At the end of May my beautiful niece, Azure (my brother’s daughter) married her love, Andrew in Narragansett, Rhode Island in a small sixty-person coastal wedding that was absolute perfection. Having photographed over 400 weddings, I’m increasingly drawn to the small weddings. They’re personal, they’re intimate and as a guest, you get to know their community. As a couple, you get to spend time with ALL of your guests. My husband and I helped my mom travel from California for this celebration so it was extra special that she was able to be there.
Months ago, Azure and I chatted about what they were looking for as far as coverage on their wedding day. After some consideration, I recommended that they hire a photographer as I knew I wasn’t able to be present as a guest and work at the same time, and especially as a family member. Maybe some can do it, it’s just not the way I roll. They wanted me to relax and have a good time, too.
If I am being honest, it’s equally hard to be at a wedding and refrain from seeing the myriad of emotions flying around, without feeling the urge to point and shoot, and especially because they are your family. It’s muscle memory and hard to tuck away. In fact, one of my favorite images was one of my brother, his wife Leah and Azure in a big emotional hug after the ceremony, my brother in tears. I tear up remembering it.
In the end, Azure asked me if I would photograph getting ready. It was a great option since it didn’t really interfere with family time and it allowed the photographer she hired, a later start time. I’m not sure there’s a win, win, but bottom line, I was honored to get to spend the time with Azure and her amazing friends while she was getting ready. Those few hours before the wedding ceremony are precious time and I loved being there for her and with her. I even got a little time with both of them before they left the hotel for their session with photographer Therese Iacono, a local photographer who did such a beautiful job!
Their vows were unscripted and in the moment, and had everyone in laughter and tears. Weddings bring together all the people who are most important in your lives to witness the ceremony of your commitment to each other. The warm vibes that surrounded Azure and Andrew, all weekend long, were incredibly magical. I wish they could bottle up that stuff and sell it by the case. I’d be first in line. When a couple is surrounded by that much love and support, you know it’s going to be good. And it was, and it will be. Spending three hours on the dance floor with family and friends was something worth putting my camera down for.
So. much. fun. Love you guys!
Phish anyone?
