Wuv, twue wuv*

Our neighbours got married last weekend. Ahh, I just love going to weddings. Especially when the couple are so in love and so perfect for each other, as Sarah & Marshall are. “Wuv, twue wuv …”

But there was something a little different about this particular wedding. I was the official photographer. You might remember me posting here about Sarah asking me to photograph her wedding. As I mentioned, my initial reaction was “HELL, NO.” But after chatting with them, I agreed to do it.

Sarah & Marshall are the most relaxed, laid back and chilled out couple EVER. And if they weren’t, I could not have shot their wedding. Which means I will probably never do another one! Although the bride & groom were completely relaxed, I was NOT. I was S-T-R-E-S-S-E-D. To the point where I actually considered having a car accident the night before, so I could get out of it!! Spot the crazy lady …

Anyway, once I actually started shooting, I was fine. Things went well, and although we didn’t get the cloud cover the forecasters had promised us, I didn’t have too many issues with lighting. Because I am not a professional photographer, I don’t have all the fancy gear (external flashes, light diffusers, soft boxes, etc). I had 2 Canon EOS 550D cameras, 5 lenses, 2 batteries and 2 x 8G memory cards. Thankfully I only had to use one (my) camera, but I am very grateful to Annelie for letting me borrow hers, just in case I needed it.

Here’s a photo Marshall took on his iPhone during a short break in the photography proceedings:

Rob was my assistant for the day, and he did an amazing job of carrying all my gear, passing lenses at super speed, keeping track of all my lens caps, making me drink water every hour or so, steadying the ladder, suggesting awesome shots, telling me I was doing a great job, and just generally being a calming influence. How I love that man!

I took around 500 photos, and worked my butt off doing all the editing that same night. I was able to deliver the pictures on a flash drive to the happy couple the very next day, before they jetted off to Fiji on their honeymoon. I know! How’s that for awesome service! And all for FREE!

As I was telling some friends yesterday, it was a very strange feeling lying in bed on Sunday evening, reading my book and listening to Sarah & Marshall look through the photos on their computer for the first time. I had the windows open in my bedroom, and they had their doors open, so I could hear all their comments: “Oh, I LOVE this one!” … “I think this is my favourite!” … “Awwww, that’s just beautiful”. I could hear their kids protesting when it was time for bed, because they wanted to look at the photos “just one more time”.
I was so relieved and happy when Sarah sent me this text message:

Wow!!! The photos are amazing! I cried when I saw them. You are fab, thank you so much! Amazing x

The bride was happy. I had done my job.

A few people have been asking to see the photos on my blog, and I finally got around to writing this post.
The wedding was in their backyard (huge travel expenses for me, right?!) and they did their own food and decorations. Sarah’s girls Sian & Kenzie were flowergirls (along with one of her friend’s daughters), and Marshall’s boys were very handsome mini groomsmen. We did the bridal party photos BEFORE the ceremony, at the B&B where the girls got ready. That turned out to be a great idea, because all the kids were totally over having their photo taken by the time the ceremony started!

Sarah’s girls had made some special decorations, which were placed all around the house. I nearly died from the cuteness. Oh, and to understand the significance of the bird references — Marshall’s surname is “Bird”.

The obligatory ‘group shot’, which required me to climb a ladder. Eek! I took quite a few of these, in a couple of different locations, including a few funny/crazy ones. But I chose my favourite to post here.

And finally, a few of my favourite images/moments from the day. From top left, clockwise: 1) Marshall taking a photo of Sarah on his iPhone; 2) A candid shot of Sarah’s sister, Kim; 3) The first ‘ring’ that the best man produced when the celebrant asked for the ring; 4) The bridesmaids’ shoes lined up and waiting by the door; 5) One of the flowergirls putting on her sandals; 6) Sarah’s dress & shoes; 7) The celebrant, Mel, laughing at something funny; 8) A candid shot of Sarah looking gorgeous as she walked down the aisle; 9) Marshall whispering in Sarah’s ear during the ceremony.

It was an amazing experience, and I am really grateful to Sarah & Marshall for giving me the opportunity to shoot a wedding. And for me, knowing that they are happy with the photos is just the best feeling. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.

* You all know it, surely: The Princess Bride.

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