So, here it is, my first wedding of the year, how odd it feels saying this. But hey that’s 2020 for you.
It was an emotional wedding shoot for me, not just because of the wonderful couple’s story, but also because they had found me covering a Black Lives Matter protest, in my very own Walthamstow.
I’d always worried that sharing what I personally care about in my creativity might be seen in a negative way, and that perhaps you shouldn’t mix personal life and business. Many previous mentors had advised against sharing views or opinions, expressing that keeping them out of your business made you more appealing. So, knowing these two beautiful people had found me specifically because of the photography I covered for the protest, had thrown to the wind this whole concept that had been bashed into me from previous business mentors over the years. In fact, it proved you really can find your ideal clients - ones with the same beliefs, views and passions, from sharing your own. This has been a wonderful learning experience for me and my business.
My feelings run deep with this wedding, because the whole day was all about family, loved ones and making memories. Isn’t that what weddings are about, you might be thinking? But as a photographer, this pandemic has really opened up a much deeper appreciation for how precious family and the photos of them really are.
I had a family member pass during lockdown. It’s a painful experience during a pandemic, your whole vision of surrounding a loved one and holding their hand as they pass, is blown out of the window; when you’re literally limited to holding a head through a window and saying goodbye from afar. All you want to do is wrap your arms around a grieving loved one and squeeze them tight, and say it’s all going to be ok. But you can’t even do that if they’re not in your bubble; you just have to watch from afar and speak the words. It went against every fibre of my being. For those that don’t know me, I’m a big hugger; there’s so much to be said for a really good hug, so much healing in that simple exchange. Damn I really miss hugs!
This whole experience has really emphasised to me, that when your own life has passed, all your loved ones are really left with are photos. Precious, precious photos.
I have a new profound appreciation of this gift I can give others, something I’ve always loved and valued, but now on an extra level. Which brings me to this particular couple, this wedding, which was my first for the year, when I should have been up to at least my 15th or more.
It was a heart-wrencher for me. The opening lines from Daniel when he asked if I could cover the day were, “In short, my mum has been told she has months to live”. I cried reading that, and I knew this was going to be a hard one for me. I hadn’t even really covered a small wedding before, let alone one during a pandemic. How was I going to approach this?
I felt emotional before the day even arrived. Maybe because we’re in a crazy pandemic, and missing our family and loved ones so much, that family feels like all that matters right now. Or maybe because being in the pandemic has stripped away all the distractions and noise of the world, and allows us to remember what is important; or perhaps it was because I felt honoured to be given the task of providing these beautiful memories to this family.
Deep down, this day was what my core values boil down to. The simplicity of family, friends, celebrations, making memories, spending time with these loved ones and capturing that in photos that can last forever. Right now, many of us are still waiting to reunite with our loved ones, so seeing these families reunite to make memories and share love in a vocal but safe way, was utterly beautiful. Yes, I know, I’m an absolute softy, but I think you can get a feel for where I’m going with this and why it was a beautiful reminder of what love and weddings are wonderful for.
As a photographer, it’s so important to remember that it’s never ever really about me. It’s about my couples, it’s about being an added layer on their day that makes those memories unforgettable. That’s why for me, on this precious day, I wanted to figure out every option that would make Daniel and David’s day, one to remember. We were all in un chartered territory; from how I would handle spacing for grouped family photos, down to what masks were good for me to wear – have you tried to wear a face mask with glasses? Fog alert!!
As everything started to come together, it occurred to me that for the first time EVER in my career as a wedding photographer, I had time on my side. With limited guest numbers and no big reception to rush off to, I had an abundance of glorious time! I only ever suggest things to my clients, giving them the option if they want, but I couldn’t resist the opportunity of suggesting a little photo shoot tour. From the registry office, all the way through Walthamstow village and ending up in the William Morris grounds near their home. To my delight, they wholeheartedly accepted! So, here it is, an intimate day, covering the love between two wonderful men, their families, and the cutest Mr and Mr face masks, with a bonus tour on our very own stomping ground.
If you would like any advice on face masks (what works with glasses and not), how I dealt with group shots, and how to approach the prep before the wedding to make everyone, including you, feel completely safe, please don’t hesitate to reach out or pop a question below.
Big love to my Daniel and David for letting me cover this beautiful day,
xxx