When I first started dabbling in photography, I would shoot anything for the experience. Aside from weddings and engagements, I've shot maternity pictures, senior photos, family portraits, sports and events, and pets. It was the experience in trying it all that allowed me to find that I had a true love for shooting weddings. The single thing that has made me love this area of photography is that there is no faking it. I don't have to tell my couples to look happy or to smile at each other- they already do. Every picture that I capture is a candid and every emotion is raw and uncut. Every picture is so real.
Amanda and Paul were no exception, either. This was such a relaxed wedding to shoot. Everything fell together perfectly and there was no rush. All of the little details in their reception hall from their beyond creative guest book all the way to their hand made chalkboard signs really made this wedding unique. This was such a beautiful ceremony, too. Amanda and Paul had planned to have an outdoor wedding at sunset and it turned out absolutely perfect. This was a ceremony that could strike a chord in the heart of a stranger. Both of their dads are preachers and it was really admirable to see them take turns saying their piece as they prepared to give their children away. Being able to capture a father clutching his daughter's hand with pride and gleaming with joy- just minutes before she says "I do" is priceless. It is a moment now frozen in time, and I can only hope that they can both travel back to that loving place every time they look at it. It was very heartfelt and I was glad I got to witness it.
The bridal party was a blast, the food was a hit, and the music kept everyone on the dance floor all night long. The speeches were hysterical and sentimental. They kept to their outdoorsy nature and included a s'mores bar fully decorated with the prints from their engagement session I did a couple months ago. There is no better compliment than showing up to a wedding and seeing that my couple's enjoyed my work so much that they decided to use it as decoration for their big day.
This was a day full of laughter, love, and tears of joy. This was the joining of two families. One of the neatest things about this wedding was how many ladybugs there were that day. Ladybugs are a sign of good luck and though I'm not so sure that this beautiful couple will need any luck to keep this marriage afloat- it is a good sign at least. Congratulations Amanda and Paul Circle. I wish you infinite years of happiness.
