Back a few months ago, when I was still retired, I was asked by my
dear friend if I could photograph her daughter's upcoming wedding in
Colorado. Since my husband and I were already planning on attending the
wedding (we live in So Cal) and I was going to bring my camera along,
anyways, to take some extra photos at the event, I said OK. Then, at
that moment, I thought, "Holy Cow, I just agreed to shoot my best
friend's daughter's wedding in another state and I'm not equipped for
any of this". You could say that's when panic set in. I hadn't shot a wedding in
years and all my equipment that I owned those days were only for
vacations and pictures of my family- I had nothing that I could use at a
professional level. My wonderful husband, Kenny, encouraged me to go
forward and photograph the wedding AND he also bought me all new and up
to date equipment that I was going to need. Hence, after a 5 year
retirement, I was back in business.
But, I still had a
bit of uneasiness in me. I wanted to give the couple great photos but I
hadn't been in the business for a long time- thing have changed. Was I
going to be good enough? Did I still have it in me to do something as
important as my best friend's daughter's wedding? Flying to Denver- was I
going to be able to carry all my equipment on the plane with me and not
check any of it in? And I usually have an assistant working with me at
all my weddings- who was going to help me out that day? The more I
thought, the more I got nervous. (I tend to over think things
sometimes.)
Well, I manage to carry all my equipment on
the plane with me without any problems. I did a little research and I
looked up what other wedding photographers were doing these days. But
the best thing of all, my husband agreed to be my assistant for the day.
Now, I need to tell you, Kenny is not a photographer!!! He is a CPA
(accountant) by trade. He doesn't like to have his picture taken nor is
he that thrilled when I ask him to take a picture or two of me. I only
really thought that if he can keep me on schedule and carry my equipment
and maybe take about a dozen or so pictures, I would be happy for his
help. Well, I was so surprised with all that he did! He not only kept me
on a tight schedule- he carried all my equipment and kept the batteries
fully charged. But most of all, he was an amazing photographer!!! Who
know this mild mannered account by day had a hidden photography talent
inside him. I was able to use a few hundred of his shots for the final
product.
And I have to say, it only took a few minutes
of taking pictures to feel as if I was "back in the saddle" again. It
was like riding a bike. It felt natural taking pictures again.
Well,
the wedding was beautiful. A snowy day in Estes Park, CO at that
wonderful Stanley Hotel. Lots of terrific backgrounds to use. Crazy cast
of characters... ie. wedding party. And a stunning bride and groom...
It was all good.
Over 1000 images were sent to the
bride and groom (and both sets of parents too). I hope everyone had a
great time at the wedding and that Kenny and I were able to capture the
joy and happiness of the event. But most of all, I hope Tom and Lauren
will look at the pictures for many years come and they will them remind
them of their wonderful wedding day filled with happy memories.
