A few months ago I had the pleasure to work with Raiza Vega, 2nd shooting the wedding of Natalie + Thomas in one of my favorite places, Charlottesville. The day started at a gorgeous church hidden downtown, followed by a reception at the historic Ashlawn-Highland, home of James Monroe. Second shooting is such a wonderful experience for me on so many levels, I thoroughly enjoy it. Having never met Natalie or Thomas it was exciting to not know what to expect. When I second shoot I try to imagine the couple, their faces, their love story, her dress, shoes, bridesmaid dresses, reception details, first dance song…and then see just how off I was when I actually meet them! All in good fun. I bet you do that to! I did pretty good with these two, as they were just as sweet, kind & lovely as Raiza described them to be – I envisioned a lace dress too.
As a second shooter I get to hang out with the guys getting ready, getting to know them a little better, trying to blend in as one of the guys (hence all of the guy photos instead of the Bride getting ready). I must say they made me feel the most comfortable I have ever felt when photographing the guys getting ready, being a girl in group of guys I had never met, asking them to pose and smile for the camera. Now I can hold my own, don’t get me wrong, I’ve had to before and it’s no biggie because I can pretty much roll with anything. Yet, what made me feel extra comfortable with them was that these guys were absolutely hilarious, taking playful jabs at one another, exchanging inside jokes and a laugh a minute-and it was all good clean fun + jokes. They spoke encouraging + supportive words to Thomas, enjoying each other’s company yet taking the importance of the day to heart, praying together. That put me even more at ease and made me love this couple and their closest friends even more.
And what was even more of an unexpected, very pleasant, suprise? Seeing the fabulous Abby + her hubby there as guests! It’s not everyday you see a fellow (and amazing) photographer friend at a wedding you are photographing – talk about pressure 😉 I am so thankful that I was invited along to witness the marriage, celebrate + document the day of this lovely couple who truly gets what a wedding ceremony is about. Best wishes Natalie + Thomas!
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