This past weekend I photographed an intimate family wedding in California. Lauren, the bride is distant family of mine, or so a few of us decided... At this wedding I knew a few people which wouldn't normally matter at a wedding I would be working... But knowing some of them on a more personal level created a different experience.
Some of the brides family I remember as a young child and their names I've heard through out my childhood. Others I've only recently met in a by chance connection on Facebook. In the years since that connection we have created great relationships. It was good to see them all and get to be apart of this celebration and see them together as a family.
As much as weddings are about the bride and groom they are also about the families that encompass the couple. Those family ties may be legitimate family ties or friends that have become family. No matter the origin, together they create the experiences that shape the type of couple the bride and groom will become.
The groom, Jeremy comes from a small family and what I quick realized is that the family he did have was very important to him. The large group of friends that Lauren and Jeremy have shared since high school was treated like family by both of them. Seeing the night unfold with such love from the world they share was endearing.
At the past two weddings I have photographed this summer I couldn't help but be touched by the love and support they are surrounded with. Before each wedding I thought about how significant this day is and how fortunate I am to spend such a large part of this day with the bride and groom... Looking at my own photos it's so difficult for me to be objective but I hope that my photos convey the affection and tenderness I felt being there. The energy at both events was unmistakable. My work is so important to me because of my incredible clients. So many of them have helped me appreciate the moments in life that seem to pass too quickly... Hmmm, is it apparent that I cry at weddings?