Wedding locations

   Over the past 25 years I've seen many changes in wedding photography, with the primary being the switch from film to digital photography. 
   Another drastic change I've noted is that of the wedding location. Previously, the majority of weddings were held in a church, with a minority held in other places like Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, or the Indian Center, a backyard, or other unique location.
   In looking at my schedule for this year, only two weddings will be held in a church. The most popular locations for the others are at various rustic barns in the area.
    I believe the change is due to couples choosing to reflect their own lifestyle and taste by holding their wedding ceremony at a place where they can relax, and incorporate lighthearted outdoor portraits along with the casual atmosphere of a barn for more distinctive wedding portraits.
   No two weddings are alike. Every bride and groom brings their own unique style to make their wedding day their own, and their choice of the wedding location is just one more way to do so.

Symbols of unity

   One longstanding tradition during a wedding ceremony is the lighting of the unity candle. Typically, a parent of the bride and a parent of the groom light a small candle on each side of the large middle candle before the wedding. During the ceremony, the bride and groom pick up the small candles representing their individual lives, and together light the unity candle, signifying that their lives are now together, shared as one.

   There are many other ways to symbolically show that "two become one" on the wedding day. At a recent western themed wedding, the groom made a wooden bench that he and his bride branded during the ceremony. Their guests enjoyed watching the smoke rise up from the brand, as it was burned into the wood.
   Other unity symbols I saw in 2015 wedding ceremonies included: braiding a 3 strand cord (signifying God, the husband, and the wife), binding ring hands together with a ribbon, and wrapping the bride and groom together with a lightweight cord. All beautiful symbols, each reflecting the personalities and interests of the couples.
   Most recently, a couple used a Unity Water Ceremony to celebrate that special moment. Two vases of clear liquid waited beside a large empty vase. During the unity portion of the ceremony, the bride and groom each poured the contents of their vase into the center one, which instantly created water in the primary color of their wedding. It brought a collective "Oh, wow", from the guests, and surprised exclamations from the children-especially the ring bearer and flower girl. Those responses served to make the unity ceremony that much more unique and special.
   Whatever you choose to do, or not do, during your wedding ceremony, remember that it is YOUR day, YOUR wedding. Own it, enjoy it, treasure every moment.

A Bride's Observation

   While visiting with a recent bride, she wanted to let me know the reason she had chosen me to photograph her wedding. Her wedding will be during the winter, held inside a church. She said that when reviewing various photography websites, she noticed that most photographers showcase images of outdoor ceremonies, as well as engagement portrait sessions outside. She had concerns that not every photographer knows how to add lighting to compensate for dark churches, and in her case, a large wedding party.
   2016 will mark my 26th year as a professional photographer. I've been certified through Professional Photographers of America since for 21 years. My credentials include knowing how to set up optimum lighting for any situation and location , plus gather and pose groups quickly and fluidly...yet creatively.
  Experience. Yes, it truly matters.