Lindsay and Danny....I don't even know how to express my feelings about these two! First, I have spent a lot of time getting to know Lindsay, and she is not only a gorgeous lady physically, but has one of the most tender personalities I have ever known. Needless to say, Danny is even MORE tender than she is! This couple is the epitome of true love in every sense!
Their wedding was to take place at Hanover Country Club in Ashland. But, let me tell you about the engagement session first! Lindsay and I worked together to think about some neat places to do their portraits and we had one big thing in mind---we wanted lots of CLOUDS in the sky. We ended up moving their shoot 2 or 3 times just to get the clouds, then finally on the last date we had booked, we did the shoot---with out a single appearance from ANY cloud what so ever. They were not disappointed though, the Diamond (in Richmond) was an awesome place to do their session.
So, on May 15...they were calling for rain. It never rained---but guess who decided to show up? All the happiest clouds in the world! But before I get to that, let me tell you about how amazingly organized this bride was!
Anyone who has worked with me knows I am super fast with the portrait work. I am not about retakes or "do overs" and I work very hard to get the bridal party and family to the reception. Lindsay and Danny cared so much about their photos that they alloted an hour pre-ceremony for EACH half of the bridal party---bridesmaids with bride, and groom with groomsmen. Then we had a full hour and 15 minutes or so to do the family and full bridal party formals AFTER the ceremony. not only that, but we also had about 45 minutes to an hour post ceremony to do shots at Ashland Train Station.
So, for the ladies, I took them down the street about 3 miles to a spot Amanda and I had scouted on the way there...this huge field filled with yellow flowers. We did a bunch of shots with the ladies there, then headed back so I could shoot the men on the golf course.
We ended up getting a TON of photos from this part of the day, but the real kickers were after the ceremony when I rocked out her entire family portraits (with about 30 different people) in I'd say about 10 minutes. Lindsay told her family members the night before that they would be in photos, and to not leave the ceremony area. The great part was that the bridal party did their recessional but stopped at the parents...and just let the family stay seated in their seats until we were ready for them.
These people knew exactly what do do, and I have to tell you, these portraits are so fun, easy going and EVERYONE looks so incredibly happy in them. No stuffy formals for this group!!!
Since we rocked this out so fast, we did the full group together in less than 5 minutes....and I had an entire hour to spend alone with Danny and Lindsay.
The shots we got were incredible. I was able to really engage with them since we had time and were not rushed, with no one else to interfere with our private time. I did some cool perspectives and just really was able to showcase this couples fun loving attitude.
Needless to say, her clouds are there----filling the sky smiling down on them.
But, that wasn't what got me! I am a bit insensitive to weddings sometimes. I shoot them, love my clients, but rarely am affected by them emotionally---although I must say, that this year I have been touched more than once! But, Danny and Lindsay got me yet again---and I think I cried 4 times at their wedding, and then again as I was leaving.
The biggest thing was Danny NEVER left Lindsays side at the party. It's so rare to see this----they danced together, laughed together, greeted their friends together. They are undoubtedly a perfect match---one not whole with out the other. The best part is that NO ONE could take their eyes off of the two. I couldn't take my camera off of them...their smiles, goofy faces, and little shared moments on the dance floor were just too adorable to miss in photos.
At the end of the night, the DJ made an announcement and thanked myself and Amanda for our work. This is the first time I have ever been publically thanked for anything in my life. My face probably contourted in some strange way and I started to choke up again and gave Lindsay and Danny a HUGE hug to cover up my tears. It meant so much to me to have this one little moment---to know that I really was part of their lives for such an important occasion---and that I impacted them in some way. THIS is why I do what I do, why I love my work...and why I strive SOOOO hard to be unique for each client. Danny and Lindsay will definitely have a massive collection of photos from their wedding day to remind them exactly how they felt on this day.
Lindsay and Danny---thank you both so much for every bit of courtesy, respect, and collaboration. Lindz, you know how I feel about you! I really can walk away from this wedding calling both of these two friends and NOT clients. I am so touched that both of them not only shared their wedding with me, but shared their story, their personal history, and the love they have for one another.
