Wedding photography is kinda a funny thing.  When brides book me, they are not really quite sure what they are paying for.  If you book a great florist like La Tee Da Flowers, they can point to a photo or show you a real bouquet that will look exactly like your wedding flowers.  You can go to Edible Art to taste and see the actual cake you will eat on your wedding day.  But, photography is different.  I can’t show you your wedding photos.  I can show you other photos I have shot, but the actual photos from your wedding have never been created before.  You are booking the PROMISE of beautiful photography.

You are booking me based on trust that I will deliver something unique.

When Lauren booked me, this shot of Drew was on the front of my site.

When Lilli booked me, this shot of Lauren was on the front of my site.

When Angela booked me, this shot of Lilli was on the front of my site.

When Nakitha booked me, this shot of Angela was on the front of my site.

(Nakitha’s getting married in October 2010 so you’ll have to wait to see her photo.)

Each of these shots is different.  These brides didn’t book because they wanted the exact photo they saw on my website.
They booked because they trusted me to capture a shot that had never happened at their wedding.

Booking a wedding photographer is more about trust than a package price or actual photography.

You are booking me believing that I will show up 1 year from our meeting date and capture something never captured before.

You are booking me because you believe I understand what your day means to you.

You are booking me knowing that I’ll see something on your day that no one else can see or document.

You are booking me because I promise to give the memories you have yet to make a photo that matches.

It’s a trust and promise that I am honored to have.

To all my past and future brides, thanks for trusting me.

Maybe it’s because Sara is starting to grow up.

Maybe it’s because I’ve seen too many weddings where brides rush through the day.

I’m not sure what it is, but lately brides and fathers have been on my mind at weddings.

I have a fantastic tip for you brides on your wedding day: Spend time with your dad.

This is the thing with most dads, they are kinda numb to the whole wedding thing.  You and your mom or friends have planned the day.  As guys, we clearly have little or no opinion on the colors you choose or the type of flowers you use in your bouquet.  The whole process is by women and for women.  There is one part of the day however that Dads are very, very clued into.  The part where they “give you away”.

Some dads joke about it, others cry through it, but all of them have a feeling about it.  Here is my tip to you: find a way to honor and thank your dad sometime the week you get married.  Maybe it’s by having that super traditional Father-Daughter dance.  But guess what, some dad’s don’t like to dance.  Especially with 283 people watching them.  Some dads like iHop.  How about taking him to breakfast the day of your wedding.  That’s right.  The morning you get married you CAN spend 30 minutes with your dad.  Trust me when I say that nothing will make him feel more honored and loved than you spending a few moments alone with him.

Here are a few things I’ve seen brides do.

It’s amazing how a simple 3 minute chat at the candy table before the day gets going can mean so much.

Lauren’s dad kicked everyone out of the bride’s room to spend a few moments alone with her and give her a gift.

I loved this moment between Amy and her dad.

Erika actually called her dad and talked to him for about 5 minutes before he came to walk her down the aisle.

And, if the only thing you can do with your dad is the Father/Daughter dance, dancing to “Thriller” is the way to go.  (Happy Anniversary Kim & Josh)

Here’s the deal, I WANT Sara to get married.  I’m sure that I’ll love the guy she is choosing and be thrilled to see her find happiness in him.  My “fear” is that I’ll be forgotten.  I see this in dads in many of the weddings I shoot.  They don’t want to take over the day.  They just want 10 minutes with their daughter to hug them and tell them how proud they are.  Give your dad time on your wedding day.  Even though he’s not your number 1 man anymore, he desperately needs to be reminded that he’s number 2.

I was with Jessica & Arcenio from 1:00PM to a little past midnight.  It was about 12 hours of wedding goodness.  Enjoy.

A little wedding day shoe scuff.

You never really know where your earrings are going to end up.  That’s why it’s very important that you pick bridesmaids you are “comfortable” with.

The ceremony was the beautiful St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in Tyler, TX.

Thank you guys for trusting me with you day.  Look for some Mug Machine fun tomorrow.

A few days before her session Natalie informed me that she is not a huge fan of being photographed.  :)  I aksed her to give me 20 minutes and if she didn’t like the process/results after then we would just quit.  Turns out it was not as bad as she expected and her and Jason ended up with an 1.5 hour long session!! :)

Fun with escalators.

I have no idea what this turtle means, but we could not resist including it in the photos.

This card was part of Jason’s proposal process so we had some fun working it into the session.

Random guy driving by who apparently wanted to be in the photo.
Thank you guys for a great session.  See you soon for your wedding!!

A few of my favorites from Kristen & Brandon’s wedding at the Villa di Felicita in Tyler, TX.

Another tasty cake from Designs by D’Anne

These two came ready to work.

La Tee Da Flowers did their magic.  I always love getting to work with them.

Every time I mentioned having a First Look to these two they were opposed to it.  About 3 weeks before the wedding Kristen said they had changed there mind and wanted to do one.  Once they saw each other both of them really seemed to “settle down” and they kept mentioning how glad they were they decided to do one. :)

I like to keep my couples alone for a few minute after their First Look, but these two were too cute to shoo away. :)

We went outside for a few shots with the wedding party.  We looked at the back of Kristen’s dress & found some grasshoppers who were also celebrating their wedding day.  I joined the groomsmen in photographing them proving that all males, regardless of age, are just 6th grade boys when it comes to humor.

A quick action shot of Thomas taking care of the wedding walk.  This is just one example of why I love La Tee Da so much.  He waited till the last possible minute to set out these flowers because he didn’t want the wind to blow them to the side.

Thankfully Thomas had left by this point or I’m afraid the ring bearer would have gotten in trouble. :)

Two things I love about this photo.
1. A Seriously good “You may kiss the bride”.
2. Jeff Heimer from JMH Pro peaking around the back.
(I love working with talented videographers and Jeff is one of the best in the area.)

Come back tomorrow for some fantastic-ly delicious Mug Machine photos!