Love, Exciting And New

It’s not often that I shoot weddings, just a few times a year. Weddings are wonderful, tiring, stressful, and you’ve got just one chance to capture the images as they happen. The adrenaline gets you going, and you drop in a job-well-done exhaustion at the end of the day. But the rewards are great, that’s for sure!

Love, exciting and new
Come Aboard. We’re expecting you.
Love, life’s sweetest reward.
Let it flow, it floats back to you.
{Theme to The Love Boat}

Recently, I was able to photography Mary and Alex as they professed their nuptial vows. Storms set in as we headed down to the church, but it cleared up in time for the wedding and made for a spectacular day. You never know what’s going to happen with the weather in May in Cincinnati, that’s for sure.

Mary teaches art as well as other subjects at our kids’ school, and Alex teaches music at another school. When Mary asked me to photograph their wedding, how could I resist?

These are two super cool, chill teachers, and their love for their students was clearly shown as Mary had decorated using popsicle yarn art, while Alex’s high school band students played some rocking music at the reception. Mary and Alex’s moms both displayed their wedding dresses from about 30 years ago too!

I love, love, love Catholic weddings, and this one did not disappoint. Mary and Alex are so clearly loved by their families and each other. Here Alex’s mom is trying to figure out how to pin on the boutonnière, and Mary sees her grandma right before the wedding.

Even the priest had a really good time at the ceremony. He was smiling ear to ear.

What’s a wedding without the ring bearing running full speed ahead?And the reception–what a blast! Here’s the best part: since Mary teaches our kids and I was photographing (Paul videotaped), our whole family went to the wedding and the reception.

Thanks to our 2nd shooter Krissie for this!

Speaking of Krissie, it was the first time I had worked with her–what a pleasure to photograph alongside someone who is easy to get along with and takes stellar photos. She normally shoots weddings with her sister, but she was luckily available for this day. Score.

A second shooter’s role is very valuable on the wedding day–they are often able to capture photos from a different angle than the other photographer, and you’re more likely to capture the “moments” of the day.

Our 15 year old really wanted to dance, and no one would get the dancing going, so I taught her how to jitterbug, complete with the camera attached to my hip. Although I don’t suppose the photographer should normally dance, Mary and Alex didn’t care.

That’s how cool these two are. Everything was just so chill and truly happy.The band really got into their music, and the crowd danced like crazy. The dancers were all getting down low for one song, but the girl in the red skirt couldn’t because her outfit was too tight, so they were laughing about it.

Here, Mary, Alex and the gang are ready to conquer the world.

Or at least, the party. 😉