When Auntie Helps Photograph Niece's Wedding
My niece Hannah and her husband Tony were married in Monroe, Washington in their backyard lined with pine trees and a little brook. Monroe is a forested, country town with a tiny downtown near Seattle and on the outskirts of the Cascade Mountains with its historical roots tied to the Gold Rush.
Tony constructed a walkway, a concrete staircase, for Hannah and the bridal party to walk down.
It was a backyard wedding filled with classic elegance, fun for guests with late night pizza, and corn hole games.
My niece asked me to photograph her getting ready photos and told me I could photograph as much or as little as I wanted since she hired a photographer, Australian-born Sara Joy Photo, to document her day. https://www.sarahjoyfields.com
Needless to say, I could not put down my camera since if you know me well, know that my camera IS an extension of my body, soul, and heart and I am obsessed with beauty.
The most beautiful touches of her day was a photo table in honor of beloved guests who have since passed, including her much-loved grandfather and Tony's dear friend.
I remember one moment while standing on their porch photographing details, seeing Tony wipe a tear from his eyes at a distance as he looked at the photos.
Family and friends traveled from all over and Hannah and Tony hosted a fun, relaxed gathering the night before. We enjoyed some amazing barbecue food.
Tony and Hannah met online. Hannah is an Accountant and Tony owns has his own business related to Google help for clients.
They love going on beach walks together and hiking.
Their favorite vacation was visiting London.
Fun fact about Hannah? She is an Irish twin. And Tony? He can pole vault over 14 feet!
What do each of them love about one an other? Hannah loves how Tony is intelligent, kind, and that. they always have so much fun together.
Tony loves that Hannah is caring, sweet, and always there for him.
When you photograph a friend's or family member's wedding, the photographer has a certain viewing lens that other photographers don't.
The photographer sees what is behind the tears as a bride walks down the aisle deeper than just what the audience understands; how an auntie has spent countless hours helping her sister-in-law and supporting her nieces through trials.
We can capture love in a more meaningful way because we understand the familial relationships more.
We see the sensitive sister crying at a reception speech and the cousin laughing more at a family story.
We know the sewing sampler that her now since passed grandmother made is the perfect flatly for wedding bands.
We capture HER and HIM because we truly know them and even better, love them.
