Ya know, there is something special when a couple puts their faith in you to capture one of their most important days. You don’t know them, but yet, you are invited into their world, meet their parents, chat with their friends. I invest a bunch of energy in my weddings, which is the reason I don’t do 50 weddings a year. And being to capture Gill and Marc’s wedding last May was the type of wedding I love.
Amazingly fun couple. Down to earth and just good people. We were supposed to have rain on the day, and turned out we had a nice bright sun (which isn’t always the best for photos, but we make it work 😉 ). I tasked my assistant for the day, Chris, to capture the groom preps and then we met up at the venue for the ceremony and reception.
Things were going as planned. The bride was actually early. But as the venue was a bit weird to get to (it was at La Toundra, really nice venue I’ve shot at before on Parc Jean-Drapeau), some guests were late. So we ended up being delayed about 20 minutes. But really, what’s 20 minutes? Once the music starts, and the totally cute flower girls made their way, you couldn’t but just say awwwww…
We had scheduled about an hour of couple shoots with just the couple, their best man and maid of honour (and myself and Chris of course) in the Old Montreal. So that hour time was cut in a little more than half. Which is fine, I had taken some time to plan a quick portrait walk a few days ago and had a good idea of where to go. The great thing about doing prep work is that I had a bunch of fun ideas already in my back pocket for a vow renewal shoot a week later
The icing on the cake for the photos was getting access to AKA Gallery, home of french canadian artist Corno’s paintings, of which the couple are huge fans of. During my prep walk days before the wedding, I spoke with the gallery manager and he was happy to give us some time for a few quick portraits inside, as long as there weren’t 20 people in the bridal party. Never hurts to ask! Plan B was to do some guerilla photos inside… not ask permission, just go on in, snap a few, and leave before the cops show. I’m kidding (am I?).
I love days like this were everyone is smiling and we are all having a great time. Even though I was tight on time and a bit stressed about getting the couple the shots they deserve, you don’t let it show. At least, try not to. 😉
Back to the venue, it got a little complicated. As the venue has ginormous windows, the setting sun comes right through them and casts some nasty harsh light inside. So this cut some of our shooting angles, but between Chris and I, we had ample opportunity to find some nice light. Like shooting into the sun to create some artistic flare during the first dance. 😉
Some speeches were funny, some were touching (but most were funny haha). The party went on into the night, the photographers headed home to start with the image backups and editing.
Congrats guys! Thanks again for having me as part of your day!! 🙂