Sunday, June 29, 2008

The Day for Liza & Casey...




What is it that I do again? Oh, that’s right. I’m a photographer. A photographer that loves to shoot weddings. So many people go through their lives and careers not knowing what they want to do, or what they were meant to do. That’s not the case with me. I love it, I seriously, with every bit of my soul love what I do. I could probably look back and read that in just about every blog, e-mail or letter that I write. HAH! Remember letters... ;o) 

And while I love what I do, there are many reasons for that. The first one has got to be that I was chosen to be that person to document the day. To give the bride and groom fun and exciting pictures from throughout the day. And Liza and Casey’s wedding was another one of those days. Liza being a great photographer had a hard choice to make. In reality every bride has a hard choice to make, I guess really, it just brings me satisfaction that a bride, such as Liza who is also a photographer, picked me. And not only did she pick me but both the bride and groom gave me room to work shots that I may not have been able to make other wise. 

Their day was obviously a special one. And see, this is where you get the first hand story. The words from the day. At least from my point of view. And when I found their place it all began. Really right from the start. A broken necklace. And not just any broken necklace, but the brides. It was time for Tim to go from photography to handyman, jack of all trades. So there I was, camera down and necklace in hand. Can I ask a question. WHO has hands small enough to make the knots in those things, or better yet, thread the pearls??? I don’t have the answer, but in my back of tricks I have now added, super glue and a needle. I guess that’s something I enjoy as well. Always having the little things that come in handy. It seems like every wedding I shoot I run into a new “need”... From scissors, to barrettes, stain sticks and now, yes now, super-glue and a needle. 
Anyway, it was time for Tim to get to work. The dress, what a beautiful dress. Hung up on the door. All alone. 
Hang on, can I stop for a second and tell you how beautiful the clouds are outside my window! I’m currently, oh, maybe 20,000 feet in the air flying to Oregon to shoot a great wedding. I love flying. I love being on the top side of the clouds!!! A blanket of marshmallows is what it looks like down there... 

Ok, so, there was the dress, A beautiful dress. So simple, just off white, small details with one of the most beautiful green center ribbons I have ever seen. Probably not called a center ribbon, but hey, I’m a guy.... 

The dress, and the flowers! All of it was coming together. So great. And what was that, Liza singing and dancing around the kitchen with an umbrella. Not that it was needed for this beautiful day. The umbrella that is, singing and dancin’??? ALWAYS NEEDED!!!

From there to the church. A beautiful church at that. I got there and just started to take it all in. This is where it all becomes “official”... Where is Casey? Damn him, he’s hiding on me. I need the rings... WHERE IS CASEY!!!! Okay, found Casey and a couple quick shots of the rings. And it’s almost time. OMG, how cute can the kids be, wanting nothing more than the bride to pop out of the Limo... Waiting, arms crossed, looking around the legs in from of them... Kids bring such an extra light into the day. Knowing that this is where the dreams of their weddings begin...

And now we have it... The ceremony. What more can I say. The ceremony is something that gets shared only with those in the church. Except of course for one beautiful person, a person that in the physical sense couldn’t be there, but I’m sure everyone in the church knew that her beautiful soul was there. Liza’s mom, there, listening to every word and watching over her daughter and capturing everyones smiles, tears and embraces. 

Are there pictures??? Oh, plenty. But for someone that wasn’t there, pictures and words can’t begin to describe what happens at each individual ceremony. From the words, smiles, touches... And I’m not just talking about the bride and groom. I’m talking about everyone. How you can gaze at the on-lookers and know that the husbands and wives that have been married for years are feeling that connection all over again, how the new couples are wondering, will I be in this position in the future with the one sitting next to me??? It’s such a wonderful thing! And then, before you know it, the ceremony is over. Liza and Casey are now husband and wife. The new chapter beginning! The chapter that will not have an ending. The chapter that is the beginning of forever... 

From there Ceremony to the reception was great fun with these guys. We made a couple stops. Why? For the sole purpose of pictures!!! And laughs and more pictures! And fun pictures at that... It was however one of those times I wish I was in the Limo listening to the stories of these two wonderful individuals. 

And the reception. Another beautiful one. I have yet to see a reception that isn’t beautiful, fun and new. All the little details that the brides put into their evenings of fun and dancing. From colours to center pieces. Like candle holders, each painted the right colour by the groom. (at least the first one was painted by the groom, hang on, did he make it through the first one??? ) To the beautiful cake and the great music choices. A little rusted root anyone??? Or hang on, what about some Neil Diamond... And the dancing... The dancing was of course a blast for all. The younger ones picking up moves like no other to the older ones bringing back the “old school” moves. I guess what I’m saying is that the day was a beautiful one. With out a single mishap to pull it down. The sun setting, the stars coming out and one thought continues to spin through my head. Liza’s dad sliding across the dance floor with such a great smile carrying all late into the night.....