There is a little bit of photo-journalist in each of us (unless I’m making a huge generalization, which…I probably am). Regardless of your photo-journalistic tendancies, weddings pose the single, most-frequent, opportunity for you to tell a story.
It’s a real, live, love story happening right before your eyes.
Sound overly romantic? A bit, yes. But at the same time, weddings bring an adrenaline rush, a hip-hype excitement that isn’t present in fashion or commercial work. These moments aren’t posed, they just happen; and you, as the photographer, have to perfect the art of being at the right place at the right time.
Tips for Shooting Weddings:
1. Dress NICE. Blend in with the other guests. Cargo pants and bulky gear belts are slightly tacky.
2. Create a rapport with your client. It’s all about the experience. There are a million photographers out there, what makes you different?
3. Give them a schedule a week in advance depending on their ceremony time. This will help their expectations of the day-of and how long photography actually takes.
4. Come equipped with your ideas. Don’t leave finding inspiration to the night before. Know what shots you’d like to create and run with them. You can find inspiration from magazines, or my favorite, JCREW and Nordstrom catalogues. (Their men’s poses are perfection)
I love it when the groom-to-be is into taking photos and sharing the moment. Michael was exactly that. Or maybe it was Jen’s winsome and flirtatious eyelashes that had him happy as a clam. I haven’t decided (I’m not very good at making up my mind).
“he thought I was really cute” Jen confided over our skype chat as she shared their story. When his family invited us over for dinner, I “left my glove behind” so he would “have to return it” This girl knows how to pull the line! Soon, everyone one knew love was in the making when Michael hurdled 30 miles ON A BIKE to be with her for a weekend.
Their story climaxes on a gloomy day in September, Jen was invited by the dashing Michael on a hike. Unfortunately, our heroine was feeling like anything but hiking. Cue Mission impossible. Through a super-human effort of spontaneous mental acuity Michael convinced Jen to ascend the mount. I don’t think she regrets it. 
Atop Table Rock Michael drops to his knee- “Jennifer Nicole Cassaro, will you marry me?”
“He middle-named me!” She glows. A terrible day turned out beautiful. “The way down was MUCH happier, I couldn’t stop looking at my finger” she giggles, head in her hands.
And so, happily engaged we speed to the a sun-shiny day in Cathedral Park where happiness is caught on camera.
We started under the bridge, beautiful lighted shade.
Jen you are so freaking beautiful. It’s almost making me jealous.
Because Jen you are the queen of his heart.
The matching shoes just about killed me, Please can I match with my fiance’?
HOT.
