How A Baby Changed The Way I View Weddings

Before having a baby I was a wedding photographer and had been for several years. I had been to my fair share of weddings as a guests and as a professional providing services to the Bride and Groom. I had seen a lot when it came to weddings. And as a someone who had been married for several years (at that point) my connection to that place in life was feeling more and more distant.

Then one day I had a baby. And all of that changed. Now, as I move throughout a wedding day I am overcome, not by the big and obvious moments, but the little, quiet, in between moments. I imagine what it will be like to dance with my son on his wedding day. I watch as Moms are led out onto the dance floor by their grown sons and I know exactly what they are feeling. I am completely connected to the symbolism behind that moment because as a Mom, I get it. I'm honored to be there to capture those moments no for photography's sake, but because I'm creating something tangible that represents something so dear.

Being a parent has changed the way that I view weddings, it's changed the way that I document the day. I see much more clearly the deep family relationships that are present on a wedding day. I connect with those moments that seem so little but are really so big. I can imagine no greater joy in this world than standing by your child as they marry the one that they love. And I KNOW, the joy that it is to marry your best friend, to dream about what the future holds for you together. My hope is that I honor those connections in each image I capture. Being a parent affects everything that I do. That title has radically changed my world, for the better. I'm entirely grateful for the lessons Jonathan teaches me every day and how in turn, that allows me to be a better Mom, Wife, Friend and of course, photographer.

And you don't have to be a parent to understand the gravity of a wedding day. As photographers, as we move about life, mature, change, we'll connect in different ways to a wedding day. The key is understanding what we connect too and how that directly impacts the way that we document the day. What do you connect with on a wedding day? Why do you love photographing weddings? If you can answer this question you'll not only create beautiful images, but in your work, your clients, your photography, you'll begin to experience joy, beauty and love in everything that you do. Sounds cliche, but believe me, it's true..