[1] Urszula + Tarek: In the photo booth
Urszula and Tarek had a big, epic wedding. We did about two hours of photographs before the ceremony in various locations around Boston. It was SO much fun for me, as I rarely get to spend that much time taking portraits on the wedding day (it is usually a lot more rushed). We got some amazing images in the city -- at Trinity Church in Copley, in the courtyard of the Public Library, and along Memorial Drive in Cambridge with the Charles River and Boston as a backdrop. Yet, my favorite image from the day was this candid one I snapped as the couple sat in a photo booth (a cool service provided by this vendor). The light from the box in front of them illuminates their faces so well against an otherwise black background. I love the way Tarek is looking straight ahead, posing somewhat, and Urszula is looking at him with a look of delight on her face. Pure magic.
[2] Michelle + her dad Rich: Bittersweetness
I love this image on two very big levels. The first one is that it is just a great snapshot of the moment before the bride starts her walk down the aisle. According to Michelle, there was a bit of a false start that caused a giggle between her and her dad. I love the fact that I captured this sweet moment between them.
The second level makes this photo very bittersweet, and is one of the reasons I take so many photos at weddings, especially of those nearest and dearest to the couple. Michelle's dad Rich passed away unexpectedly within months of the wedding day. This came as a great shock to me, as I remember him looking so vibrant and seemingly healthy at the wedding. Looking at the images from that day, I got an uncommon number of him enjoying the day with his family and I am so, so grateful for that.
[3] Brother-of-the Bride: A rare tear
Kym + Robert had a very emotion-filled wedding day. In a rare and touching move, Kym herself made a speech to her guests. It was full of the love she felt for them and I don't think there was a dry eye in the house. As I tend to do at these moments, I used my long (70-200mm) lens with no flash to capture the guests' emotions without intruding on them. I caught the bride's brother welling up as Kym addressed him (I also caught her other brother doing the same...but could only choose one of the images for this post, so this is the one). Later, when I showed the images to Kym, I think these may have moved her more than any as she said how rare it is that her brothers cry. What an honor to have captured these moments for her.
[4] Marisa's wedding: Dad + Mom
I always try to have the bride's dad come into the room at a certain moment when I am ready to capture his face -- but, at the same time, I don't like to "manufacture" moments too much so I don't always get to record this. On Marisa's wedding day, the shot worked perfectly. Her dad walked into the room and was immediately captivated by how gorgeous his daughter looked. But what really makes this image special to me is his expression as he looks at his wife. Sort of like, "Look at our beautiful daughter." Being a mom of girls myself, this really gets me. (I also love the way you can see two bridesmaids and a flower girl through the doorway.)
[5] Maria + Matt: Pure emotion
Marisa's wedding again! Her groom Matt was so full of emotion as he looked at Marisa throughout the ceremony. No explanation needed as to why I love this image so much.
[6] Patty + Joe: At last
Oh, Patty and Joe, how I loved photographing your wedding! These two met 30+ years ago when they were both married to others and in the same social circle. When they told me the story, Joe gushed that he always admired Patty "from afar." Patty was divorced years ago, and Joe became a widower in more recent years. They then found a new love in each other and the rest is history. The look on Joe's face as Patty approached him at the end of the aisle is priceless...way beyond words. In fact, this photo captures about a million words all at once.
[7] Robin + Tim: The great wide open
The great portrait photographer Annie Leibovitz has said, "I don't think there is anything wrong with white space." I agree. Sometimes, it is the white space that tells the story. In this case, the white space was actually the sky, which I purposely overexposed to get the couple perfectly exposed in front of it. I love the way I framed this image out, with them in one corner and the big great expanse behind them. To me, it says that in that moment, it was just the two of them alone in the universe.
[8] Robin's Dad: Right place and time
Can you tell by now that I like to capture people crying? But crying on a wedding day is about love and pride -- not sadness. This image is all about waiting for the right moment and knowing when it is coming. I always keep an eye on the bride's parents during the ceremony and look for the beginnings of a tear. In this case, it was when Robin's dad reached for his glasses. One quick snap and this moment was caught forever. (Reminds me of another great Ansel Adams quote: "Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter.")
Who has a cooler job than me? Nobody!
Who has a cooler job than me? Nobody!
[9] Michelle: Last-minute check
I love "getting ready" photos. They are when I am most photojournalistic in my approach. I enjoy the flurry of chaos and electric excitement (and makeup, bobby pins, double-sided tape...) that comes before the wedding begins. It is a time for really great photographic artistry as well, as there are often lots of mirrors, shadows, and interesting natural light. I caught this image as Michelle was doing her final check before heading out to the ceremony. The light, the round mirror, her beautiful face reflected in it...all the elements worked together here.
[10] Jennelle: Hello, gorgeous!
The only color image in the group! This is just a great portrait. Lovely, fun birdcage veil, impeccable makeup, and a bride not afraid to be herself.
[11] There in Spirit: Picture of love
Tori was one of my very lovely summer brides. Sadly, her mom passed away several years ago. At one point during the reception, her dad pulled me aside to show me a picture of himself and his wife (Tori's mom) on their wedding day. I love that he did this, and this photo was a small way to capture the presence of someone sorely missed that day.
[12] The Wedding Guest: Get down on it
Thanks to every single client for an amazing 2011!
