I am so happy that Cara & Colby asked me to photograph their wedding. It was simply an amazing day. The Southern California sunshine was a welcomed change from the cold and rain up here, not to mention it really must have made me a bit trigger happy….I ended up editing over 1,000 images for their wedding. I usually average about 600-700, which I might add, is a wonderful amount of photos to have and really does offer a complete coverage of a wedding. However, and the only way I can seem to wrap my brain around having shot and used so many images, is that there were such beautiful light and so many noteworthy moments to capture throughout the day. And since I managed to almost double the amount of photos I deliver to a couple, well, I am basically doubling the amount of photos I include in this post. I hope my images convey how wonderful/fun/hilarious/heartfelt/spectacular this day was.
At first I pointed my camera directly at Cara and her mom to photograph her getting in the dress, but then I noticed that Cara was using the bathroom mirror to see her reflection and I thought that this image did a good job of conveying how Cara and Sheila experienced this moment.
For the most part I pretty much know while I am setting up or attempting to take a photo how the image will be rendered through my camera. But every so often I get a pleasant surprise. While we waited for the limo to arrive I took some time to snap a few shots of Cara in front of the glass entryway to the Renaissance Hotel. And I admit, I totally geeked out when I realized how cool the reflection looked behind her, plus she just seems to be glowing in this particular setting. You can actually see me in this image (something I always try to avoid) just above Cara’s left shoulder, but out of all the images this was my favorite because of the serious expression Cara is wearing. Plus, she looks so metropolitan in this photo.
Colby always looked happy in every single one of the photos I took of him. I mean, he was really having a good time.
Aren’t they just lovely?!
This image pretty much demonstrates why I photograph weddings. It’s these moments that I get to capture. Right before walking down the aisle, Cara and her father exchange a glance and a smile, and it makes me so happy knowing I’ve documented a piece of their family’s history.
I don’t normally get teary eyed at too many wedding ceremonies, but this man made me cry. He spoke so beautifully about Cara’s character and the relationship she shared with her Grandfather, that I just couldn’t help myself.
Do you see what I mean? Colby always looks so happy!
Totally candid moment. No prompting of holding hands and walking. I just love how engaged Colby and Cara are with each other. There is real interaction going on here.
Oh, how I miss the sun!
Just lovely.
When I walked into the reception I heard myself gasp. It was so beautiful and perfect for a January wedding. I loved all of the details!
Starting the party off with some dancing.
Best Father of the Bride Speech EVER! Seriously. He came into the ballroom with a glassful of whiskey along with the bottle and played the part so well. Only thing is he never drinks, and his daughter’s wedding was no exception. What great theatrics!
How much do you love that the DJ is inspecting the bottle?!
He even threw in a few hiccups to go with the speech.
Best Maid of Honor Speech EVER! Seriously. Jen custom wrote and sang her speech to the tune of Bye Bye, Miss American Pie. Needless to say it had the guests laughing and wiping tears from their eyes (including myself).
Cheers!
In this image I turned off my flash and just used the ambient light around me to photograph the image. It really helps capture the mood of the evening.
I love it when I photograph a truly candid moment.
Speeches are HUGE in any Drumm (Cara’s maiden name) celebration. Having photographed Patrick’s wedding to Veronica, and Patrick would be Cara’s brother, I knew that there would be so many great opportunities to document laughter like this.
Cara’s father wrote and recorded the song used for their Father & Daughter dance. And again, it goes without saying that there were many teary eyes around the room.
Let the party begin!!!
I love these next three images between Patrick, Veronica, and another wedding guest.
After the DJ packed up there was an acoustic after party.
I wish you two all of the best.