the first and last

This is for my sweet J...

She asked, and then shot down every excuse I gave her.

I said I would think about it for awhile because I swore I would never say yes to a wedding.

So, after I awhile I said yes. I said yes because I love her, I wanted to support her in this new chapter, and she swore the wedding would be small.

The day was perfect, the light beautiful, the bride relaxed, the gathering indeed small, the kids adorable (more of them later), and my nerves...well...they did pretty well. Except that I could not sleep that night because I kept taking pictures in my head, hearing the click of the shutter.

I know it's always good to say never say never, so I will allow myself room to change my mind, but this was my first and last wedding. I loved capturing the story of the day and the in between moments, but I have no need to step into this realm of photography. I have many friends who do this for a living and I would humbly and happily be a second shooter, to be the invisible spectator to the blessed event.

So J...these photographs are for you girl. They are just a few of the first I have edited. Just 999 more to go!

Love you.

t

Summer wedding

A friend of ours was married today, a beautiful garden wedding as the sun was setting. Have I mentioned that I love paper lanterns? I love paper lanterns. These were illuminated by the setting sun...and all the love in the air. 

Sweet Natalie, a friend's daughter...whom I took pictures of when she was a baby. Her mama bought me my first real camera. See where Natalie's sweetness comes from? :) (I think I've improved since then, huh Erin?)

Such a good idea: the guests blew bubbles while the happy couple danced their first dance.

And here's the happy couple...

Makes me want to plan a wedding again and throw a party...and go on a honeymoon.

I do love a wedding

 

My friend Nicole asked me if I would come be her back up camera at a wedding she was shooting. What a great, no pressure opportunity to just practice some skills--and help a friend. :) I found that I liked capturing the candid small moments, over the posed ones. And see that little cute thing in the bottom right hand corner. Her name is Zoe and I've known her mama for a very long time. I could have followed Zoe around the entire time. I'll post one of just her later. 

Oh, and to see the pictures up close, just double click over them.