When I look back on my wedding photos, some of my favorites are those capturing moments of laughter. One such photo was snapped by a groomsman, and while it is not professional quality, I love it as much as those shot by our wedding photographer! The groomsman happened to catch my husband and I laughing- a mouth-agape, eyes-closed, hysterical type of laughter- during our Best Man's amazing and hilarious speech.
The purpose of wedding photography is to document these moments. To preserve them for long after the last guest has left town, the last thank-you note has been written, and for when the details start to fade away to a distance memory.
A photographer will catch the moment the bride and groom first see each other, when they share their first dance, and perhaps when they make their getaway. They will also capture all the minutes in-between.
I often find myself saving images of the same unbridled laughter I experienced at my own wedding. I recently realized that this collection has grown quite large! Over the coming Wedding Wednesdays, I will be sharing these beautiful images with you with you in a series I call "Moments."
When I look back on my wedding and the photos from that day, I will remember that our Best Man gave the most amazing speech I've ever heard at a wedding. I will remember the sound of the room exploding in laughter and barely being able to catch my breath from laughing so hard. I may not remember all the words that were spoken, but I will remember stealing glances at my husband and he at me. I will remember us wiping tears from our eyes, tears born of joy and laughter. I will remember all of that simply from one photo.
I hope you enjoy Part 1 in this series. Because really, when someone else is laughing with gusto, isn't it hard to not find that laughter completely infectious?
Just found your blog through Pia's and I am enchanted.
ReplyDeleteOh, I LOVE these. I think that is the tricky thing with wedding photography - it's a rare photographer who can capture the unstudied shot that tells the whole story.
ReplyDeleteLovely.
These candid shots are great. One o my very favourite photos from my wedding 12 years ago is of my Grandad and I in which we are almost doubled over with laughter at one of his many jokes. He died soon after, and that photo captured his personality far more than a formal portrait would of. When I show my kids, I know that they get a glimpse of how special their Great Grandad was.
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Yoli- Thank you for your lovely words!
ReplyDeleteStephanie- That is so very true; the ones who do capture it are often the ones whose images I admire the most.
Clare- Thank you for sharing this. How incredibly sweet you have that photo (three cheers for your photographer!) and it is so special that your kids get a glimpse of who the Great-Grandad was because of that image!
Oh I love and you're right...the photos with laughter, emotion and personality are so so special. Great round up of pics too!
ReplyDeletewhat great photos! they look so happy, captures the magical day so well!
ReplyDeletei LOVE this! this post totally made me smile. thank you so much! xo
ReplyDeleteOkay- now that is crazy- out of 1,000+ photos, I know exactly which one you are referring to, because it is my most favorite of all, as well!!!
ReplyDeleteIronically, I remember quite distinctly that upon receiving my wedding pictures, I only cared about the formal snapshots. Fast forward many years and now the candid pictures are the ones that I love the most.
ReplyDeleteDo you spend hours looking through wedding photographers portfolios and blogs?? At least my sister is engaged now so I have a valid excuse :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad everyone enjoyed this post so much!
ReplyDeleteAnd Erin, yes, I do sometimes spend hours looking through wedding photographer's portfolios and blogs! There are so many beautiful images out there. The number of photographer's blogs I have bookmarked is obscene, and yet I feel like I constantly discover more! :)
This "Moments" series is excellent. I went through all of them, and they really are very special and important moments that are captured. To me the constant theme throughout the entire series is intimacy. Whether its laughter, a kiss, an embrace, or putting on makeup, it's really all about intimacy. Those unique, initimate moments that we only share with a very select group of people.
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