Wedding Day

Week 3

Wedding Day

January 16, 2011

Photographing weddings is a unique experience for many reasons. As I was reminded by a gifted wedding photographer just last night, this day quite possibly holds the most meaning of any day to come, (perhaps next only to the birth of their children) in the lives of the couple being joined together. It is unique because of this significance, and it is unique because often it is one of a very few times when all or near all of these two peoples' family and friends are gathered together in one place. It is unique because it is not only a milestone in the lives of the bride and groom, but also in the lives of their parents, their siblings and loved ones.... Even for their friends, both new and old, it helps shape the contours of their own stories as they look back at their respective lives and place this wedding squarely in that river of memories.

It's a beautiful thing to be included in the process, an honor to be asked to capture that important day, to tell a visual story that will last for the lives of the couple, and into the generations to follow. There is only one chance at it, there is no re-shoot opportunity, no do-over... and for that, it is a privilege.

I was given this privilege last week by a dear friend of mine, and during the joyful whirlwind of her making her bridal preparations, I took the time to make the above image. It's one of my favorites from that part of the day -  I like the continuity of the dress with the fabric of the canopy and window dressing, as well as the subtle shadows in the dress and the overall brightness of the photograph. For me, knowing what surrounded this scene, it is like watching a solemn moment of calm amidst the slightly controlled chaos of a wedding day. I dig it. Hope you do too.

image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 1/250 sec @f2.8, ISO 400