Weddings are captured with a photograph, marriage is captured from the heart. My greeting card moment for you all...

Once upon a time there was a wedding (actually there are several weddings in this world but that’s besides the point.) It was the wedding of my cousin to her now husband, which occured during the beginning of my freshman year of college. Some things that you may or may not know about me: A) I LOVE WEDDINGS!!! B) My camera was NOT staying home from the wedding, especially with it being a family member's big day. However, as much as I love taking pictures, I figured this would be a point and shoot camera event. After all, they had a professional photographer booked, I would want to dance and spend time with the family, and I would just want to enjoy the party. Not to mention, I didn't own a professional camera at that time and would have had to rent one. Not necessary.

Back to the wedding. The wedding was beautiful and I took TONS of pictures. My cousin loved them but two really stuck out:

I could point out so many things wrong with these photos from a photographer's point a view, however, I need to remind myself that I was just starting out when I took these. At first, I honestly had no idea why people seemed to like these two photographs the best. My aunt happened to mention that "It's pictures of them." Pictures of them? What was that supposed to mean? Duh, of course it's pictures of them! It puzzled me for a while of what my aunt meant but one day, while looking through them again it hit me. They were candid, I was able to capture the moment. I was able to capture the love for one another. I was able to capture the happiness that those two shared. The quality of the picture didn't matter. I was able to capture something that those two could cherish for the rest of their lives, and I couldn't have felt more satisfied. I loved what I was able to accomplish!

Fast forward a few years. My godmother's son (my "Godbrother" we'll call him, seeing as he and his brother are practically other brothers to me) got married to his wife. By now I had a more professional camera and about six photography courses behind me. Once again, I was not the primary photographer at this wedding but a guest. The professional camera and a point and shoot did come with me to this wedding though. I wanted to get some great photos of their special day. Here are some, AND JUST SOME, of the 300+ photographs I took of that day. ***Please remember, I was not their wedding photographer. I was merely a guest at their wedding, so please excuse some of the corner of pews, half of people, arm, etc. that may come into view of the images.***

I LOVED how these came out, and so did the bride and groom. I was so honored when the couple asked me if they could use my photos for their wedding album, as well as some photos to be framed! Apparently their photographer didn't capture a lot of candid photos. Most of them were staged photographs (which are fine) but didn't even out the photos with some candids. They wanted to see people have a good time at the party and not having people be told to look and smile for the camera. Every time I go to their house and see my photos up on their wall, I am touched and once again, honored, to have been able to give one of my favorite couples an amazing gift (on top of what I got them from their registry :-P)

And so, my wedding photography took off. I have done a few events since then (weddings, vow renewals, etc.) but can't wait to shoot more weddings in the near future! I can't wait to capture the memories of more wonderful couples and bring them the happiness in a photograph.

Oh, and both couples are currently living happily ever after! (Had to back up my "Once upon a time" at the beginning of the blog.)
~ C