When Wes and Jean contacted me in January to shoot their wedding at The Eagle’s Nest in Bloomingburg, New York I was happy because they booked me within a week of the first email and didn’t care to meet on Skype before signing the contract. For most people this sounds like craziness, but I have to say I’ve had it happen a couple of times and it’s always been a positive experience (knock on wood).
Fast-forward 6 months I’m heading to Jean’s parents house and slowly becoming amazed by the countryside. Living in New York City and not leaving for a couple of months at a time can really cause me to be amazed by open spaces and the silence you forget that can occur outside of a big city. I arrived way too early as usual and took some Polaroid’s of the landscapes. One of my favorite things is to be take random roads in the search of an old barns, cars, or something that catches my eye enough to make me want to pull over. I could have spent the whole day driving around the area, but I didn’t because I was about to begin shooting a wedding that I didn’t know would soon be one of my favorites.
I have to say I really enjoy when brides get ready at their parents house. All of the old photographs and the feel of family history can really make for great shots. The momentum of the day doesn’t get distracted with someone looking for the random item they forgot to bring to the hotel with them or the random groomsmen who comes knocking on the door asking if someone has a pair of spare socks (yes, this has happened at a wedding I’ve shot). In a home you ask for it and it magically appears without disrupting the flow of the getting ready.
Jean had waited her whole life for this day and it was finally happening today. And, for me it’s really an amazing feeling to be there to experience it and document it.
Wes and Jean made me aware of how awkward they felt when having their photo taken, but for me this is pretty common since most of my couples don’t have experience with having photos taken by a professional. I’m never nervous about the couples that acknowledge they might be awkward in front of the camera because I think that’s a natural feeling to have. It’s my job and passion to capture amazing photos of the couples I shoot. And, it will continue to be a passion of mine since I strongly believe everyone should have quality images of them especially on one of the most important days of their lives.
Thanks again Wes and Jean for allowing me to document your wedding I wouldn’t have changed a thing.
