A number of years ago I told myself that my days of shooting weddings had to come to an end. Weddings are truly a young photographers game and as a photographer in his 60’s, I was running shy on enthusiasm. But this summer I had the fortunate experience to be part of two totally different weddings that has re-energized my enjoyment of wedding photography.
The weddings were very different, not only in size but style. One was a small, intimate gathering in Kananaskis Country and the other a much larger big city affair in Calgary.
The Kananaskis event was for a good friend and fellow photographer which adds a different layer of anxiety and stress. Photographers usually make the worst subjects as we tend to feel safer on the other side of the camera but Neil and Mary rocked the afternoon!
Neil and Mary wanted a very small intimate wedding with just family and close friends and chose the appropriate venue to allow that to happen.
When shooting in the mountains weather can be a very fleeting participant…it’s always risky no matter what the forecast states but on Neil and Mary’s day Mother Nature was extremely cooperative. The sun shined brightly on their ceremony and then clouded over just enough to offer some lovely diffused light for the photos.
The Kananaskis Lodge offers up a multitude of photo ops and as long as the tourists oblige your efforts (they tend to unintentionally photo bomb the odd shot) the day can have some very pleasing results.
Neil and Mary wanted a very simple but intimate day and as an observer and photographer I think they succeeded. A great couple to work with and even more satisfying to be able to capture the moments for a good friend!
The last wedding of the season brought me back into the heart of Calgary and was a much larger affair. Shawna and Cameron had chosen the amazing venue offered up by the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology or SAIT as it is known by all folks from Cow Town.
This day was much different from what Neil and Mary had undertaken but no less wonderful. A larger wedding party and a bride that was as organized almost in military style planning (a photographers dream) caused me to require a second shooter and I was lucky enough to be able to secure the talented Christopher LeBlanc to help me out.
The day began early with Chris and I following the the bride and groom as they prepped for the day. The couple took advantage of the penthouse suites that the SAIT residences offered and that resulted in all the events of the day to be held at one venue…very solid planning!
Shawna and Cameron had decided to do the formal photography prior to the ceremony and once everyone was ready we set off to the SAIT parking garage….yes garage …to start the image collection for the day. The SAIT parking garage is or has become a wedding photo iconic location due to the architecture and amazing light.
From the formal photography session we then quickly headed into the Atrium for the ceremony. The Atrium is another amazing venue on the SAIT campus and offers up a unique area for couples to state their vows and become united in marriage.
So after the group shot was taken we quickly moved thru the required family photo’s and then then seamlessly into the reception. The schedule that Shawna and Cameron had put together had to be one of the most well organized and well executed I have ever been part of. Very little dead time and no obstacles got in their way.
So my vow of “no more weddings”…..well ….it might just have to be tempered a bit. I know all the weddings I have been part of over the years have not gone this smoothly but these two couples have given me a refreshed outlook and I may just try and take on a few more for next season!
To Neil and Mary, Shawna and Cameron …all the best for the future and thank you for allowing me to be part of your day!