Take it Outside

This is a Public Service Announcment to take it outside on your wedding day. It's a big world out there. And a little weather might do you some good!

Rain on your wedding day is said to be good luck. But, then, so is sun...so it pays to be a little flexible, and enjoy which ever you get.

Good light

As a photographer, I'm always on the hunt for the glorious, perfect natural light. It doesn't always come when you want it. Sometimes you have to create it yourself, in the form of heavy equipment and props. Other times, it just shows up at the right moment. One thing is for certain, it does not last long and you have to move fast before the moment is gone.

Adrift

One thing you'll rarely hear about before your wedding day is how quickly it goes by. It is like a lifetime of memories, faces, family, history, past, present and future...all a massive blur. Because there are so many important people, opinions and emotions involved, it just naturally happens... I envy the couple that can stop the world, if only for a moment, to reflect on the craziness of it all.

Children

There are some who prefer their wedding to be an elegant, adult-only occasion. Others enjoy having the presence of all generations to join in the familial celebration. Sometimes kids will melt down and let you it's time to go, maybe before the parents are ready. But children often make some of the greatest photographic moments. Exuberant, shy, coy or playful, they have a way with the camera.

Traditions

Something truly great about weddings is the amazing diversity of traditions that couples can choose to celebrate their day. In traditional Jewish weddings, the bride circles the groom three or seven times before she enters the huppah. At this wedding, both bride and groom circled each other. There are many translations for this tradition, which speaks to the bond being created.

Keeping them waiting...

One thing I've learned over time is that an exotic location does not necessarily make the photograph successful. Rather, it is a combined effort: the photog has to be both technically and intuitively skilled and the couple must be willing to expose who they are to the camera. This couple nearly forgot that they had a crowd of out-of-towners waiting for them back at the reception.

The dress

It always strikes a funny chord to see the dress on the morning of the wedding. Just thinking about the day ahead, it reminds me to pause and look at all the details that might be missed in the rush of the momentous day.