GlitterBird Photography: July 2012

I've been thinking back quite a bit on the weddings I've done over the last couple of years. There have been some amazing moments that I've been able to capture on their special day. I wanted to share some that I remember... You know, the ones that stick in my head from the day, when I'm driving home late at night with achy feet and a mind swimming with the emotions of the day......
I wanted to do these in a count down, but there's just simply no way to rank these! They are each as special as the next. I was so honored to be a part of these events.

So I'll hush and jump right in...

Getting Ready ~ the most anxious time. Everyone is nervous, everyone is happy, everyone is waiting to see the day unfold.

It's so important to capture every detail before the guests arrive. It's sort've a moment of quiet. A moment to capture the little things that the bride has planned and paid for...

This wedding in the Spring had gorgeous colors! The lighting was just perfect. I LOVE the dance floor area here. It's just straight out of a magazine!

This wedding was very Vintage - pearls, lace table cloths, homemade pies and swimming! What more could you ask for?

Before things get going, it's also a good time to sneak away with the rings and get those photos. I love the challenge of the ring photos! Any real pro photographer will tell you, it's a challenge to get that pin sharp ring photo.

Here's a couple that I love.

A Fall Wedding - Couldn't resist the HUGE leaves falling at that time of year.

And Of course, it's so perfect to get the quietness of where the wedding will take place. I love this time to catch my breath and think about what will be taking place in this very spot in just a couple of hours.

If you can get the Bride and Groom to throw off the shackels of old traditions, I highly recommend "THE REVEAL" - It's so wonderful the warm moments that can be captured when they see each other for the first time.. Here are just a couple of examples.

Gives me goosebumps EVERY time!

And again here....

And once again here.... EEEKKK!!! How can you NOT LOVE THIS????

I always enjoy getting to know the wedding party throughout the weekend. I'm so blessed to have amazing experiences with all of these families. They take me in and treat me like family for the weekend. It's so great!

FlowerGirls are just amazing aren't they? Especially when they look like angels... These 2, I couldn't get off my mind....

And in this photo - it's stuck with me for so long... It has a very artistic feel to me. Just a bridesmaid and the flower girls waiting.... waiting for their next set of instructions. But I just love the tone of this photo...

And then comes the ceremony - the BIG Moment - what everyone has been waiting for... So many great shots to get through out. I always love the prayers...

I love the shots from up high!

And the smiles and jokes during the ceremony.... :)

It's great to capture families coming together. Be it a unity candle or pouring of the sands... It's so special. Especially in this vintage country wedding.... (luv)

And always! THE KISS! - No matter the rest of the ceremony - get this picture!!!

And after the ceremony - I always try to get the officiant signing the marriage license. I know it's a small detail, but it will be important to the bride and groom later. Did you know in other parts of the U.S., it's a huge deal to get a photo fo the signing of the marriage license?

Love catching this moment. She's giving him "The Look.." Oh yea, us wives all have "The Look". But what was wonderful was as this night progressed, things got crazy and The Hubby took control and made things happen. He was taking care of his wife! It's was a warm fuzzy moment for me. I knew this couple would do well. (now they are expecting their first baby.)

Don't forget the Wedding Party! Love doing fun photos.

For a somber moment. I've had too many weddings where I've photographed very special people only to learn a few months later, these special people had passed away. Never, put off photos!!! You never know if you'll get another opportunity...

This Grandpa hadn't seen his Granddaughter in many years.

He passed away within 6 months of this photo.

Cutting the Cake - Always give instruction, but let them go at it however they want! So cute!!!

And this seems like a normal cake cutting - CHECK OUT LITTLE WILLIAM - THE RING BEARER.. (bottom of the photos) In this Series of photos, I literally could NOT believe his expressions.

How perfect and what a wonderful memory! 

Garter and Bouquet Toss - this one always sticks in my head as memorable... The girls scramble and fight, the guys.... well - Not so much.... I really thought it was going to hit the floor! NO ONE wanted to touch it! LOL