Sometimes something will surprise me in such a way that it fundamentally changes the way in which I view that something.   I don’t want to sound over-dramatic here, but after taking a 2-year hiatus from photographing weddings and thinking I had seen it all and was completely jaded, Elise and Steve’s wedding completely took me off guard and had me on the floor, remembering why I used to love shooting weddings.  It’s not the details (although the flowers blew me away) or the dress–(okay Elise’s gown had me reeling with envy).  It’s not the “connection” between the couple that gets me–the transparency of that is often lost in the fretting over all of these details (again, clearly not the case here).  I was reminded, thanks to Elise and Steve that it is the community of the bride and groom that I am most enamored with–the pouring out of love and support from friends and family.  It’s the reason none of us actually elope, isn’t it?  We care too much about that community to remove them from the gravity of our wedding vows and celebration.

Elise and Steve’s wedding was seamless.  Beautiful.  Perfect.  But what made me go home refreshed and excited to be shooting weddings again was that pouring out of love from everyone in attendance and the genuine gratitude and reciprocation from Elise and Steve.  I was so engrossed in this community and all the warm, good energy, that I completely forgot that I was making images.  I was present and part of something bigger than the photographer documenting the table settings. The camera and my images (at least at this wedding) were truly an extension of my heart, shot from my “third-eye”.

A huge thanks to Elise and Steve for allowing me to be a part of their community, if for even just one day–it was an honor.  Also–many thanks to Calluna Events, Yonder, Alchemy and the St. Julien for seamlessly creating a wedding where Elise and Steve could just show up to their own party and love, and be loved on by their people.