We were honored to photograph a wedding recently at Ogden Gardens in Valparaiso, Indiana. The weather forecast was uncertain for most of the week, but the day arrived and at ceremony time the sun was shining with unseasonably warm temperatures and blue skies.
Christopher, the groom arrived early as we were to stage a ‘first-look’ that the couple wanted. But complications with hair and makeup caused delays and Christina was running a bit late. Not a big deal and their guests seemed to just mingle, in the shaded areas of the park, and patiently waited. It was a great time for family and friends to reconnect and the laughter was all around.
When the gorgeous bride arrived, we set up the first look and snapped away as she approached Chris with his back to her. As she tapped his shoulder, he turned to see her in her wedding dress, and you could just feel the emotions flowing. All of this happened while her family and friends watched from a distance. Then, Christina asked, “can we do it again, but with my father?” Of course, was our reply and we placed Christina in the same position so her dad could come up behind her to see his lovely daughter dressed for her wedding day. At times it is hard to look through the viewfinder when your eyes are watering, but they do, and we just shoot away capturing the emotions of the day.
That feeling of emotion seemed to last the entire ceremony and even afterwards as we photographed the family formal images. Christina may have been a bit nervous during her ceremony and she let out some of her emotion by laughing during the ceremony a few times. It was great to capture this loving family and record their wedding day memories. It is an important job, and one that we don’t take lightly. -Rick Bella for Bella Photography
