Attention to Detail

Flowers, bows, shoes, jewelry, favors, toasting glasses, cake, food. You name it, I love to photograph it. What maybe insignificant for others nags continually for my attention. The flower girl's satin shoes flung off hastily as soon as she arrives at the reception. Pieces of fruit or candy just waiting to be photographed with the couple's wedding rings. Empty shot glasses left on the bar by happy wedding guests. Weddings are full of not just people but detail too.

I also believe the bride and groom appreciate seeing the detail shots too. They don't have time to notice the center pieces, the corsages worn on the wrists of their grandmothers and aunts or the exquisite little home-made baskets containing chocolate after dinner mints. Here are a few of my favorites.

Jenny and Craig's Love Story

Jenny and Craig were married April 30, 2011 at Willow Oaks Country Club www.willowoakscc.org. They were by far one of the nicest and easiest couples I have worked with so I would like to share their story with you.

Bill Gilliam from Choice Entertainment www.choiceentertainment.com mc and dj for the event, had the ingenuity to confer with the couple and create a funny story based on how they first met. The following is what he read out loud to the bride and groom and their guests during the reception.

Their story involved a chance meeting, a natural disaster, a classic movie, an aging rock star and blossoming love.

Back in August of 2005, Jenny and Craig met when mutual friends happened to run into each other at a bar. Craig began talking to Jenny, but when she found out he had family in Chicago she steered him over to to another girlfriend who used to live in Chicago. After a few minutes, Craig worked his way back to Jenny and eventually asked for her number. As she jotted her number on a napkin, Craig fed her a classic line from, Forrest Gump, I'm not a smart man Jenny..." Hmm Jenny thought, cute and a sense of humor, but I'm still not all that excited about dating. A few days later, Hurrican Katrina hit New Orleans and Craig called Jenny leaving her a voice mail saying "Don't worry, they found Fats Domino and he's okay." Now she was sold and the first date ensued.

After 4 dates Jenny knew she was falling for this witty guy and, for Craig, in spite of his promise to himself not to date a woman with a cat, felt the same. 10 months later they moved in together and 2 short years later, Jenny had Craig actually washing dishes. No one knows why it took 3 more years for Craig to propose, but finally propose he did, and on their 5 year anniversary, Craig proposed in front of the Governor's Mansion in Williamsburg.

Brother Suprises Couple at their New Year's Eve Wedding

Sara Heyl and Ram Jamshidian were married at St. John's United Church of Christ in Richmond, Virginia on December 31, 2010. Their reception followed at the historic Jefferson Hotel.

Since the night was going to be long (approx 6 hours) they decided to spread things out. Dancing and toasts took place even before the salad plates hit the tables.

During the meal, I was told to meet the groom's family on the balcony. Ram's brother had flown in all the way from Switzerland and they wanted me to document him greeting his family. After many hugs and tears, Ram's brother headed into the Empire Room to confront his brother. Ram and Sara were shocked beyond belief. It was truly an emotional scene. What a moment to witness!

Erica and Michael Face the Elements with a Smile

On June 19, Erica Frayser and Michael Wells said their "I do's" at a friend's farm in Manakin Sabot, Virginia. As the horse and carriage transported Erica and her father to the ceremony site, the heavens opened causing havoc to anything that wasn't tied down including the tent surrounding the portoloos and the bride's veil. However, in spite of the effects of this mini cyclone, the lovely bride, Erica, smiled and laughed embracing the gail force wind and torrential rain. The only thing missing was the wicked witch! The officiant rushed through the wedding sermon as fast as he could form the words and the ceremonial mixing of the sands was a disaster. When so many brides would have run for cover in tears, Erica thought it was hysterically funny. She is a bride to remember. What a trooper!

Heather and Drew at the Mill at Fine Creek

As a big fan of red hair, I loved the engagement shoot with Heather and Drew. The grounds and the creek at the Mill www.themillatfinecreek.com complemented Heather's lovely coloring (Drew wasn't bad either). All three of us waded in the creek, which was freezing I might add, in order to capture the creek's beauty.

An Officer and a Gentleman

I had the pleasure of photographing Kelli Ziemer and Aaron Borgmeyer's wedding on April 17. My associate, Caron Sterling, and I toured around town on one of Richmond's staples, the green trolley. We visited Brown's Island, the James River and the Capitol building. The ceremony was held at Second Presbyterian Church followed by a reception at the Colony Club.