Tonight are some shots of the bride, Elizabeth. Through moments of chaos, calm and everything in between we were able to grab a few shots while she prepared. The site of the wedding was the Willowdale Estate in Topsfield MA, a gorgeous location with an incredible suite for brides. I am sure the tub used in many of my shots, is the backdrop in hundreds of wedding albums (if not more).  One shot that might not be in most of those albums is the bride planning her escape route by throwing knotted sheets out the suites window.

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I’m bending my rules a bit and posting some shots I took a few days ago.  I think I will do it tomorrow too.  Today we have the groom from Friday’s wedding, Jamie. When I edit photos I have a system I usually follow, I start with the first photos and work my way to the end, except with weddings it is different, I always start with the bride.  I look for the story, her story, and fit the photos around it.  The photos drive the narrative and I follow it to the end. Just like always, I started with the bride this time and then I came to one of the shots below.  The one with the couple’s son at the pants leg of his dad tying his tie.  I stopped… I love that shot and it changed my direction, from there I jump the track and followed Jamie’s story of getting ready, of his waiting for the bride.

The idea for the dailypic of him in front of the tub came to me the morning of the wedding.  I actually texted the bride the idea asking of we could get the timing down where I would have him ready for the shot, but the bride’s dress would still be hanging. Some strategic planning and patience on behalf of the couple and I got my shot. The shoes were and add-on, originally it was just  going to be the bouquet. There is minor cropping, I took the photo without his face, just enough to get his grin. For me it works as a portrait of the bride, without her even being in the shot.  Below are some more shots of the groom waiting, and tomorrow I will post some of the bride’s side of the story.

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1/60sec, f4.5, 50mm Nikon 1.8, Nikon D700

The rehearsing is complete. The couple is ready. Tomorrow is the day. What an incredible venue, the Willowdale Estate in Topsfield, Massachusetts, this incredible old, stone, structure that is part of Bradley Palmer State Park. I was able to watch the walk-through and check out the location for tomorrow’s shoot.  Each and every wedding I shoot  is obviously a special occasion, but when you know the families involved it’s even more of an honor to be part of it. Samples will be coming, oh the photos we have planned…

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