My wedding season typically begins in April with a few smaller events here and there, but then really kicks off in May, especially taking into account Memorial Day Weekend. While it’s nice to have the weekend off sometimes, I do love photographing weddings on this weekend, since everyone is already in a celebratory mood - it just feels even more exciting to add a wedding to the mix…
When I think about good days, Jamie + Fern’s wedding day is one of my favorites. I am consistently blessed with amazing clients, and Jamie + Fern were no exception. 💕
Like most weddings I photograph, I reminisce on their wedding day often. When I walked into the suite where Jamie was getting ready, and she said, “Erica, it’s RAINING,” I shrugged and said, “Yeah, it is,” because I knew rain never makes for bad pictures - it just adds a little bit more to the logistics. Truthfully, the overcast skies and slight drizzle gave the wedding a feeling of being enveloped; it was like the gray gathered us together and offered us the opportunity to put a magnifying glass on all of the love involved in the day.
In a world full of Pinterest checklists and advice from literally everywhere, it’s often easy to get overwhelmed and “list happy” when you are planning a wedding - especially when you are considering who to hire as your wedding photographer. Believe me, I know. Wanna know how? I hoarded checklists from The Knot and WeddingWire like it was my job when I was getting married in 2013. And, I was also the bride who gave my photographer a color-coded spreadsheet of my wedding day timeline. Who did I think I was? Amy Santiago…?
When I walked down the aisle at my own wedding, I carried two bouquets - one for myself, and one for my mom. At the head of the aisle, before I joined hands with my husband, I laid my mom’s bouquet on her chair. The chair was empty, but it was reserved for her. I have so many memories of my wedding day, but that still, small moment of resting that bouquet there felt incredibly, peacefully solitary. I was surrounded by so many people, being watched by so many hearts, but that moment felt like an embrace - a private moment between me and my mom. She wasn’t there…but she was. I know she was…
Many of my fondest college memories begin with the statement, “RA!” (Read that in all of the exuberance that those two letters could ever possibly hold in a greeting.) As a college student, I was a Resident Assistant for a few years, and my perfect little Mary was one of my very favorite residents. I would often come back to my room with notes from her left on the whiteboard on my door - often they would just say, “RA!” Sometimes, they had a little more substance. She echoed this greeting every time I saw her - in the cafeteria, in the hallway, in class… Mary exemplified joy and excitement in every way possible.
My girl Jillian is the sweetest ever. From our first diner coffee date to our time together at her wedding, I couldn't help but to be obsessed with her. Her sweetness, kindness, compassion, and concern for others is so evident in everything she does. She is so adored by everyone around her, and it is the most beautiful thing to see…
How to adequately write about Katie + Eytan's gorgeous backyard wedding? I have no good words to describe the colorful hydrangeas, the precious sunshine mixed with rain, the whimsical gown, the elegant guests, the incredible band. I have no words to explain Eytan's bow when he saw Katie walk down the aisle, no words to express Katie's dad's sweet expressions, no words to capture Katie's calm and sweet and dear demeanor, no words to hold on to the heart flutters of everyone who was captivated by Katie + Eytan's duet at the end of their reception...
My mom died before I was even engaged, which was truly heartbreaking to me. Her biggest dream was to see her daughters get married. Growing up, we talked a lot about weddings. We talked about gowns and rings and how she prayed for us to marry the perfect person.
We talked. I miss that.
The anniversary of Mum's death is July 16. 6 years. So, sometimes, July sucks. But this year, July is going to be awesome. Why?
Because I'm giving away a wedding.
Yes. For real. This is not a joke.
I'm giving away a wedding package for the upcoming 2018 season.
Chelsea and Ernie are an important part of my little tribe. Their relationship has been one of my favorites to come alongside. Chelsea is the soft to Ernie's loud, the sweetness to his boisterousness. They are genuine through and through, and are some of the most kind-hearted people I have ever met...
My mom died before I was even engaged, which was truly heartbreaking to me. Her biggest dream was to see her daughters get married. Growing up, we talked a lot about weddings. We talked about gowns and rings and how she prayed for us to marry the perfect person.
We talked. I miss that.
The anniversary of Mum's death is July 16. 5 years. So, sometimes, July sucks. But this year, July is going to be awesome. Why?
Because I'm giving away a wedding.
Yes. For real. This is not a joke.
I'm giving away a wedding package for the upcoming 2017 season.
I love weddings.
Maybe that's cliche for a wedding photographer to say, but it's the honest-to-goodness truth. I honestly, really, truly do.
When I tell people I photograph weddings, they usually say, "Oh, but that's so stressful!" Maybe it is. But I never see it that way. I see the little things. The small details. The love. The laughter. The tears. The excitement. The "oh my goodness, I love my gown moments." The "oh my goodness, I love this woman" moments. The "I can't hold back these tears" moments. The "we finally made it" moments.
I think I must call everyone "dear" and "sweet." But seriously - Michael and Emily truly are some of the most dear people I have ever met. They are genuine in everything they do and take care of - their work, their families, their friends, their love. Even on her own wedding day, Emily scooped me up and made me feel welcomed and appreciated, all while scurrying around, gathering last-minute items, and hold a glass of champagne.
