Life is Full of Picture Perfect Surprises
The most exciting and inspiring moments in life are rarely attached to what is carefully planned. Not everyone likes surprises, but some open the doors to outstanding opportunities. That was what I encountered when being asked to photograph Jen and Brendan’s surprise wedding. Guests were invited to a barbeque party, but no one knew what awaited them, minus the handful of people involved with the wedding ceremony. Capturing the candid surprise, joy, and cheer of a surprise marriage was an awesome experience that I hope to experience again as a Southcoast wedding photographer.
One thing I write about often is capturing the natural moments. Candid photography is always a welcome challenge for me, because I need to change lenses–and not just camera lenses. I need to look for the natural angles, expressions, and lighting that compliment a scene. I cannot step in and rearrange things or detract from the moment. But when I simply step back and let the scene unravel without posturing, the results are always a pleasant surprise.
That was the case with Jen and Brendan’s wedding ceremony. Having been together for 16 years, the newlyweds decided it was time to truly tie the knot. So they sent out invites, but not for a wedding. No, the guests thought for sure it was an informal get-together with burgers on the barbie and beer in hand.
There was no crazy decorating, just subtle touches that hinted to what was happening. So imagine how surprised the guests were when Brendan, the best men and maids of honor lined up on the stage to await the arrival of the bride.
For me, being a photographer, it was the perfect time to get creative. I could enjoy the beautiful, scenic setting of the wedding. I could walk around, just snapping the unposed moments that spoke to me. Through interstices, across distances, shifting focus, and even utilizing aerial photographer with a drone… my creativity was tested. And that is why their ceremony was something of a surprise for me too.
It also made me think. Ever since I started offering professional photography, I have met a lot of amazing people. I get to take part in various experiences, each of them enjoyable in their own unique way. I learn about their lives, their likes and dislikes, and see some of their most natural expressions. The pictures that end up being my favourites are never the ones that I thoroughly thought about. The ones that are a reaction to something happening, like the sound of waves against the shore, are the ones that I return to again and again.
Even if it is at a distance, being able to capture the moments when people radiate joy is a true “wow” moment.
Weddings like this, without the grandeur and posturing and endless rehearsals, are why I would never choose another profession. Capturing these incredible stories for others to look back on fondly is not just my job, it is an honour.
That is why to me, this occasion defines what “pleasant surprise” means. So much is happening in the world lately that we forget to just let loose and laugh. To be able to catch people smiling completely really can change the way we see the course of our lives. There was no better time for the newlyweds, in their 16 years of living together, to come together and hold a wonderful surprise ceremony.
So thank you Jen and Brendan for having me at your barbeque. May your life together be full of picture perfect surprises.
