Ever After

Subject: My Cousin and her Husband.
Camera: Nikon D7000.
Location: Palm Beach Zoo.
Date Taken: 06/18/11.
Comment: My cousin got married recently to her fiancé of several years in a beautiful and down-to-earth wedding, full of genuine happiness and love.

This was my first time taking photos at a wedding, and I was being careful not to get in the way of the professional photographers. As access is one of the most important aspects of dynamic event photography, I strategically chose a seat at the end, near the aisle. It's a good thing I did, as I found myself having to take the photos of the ceremony from my chair.

So many weddings come off as somber, overly-serious occasions; many of them trying vehemently to conform to that which is the popular ideal and emotional tone of a wedding. I can appreciate tradition and all, but I find myself somewhat disappointed at those types of weddings.

I feel that when a wedding tries to fit a certain ideal, it often fails to reflect what's (in my opinion) most important about a wedding: celebrating the unique relationship that the couple shares in everyday life.

The lighthearted atmosphere of my cousin's wedding was so refreshing, from the primates at the zoo screeching during the vows (much to the amusement of the family), to my father joining in with the hired band for a song (no he wasn't drunk) during the after-party!

The mood matched perfectly the silliness and laughter that seems to follow my cousin and her new husband around wherever they go.

I'm honoured to have been able to take these photos for them (and learn a lot at the same time), and I wish them the best of luck in the future!

Other Pictures of My Cousin's Wedding: