Boy, picking my top ten wedding photos was similar to picking which ten puppies out of 8000 you wanted to save from slaughter. Okay, maybe not that dramatic. But it was very difficult for me to pick. There are so many aspects to a wedding... a father's tear, family members dancing, beautiful dresses, gorgeous flowers, perfect rings, loving gazes...
In these ten photos, I picked not necessarily the best quality or the best pose. I picked the ten best moments. The ten photos where believe it or not, when I felt like I was stealing a moment that didn't belong to me. As a photographer, while you feel blessed to be included in such an unforgettable experience, you do feel slightly like an intruder... forcefully merging yourself with a couple's family, friends, love and drama too.
By the time I narrowed all of my wedding photos down to my top ten, I realize how incredibly blessed I have been this year and how every year just keeps getting better and better. Cheers to my brides, grooms, and friends and cheers to another year of stealing moments.
Sarah & her grandmother - The pearls belonged to her grandmother and were her something borrowed. My grandmother didn't make it to my wedding so beauty of this photo means a lot to me and is a photo of which I am greatly envious.
Justin & Jenny - While this photo looks orchestrated and the couple was not my bride and groom, I had nothing to do with this moment. We were done with the wedding party shots and began walking back to the cars. When I turned around, here was this very "Officer and a Gentleman" moment. Very romantic. If I remember correctly, Justin is a US Marine which makes the story even better.
Brian & Katie - What a moment. Regardless of your religious beliefs and your opinion on the power of prayer, no one can deny the effect of human touch. To be surrounded by your best of friends and family and having them lay a hand on you and wish nothing but the best for you and your future spouse... is an amazing feeling. You feel supported, uplifted, and incredibly blessed.
Brooke - I couldn't decide which was more beautiful, Jamaica or my bride. That was until I saw this picture. This photo was taken while Brooke's dress was being laced. She had no idea I was even taking a photo of her face until this last second when she looked at me. Or right through me. Her eyes are just stunning.
Michael - ...speechless... I was simply an audience member at my friends, Michael and Chrystal's wedding but my view was perfect to catch Michael's expression. This photo also semi-highlights my mad hairstylist skills with Chrystal's updo.
Kurtis & Jacquelyn - It is amazing how much love a nose can transmit to another nose.
Jesse & Lauren - You can't make the wind do what you want. Ever. Sometimes the wind works against you. Other times, its timing is just perfect.
Phil & Brooke - You know that deliriously happy feeling you get once you've seen your groom, waited through all the readings, speeches, sermons, and music to finally just plant a big one on your groom... that's how I describe Brooke's expression.
Chrystal, her father & Brittany - I forget exactly what's going on that is making Chrystal laugh. I think Phil is having trouble with the aisle runner... but regardless, Chrystal is exquisite. This is the moment or two before she is going to walk down the aisle to Michael. See four pictures above. Again, I was not hired to take photos at this wedding, just celebrate along side my college roommate and best friends.
Megan & her father - What a wedding! Ridiculous amounts of rain, locked cars, frozen flowers and an impromptu indoor wedding didn't stop Megan from marrying her love, Chris. You wouldn't be able to tell what Megan had to overcome on her wedding day when you look at her now, in the arms of her father, dancing to "Butterfly Kisses" under a perfectly lit dance floor outside.
Well, there's my top ten! I know I've left off many moments equally as beautiful, loving and stolen... Now, I'm off to pick my top ten non-wedding photos. I sincerely thank all of my brides, grooms, and friends for trusting me to photograph their wedding and capture their once-in-a-lifetime moments.
