Recently, I was asked to capture the story of an old friend's wedding.  I hesitated because I am so new to this photography gig.  I have so much respect for wedding photographers (and even more now).  I know that a wedding day can't be reshot.  That moments the bride wants captured happen in a blink of an eye.  That there is so much going on and so many moments to be captured.  Groom saying vows but, bride responding...and his mom listening.  But, Cedar assured me that she had low expectations and wanted just the story captured.  And for me, that is the photography that I love.  The moments.  The real.  Not the posed and perfect.  But the perfectly you.  And when the whole thing was over, I had no voice, even though I was mostly silent for the hours I spent shooting.  I could hardly hold my eyes open.  But I was running on adrenaline!  What an honor to have been there to capture their once in a lifetime day.  

It isn't hard to capture beautiful people.  Who are natural and happy.  But it is exhausting trying to anticipate the moments, the light, the lens to use, and the angle and background and everything!  I really hope that the story I captured is how she remembers it.  Here are a few of the moments that stood out to me when working on their gallery of pictures.  (Another sign that I am new to this...I ignore my family as soon as I am done with a shoot because I can't wait to share the pictures.  I also over share. Sigh.  I am learning and in love with this adventure.)

After each shoot I spend hours looking through the pictures, narrowing down the best.  Tweaking them and pulling them together to tell the story and I fall asleep wondering so much about the little things.  I am tricked into thinking I now am friends with them or part of their family....that I will know their stories of how they met and where this marriage or birth will lead.  But, instead, I am a friend for a moment that allows their life to freeze and be captured so they can look back on it for years to come.  

I know from spending the morning with Cedar and Jason and their strongest supporters that they have incredible stories that led them to each other and a future that is full of extraordinary moments.  

When the matron of honor gave a speech you could tell that Cedar's mom is one incredible lady.  

 I don't think they know how honored I was to have been asked to be invited to be there to help make it memorable for years to come.  

Congratulations Cedar and Jason and to all that stood next to you in that gorgeous spring sunshine!  The road you walk down now is meant to be walked together, hand in hand, side by side, or at times  leading the other on adventures that will make your life spectacular.