Disclaimer: this is a long post – sorry!!
Where do I begin? I’ve been sitting here for the last 10 minutes staring at my screen wondering what to say about this wedding, my first of 18 of the year.
I wouldn’t be here, writing this blog or shooting weddings at all, if it weren’t for the bride in these photos. That statement may sound a little bit overly dramatic but it’s true.
In 2008, a friend of mine, Becca, got married. I was always one to take photos whenever I could, and so I did her engagement session. I was by no means profesh at that time, and I did get a few great shots. She asked (Or I begged – I can’t remember which) to shoot the guys on her wedding day. She let me. And it was fun. I was 8 months preggers with Nevaeh and I shot the guys getting ready and did some ceremony shots. Becca warned her hired photographer Charlotte that I would be tagging along that day. Chars was gracious and so cute. She took a photo of me, taking a photo of her, and asked if I wanted to come along for the formal photos. Which I didn’t because I was hot and tired and pregnant and as big as a house, but the fact that she offered for me to tag along stuck with me. To this day I’m not even sure I would be so giving to another ‘newbie’ photographer if a bride asked me the same thing. It’s so easy to be stuck up about it, I try and remember how I started.
Fast forward 3 months or so, I get a facebook message from Chars asking if I’d be interested in assisting her in a wedding in March 09. This was my first official wedding. Charlotte taught me about external flash and where to bounce light, how to shoot in low light conditions (as it was march – we lost light quickly) She taught me the flow of a wedding day, what information she gathered from her brides, I honestly learned so much from her that day. Tanya and I started Miller Ellis Photography that same month.
I shot 4 weddings with Charlotte that year, and 3 I think the following. Each wedding I grew a little more confident, and learned so much more from her. And I gained a friend. She’s an amazingly giving person, funny as all hell, and turns out she’s a beautiful bride.
I cried when she walked down the aisle, as I’m crying now as I write this (see Tanya I do have a heart).
It’s an odd thing taking a wedding photographers wedding photos. Let me tell you it was great having a bride who understood light, and having everything at my finger tips for detail shots! The Bridesmaids welcomed me into their club while getting ready and I love them for that. Kerri – If I see you at Costco, I’ll scream Ola!
I’d also like to thank Nick for shooting with me. I’m so proud of his shots from this wedding. He worked all week with me testing light and did such a great job.
Thank you Charlotte for asking Nick and I to shoot your wedding. I can’t believe I hadn’t even met Dan before last week! After spending time with him, feels like I’ve known him so much longer. He’s a great catch (but remind me to tell you all the dirty things he’d say when you were out of ear shot! LOL)
I’d also like to mention they had one of the coolest first dances in the history of first dances. They were on a bridge, over a pond, while the live band played, in front of the ENTIRE resort – so cool!!
I’ve never been more nervous in my life to post a blog! I hope you love your photos.
N.
Dress: Venus – Helens Bridal in Barrie
Shoes – Paris Hilton
Hair –Kate Bowhey
Make-up – Olivia Clements
Bridesmaids dresses – Venus
Feet Jewellery – Fancy Feet (on Etsy)
Venue – Grand Sunset Princess
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