpost.
Today's edition is dedicated to the memory of Joseph Mitchell.
Hubby, Daddy, Fireman, & Friend.
Semper Paratus
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