Set aside tradition for better pictures
Monday, August 16, 2010
Not seeing each other is one of those wedding traditions with a murky past. Unlike bride kidnapping or a white wedding, it's provenance is questionable at best. Yet, many brides and grooms still hold this to be a valuable and important ritual on their wedding day. My suggestion to all couples I meet with is to see each other before the wedding and for a couple of very good reasons. First, it's such a great picture opportunity! Just check out this beautiful moment between Elizabeth and Chris' before their ceremony. It allows me to add depth to a portfolio that I often can't re-create for couples after the wedding. The other reason, and just as important, is to escape the more time-honored and understandable tradition of having to "wait on the photographer" before enjoying the cocktail hour and reception. It's the one horror story that I hear over and over again. Why torture the guests (and me) all for the sake of tradition? The answer always seems to be that the emotional high of the ceremony is devalued. After many years of photographing weddings, I've never found that to be true. The picture of Elizabeth standing at the altar as her father gives here away is a good example here too. Nevertheless, if it's that important I will create a schedule that involves an interruption of the wedding day activities to allow for photography. And still, if there's one tradition that I would toss out the window (especially if pictures are a priority) it's this one. — Sean
Elizabeth and Chris were married Saturday, July 10, 2010 at Elizabeth's childhood home on a secluded ranch near Wetmore, Colorado. The ranch is an original Colorado homestead and still has some of the original buildings. Elizabeth is a trained physician and a country girl. She has a deep love for her home and her animals, which are literally everywhere on the property! It was her dream to be married here in this beautiful rustic setting where she spent her childhood surrounded by the animals she loves. Elizabeth and Chris held their reception in a newly built pavilion adjacent to the saddle barn. It doesn't get much more western or Colorado than Elizabeth and Chris' wedding! I really love these portraits of Elizabeth and Chris at sunset. Also on the grounds was an authentic Tipi (a.k.a. their honeymoon suite) set just outside the main house. Thank you both for inviting me to photograph your wedding! — Sean.jpg)
I photographed Elizabeth and Chris' wedding at her childhood home, a secluded ranch just outside of Wetmore, Colorado, last Saturday. Elizabeth and Chris planned a wedding with a Western theme. I love this portrait of Elizabeth and Chris by the 1800's era log cabin built by the first homesteaders of the ranch. Elizabeth also made a dramatic entry in a horse and carriage. See more pictures from their wedding 
