I spent a lot of time in the last few weeks, leading up to last weekend, wondering how Saturday March, 1 2014 would go. Partly for myself okay MOSTLY for myself and partly for my cousin who got married on that date. Several months ago she asked me if I would be the photographer at her wedding and I was reluctant to say yes at first. But she convinced me. I was nervous because I have never been THE photographer for a wedding before. Except now I can no longer say that. I was BRAVE and I did it!! And let me tell you all right now – it takes some kinda bravery to put yourself out there and do this!
Even if it is your SUPER laid back, sweet, likes-a-sister cousin, it does not matter. You still want to do a wonderful job for her and her husband-to-be and then husband!
I rented equipment (from borrowlenses.com), I studied Pinterest and I talked to her about what she specifically wanted and I was there for the rehearsal, the dinner after, the hair-doing in the a.m. and the wedding and reception. People, this is hard work!! And I can tell you it is nice to say I have done it but I cannot say I am that jazzed about doing it again. Truthfully, I’m too old to be on my feet for 12 hours (almost) straight. And while I did have fun doing it too, I was also super nervous during the ceremony since I knew that was my ONLY chance to get those photos.
And in relation to that, I also think you need at least two people taking photos, especially at the ceremony. I just did not feel like I could be in the right place every time I needed to be.
But, like I said, thankfully the bride was chill about it and nowhere near any kind of “bridezilla”. She is the sweetest and is very thankful to have the memories I captured, I know. And on a side note, it was just so nice to get to spend some time with her and her sister, who are like my sisters from another mother. The bride (Amanda) is a year younger than me and her sister (Misty) is a year older than me so I am right in the middle and we had such great times together when were younger (and still do when we can see each other). Misty is my cousin that lives in Canada and so the fact that all three of us were together, in the same place was pretty miraculous in it of itself.
So… now to continue going through the 2200+ photos I took.
Yes, you read that right.
And now I will share a few of my faves that I have found so far…
Congratulations Amanda & Chris! Much love an happiness to you both!
About a decade ago I shot a wedding for a friend and it was so exhausting. You definitely need two people, luckily I had a friend who directed the wedding party and helped arrange people so that I could get the shots. It is seriously hard work. Looks like you did a great job.
Julia recently posted…February – Happiness Project Update
Oh yes, someone directing people would have been nice! Good for you, Julia!
I think you did an awesome job hun. I am sure she was thrilled. I love the sign about last chance to run. That would completely be something my family would do..
Southern Angel recently posted…Life, Death and Surgery.. never a dull moment
I know, isn’t that sign great!? I loved it too! And thank you! 🙂
Congrats to you! I would be way way too scared, but it really looks like you did a great job with the photos! Congrats to you for being so brave, and doing such a great job!
Cheri @ Overactive Blogger recently posted…The Lenten Promise
Thanks Cheri! It was pretty nerve-wracking but I am proud to say I did it! 🙂
You did a fantastic job! I knew you would though.
Jennifer recently posted…March
thanks, dear.
Those pictures look great! I’m sure you did a wonderful job and congratulations on being so brave!
Lisa @ The Golden Spoons recently posted…“Honey, You Have to Breathe!”
Thanks Lisa, so much! 🙂
I’m so with you!
In fact, I told my web designer to just put on my website that I do small and casual weddings only. Homegrown, really.
I did my first this summer and I don’t have a desire to repeat it. Lately I’ve been doing corporate work. It’s not at all exciting but they PAY. Just like weddings. Without doing weddings.
You did a beautiful job.
Tamara recently posted…Adele Dazeem, Or In Other Words, Happy Blogiversary!
That means a lot coming from you. But yes, SMALL weddings. for sure. If ever again… 😉
Yay for being brave! You took some amazing pictures – not that I ever doubted you 😉
Kerstin @ Auer Life recently posted…Embracing the Awesome
Aw, thanks for not doubting. 😉 xo
You did AMAZING, Elaine. Just as I knew you would. So very proud of you.
Alison recently posted…It’s Not A Disorder, Is It?
Thanks, Alison, truly.
I love the photos – they are awesome!
I can only imagine the courage it took to do this, Elaine! You were so brave.
Kim@Co-Pilot Mom recently posted…To The Rescue
thank you Kim, on both counts!
I’m SO proud of you! Way to go! I am sure she is going to love the photos!
Laura recently posted…Book Review: The Fault in Our Stars
Thank you, Laura. And I really hope she does.
Oh, look at these! I’m sure it was so hard, but seriously, you did awesomely.
Keely recently posted…100 Things In My House? Never.
How adorable! Adorable bride, adorable dresses with cowboy boots (squeeeee), adorable dimples and a sign saying “last chance to run”
I loved getting a glimpse into her special day.
Lady Jennie recently posted…La Raclette
Glad you like. I loved the boots too. So Texas. 😉
oh Elaine! you shouldn’t have worried! you did a FANTASTIC job! these are terrific! I know you worked really hard & you were stressed about it, but…you really do have a talent. and i’m so happy YOU KNOW IT NOW!!
xoxoxo
erin margolin recently posted…A Lady in France : A Review
Thank you Erin, for always being such a great support. xoxo back.
You did a fabulous job! Way to step out there…and do it!
I can totally tell you three are related, too. But, I bet you never hear that.
Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? recently posted…Divergent Premiere: Atlanta Welcomes Tris and Four!
Thank you!
And we aren’t really together enough anymore to hear it but I agree, we do resemble each other. 🙂
Look at you! You did a fantastic job!
Natalie recently posted…Friendships That Last a Lifetime
Aw, thanks hon!
You did a fantastic job! I love the boots that the bridesmaids wore! Looks like it was a fantastic wedding.
Robbie recently posted…Fractured Friday Forty-Nine
Elaine, these pictures are gorgeous and I really feel like you captured the personalities of the bride and groom and the feel of their wedding! It looks like it was a beautiful, fun day. All of your hard prep and day-of work really paid off! I bet if you keep doing it, it will get easier. 😉
Andrea recently posted…Too Much?
The photos are gorgeous, you did a fantastic job!
And you are much much braver than me, I am pretty sure I would have said no.
kami recently posted…Jamaica – A Second Honeymoon