[SNEAK PEEK] MARRIED: JENNA & RYAN

It’s an interesting thing, you know, when someone in your family gets married. It’s so ingrained in me, so a part of me, to associate weddings with work. Not work like as in oh woe is me, I have to work. But work as in the loving what you do so much that you cannot imagine not doing it for your family. It’s a rough life, what can I say? So, being a part of Jenna & Ryan’s bridal party for me was an incredible treat, but it didn’t mean I was going to put away the camera [much to G's chagrin]. Well, at least not the whole time. I prepared things so I would have a camera under my seat at the ceremony.

Don’t get me wrong – I wasn’t running around in my bridesmaid dress and 4-inch heels trying to take photos either. I know when to step back. [Really, I do!] After the wedding was over, I sat back and questioned myself. Did I take too many pictures? Was I too intrusive? Should I have socialized with my friends and family more? While maybe yes to the last one, I don’t regret the way any of it played out. Being heavily involved in the wedding world myself, I know just how annoying the professional-photographer-guest can get [not them all, but many of them - you fellow photographers know what I'm talking about!]. And, I did everything not to be that girl. I kept my flash off at the reception until there was literally no light. Most of the time, I shot from my chair.

But, it was as I uploaded the shots later that night that I realized that I had not one morsel of regret. The smile on my brother’s face as he’s about to kiss his new wife. The joy in my SIL’s eyes as she plays with her nieces. The laughter on my mom’s face as she enjoys her last mother-son dance. These moments melted my heart. The photos from Jenna & Ryan’s wedding photographer are amazing. Like seriously amazing. Yet, I don’t regret what I did. Having captured those moments from my perspective provided me with unmatched satisfaction.

Here is just a sneak peek. Many more to come.
Ryan and Jenna, I love you with all my heart. I feel so blessed to call you family.

Have any of you ever worked at a family wedding? Or not worked and regretted it?