One thing that attracted me to photography was being able to take a moment in time and freeze it forever.  The best memories that I have of my childhood are usually linked to a photo taken of me- I think because those memories stay the crispest.  Being able to capture the moments on a wedding day- a once-in-a-lifetime event that’s charged with emotion and joy- is the main thing that makes me truly LOVE my job.   I was thinking back on a few of the recent wedding moments, so I thought I’d share a few of my favorites!

The Anticipation Before the Aisle

This first series is from Christie’s wedding as she and her Dad were waiting to walk down the aisle at the Millstone at Adam’s Pond.  This is always one of my favorite parts of the day.  I’m so glad when we can have two photographers so the other photographer can capture the grooms face and these two as they walk in.  The anticipation before the walk down the aisle is huge!  Seeing the flower girl (or girls in this case) always brings a smile to the bride’s face but what I really love on this day was the look that her Dad gave Christie before the walk down the aisle.  So much pride and love.  #allthefeels

Bride and dad before their walk down the aisle at the Millstone at Adam's pond wedding

A Hug From Mom

This is from Keith and Ashley’s wedding.  Keith’s mom was such an affectionate person and I’m so glad Dave was with them as they stepped outside the church and had a quiet, intimate moment together.

A Quiet Prayer

Mary Lee had warned me before the wedding that her and Hunter wanted to have a prayer before the ceremony without seeing each other, which I thought was a wonderful idea!  Planning ahead, we picked a beautiful well-lit spot at The Hall at Senate’s End for this moment to happen and the rest came from this amazing couple.  They looked over letters together and as Hunter lead the prayer for this joyful day and the blessings of their new marriage, we were able to capture those true beautiful emotions that come along with a couple openly celebrating the anticipation of their union.  This was my favorite part about their beautiful wedding day and that’s saying something because it was one amazing day!

Prayer before the wedding ceremony at the Hall at Senate's End

Sharing the Love

Another touching moment were the speeches at Amber and Mike’s wedding at Stone River.  Being in the military, they had made friends around the world and everyone wanted to step up to wish them well.  Another sweet part was when the groom’s Dad took Amber out on the dance floor to show that she was now a part of their family.

Wedding toasts and tears at Stone River Columbia wedding

The Party Moments

While I tend to think most fondly of the “sappier” candid moments, the fun ones are just as important to the day too!  At Mary Beth’s wedding, they got her Grandmother out on the dance floor partying like one of the girls.  The other thing that cracked me up was when DJ Ronny played one of the preachers “jams” and he had to run out on the dance floor to bust some moves with the bride.  You gotta love people who don’t take themselves too seriously!

wedding moments on the outdoor dance floor

While all of these moments were candid and unplanned, as a wedding photographer I always try to be on “ninja mode” unobtrusively being watching and waiting for the beautiful things that pop up throughout an event.  I’m so honored to be part of such an important day in people’s lives and I’m overjoyed they let me capture all their moments!