More Precious Than Go(u)ld

I was invited to shoot a few "extra photographer on scene" photos for my cousin's wedding. It was an experience in more ways than one. First, I learned that I am not aggressive enough to dictate and control folks' movements on their special day. Perhaps this is a portrait photographer's shtick, but photojournalists don't operate that way. Second, I learned that a prime lens beats a zoom all the time. This means that if I want a telephoto shot, I need to have two camera bodies. And third, I was reminded that sometimes it is the photos that are not asked for that make the best images.

Now about this wedding...

I'm all about romance (because I'm a sap) and this affair was full of it.

Here's the quick run-down of things I L-O-V-E-D about this display of love:

• Dwayne, not the flower girl, layed down the rose petals for his bride to walk upon.
• Athena wiped away Dwayne's tears (you'd cry too if your Mrs. was as radiant as she was).
  
• Dwayne proposed formally and on one knee to make sure that everything was done according to tradition.
  
• Athena's smile lit up the room, and she personally recognized every guest as she walked down the isle toward her Mr.
  
• The officiant made God the center of the union, praying over the marriage, the family, and the little Goulds born into it.
  
• The wedding ceremony was midday and included children, as they are part of the family, too.
  
• Everyone who attended had a camera of some sort: digital SLR or point and shoot, cell phone, and even Polaroid. Gone is the throw away camera for guests to shoot and share memories.
• Both Dwayne and Athena were totally oblivious to the people around them as they confirmed their commitment to each other.
  

This is one of my favorite shots from my cousin's wedding this weekend. I preferred the antiqued sepia tinting to straight sepia for the shot.