Tuesday Tales: Wedding Photography

 

Last fall, one of my friends from church asked if I’d serve as a photographer at her wedding. I really just began to get to know her well a few weeks before that. I’d gone to spend the day at the hospital with a family from our church for a lengthy, serious surgery, and she was also there for the day, supporting her friends.

                That day she told me all about this man she’d been seeing, and she felt like there was something special there. Both of them had outlived their first spouses, and they hadn’t been looking for love, but they met and quickly became inseparable.

                I remember the first day she brought him to church, and I tried to strike the balance between welcoming him warmly and not being TOO excited to finally meet this man I’d heard about in so many stories!

                He kept coming to church with her and they were just as adorable as they could be – like a couple of teenagers!

                The news of their proposal came as a surprise – but at the same time, it really wasn’t a surprise. I knew it was coming. I could feel it.

                I was surprised when she asked about the pictures. I quickly rushed to tell her I am NOT a real photographer and probably shouldn’t be in that role. She just as quickly rushed to tell me she didn’t want a “real” photographer. She just wanted someone who would capture candid moments, and she knew I would.

                I recruited Ryan to help me, and a few weeks later, the bride told me that another friend of hers also wanted to help with pictures. I felt better knowing there would be more pictures in the mix. Whatever I messed up, the other photographer would surely capture.

                Ryan and I went to the rehearsal this past Friday night to practice with the lighting in the sanctuary, and then I was there early Saturday to snap a few getting-ready pictures.

                I asked if they planned to do a first look and they didn’t seem familiar with that. I nudged them to do it. I knew they were nervous underneath all that excitement, and I thought they’d feel better if they had that moment all to themselves.

                They were just adorable. He stood on the platform, staring at the cross at the front, and the pianist softly played some love songs in the background. The bride climbed the steps and turned to look at me. I ducked out from behind my camera and mouthed, “Tap his shoulder!” she did, and OH my goodness. What a sweet moment it was.

                The wedding was sweet, and I haven’t yet had time to peek at the pictures to see what I have.

                I learned that I love capturing moments, but weddings really are too stressful. I’ve done three now, two as the main photographer. Those are moments you can’t get back, and I would far rather capture the stories of the day than be responsible for the once-in-a-lifetime moments.

                But it was a privilege to be entrusted with that task, and it was an even bigger privilege to witness the milestone of their marriage!