So the morning of the big day comes. I stumble to my kitchen and battle the Keurig to pour my morning coffee when I look over at my Google Home on my kitchen bar and the news has broken. Pope Francis has passed away. I say a quick prayer for the departed. Head into work, trudge through the usual with Jeff and Summer heavily on my mind. I leave work, grab a shower, grab my gear and head to the church. As is pretty typical of a Catholic Church, this place is nice.
I get out my truck and start putting myself together. I snap a couple of photos to double check my camera settings. Then I meet one of the stars of the show, Peter. When I tell you he’s a ball of energy I mean a straight up ball of the most contagious, you can’t help but smile energy at his antics energy. I introduce myself to Summer (Yes, she holds the honor of being the first bride I’ve never met prior to documenting her Wedding). Jeff & Summer introduce me to their family members who have come out. When I tell you people who are from the mid-west are some of the kindest people I truly mean it. Jeff and his brother welcomed me into their family and started telling me how much their aunt would of had a ball talking to me about photography and cameras. I snap photos of Jeff and Summer in front of the church while we wait on the priest. Then it hits me, “Where is the Priest?!” Next thing I know Jeff is gone… “Oh God….” I think to myself. I smile and keep my cool as I snap some killer photos of Summer looking elegant speaking to her family while we wait. Thankfully Jeff reappears and lets me know the Priest is coming down the hill. “Thank God” I think to myself.
We get inside and it’s beautiful as one would expect from a Roman Catholic Church. I do what I do and start snapping photos of the church while Jeff and Father Ray prepare the altar. Out of the corner of my eye I see Peter having a ball and I couldn’t resist snapping photos of him being absolutely adorable and wide open.
The wedding mass was absolutely beautiful. Instead of a choir singing hymns it was the families (and wickedly off key photographer). Jeff and Summer looked so comfortable and at peace at the alter during the mass. Jeff’s Mother and Sister-In-Law provided the reading and did a wonderful job of being lectors.
During communion I was so lost in the moment photographing Summer and Jeff I totally missed my mark to get in line and receive the body of Christ.
Then we get to the first kiss… I thank God I am pretty quick with a camera because when I tell you their first kiss was fast, I mean it was FAST! But I got it!
Now it’s time to get the classic walking down the aisle and Peter made sure he was in this photo as well. I still laugh as I think about it. He’s such a ham bone.
Of course, I do know how to edit so Jeff and Summer would have a proper photo.
Here’s where a little respect goes a long way. It’s time to sign the marriage license. They have decided to sign them on the altar. I realize I’m not going to get a good photo from where I was. I walk up, pause and bow to the tabernacle before going onto the altar. Out of the corner of my eye I see Father Ray smile. This man didn’t know much of anything about me but knew I had enough respect to not walk on the altar during mass and when I did walk onto the altar I paid reverence.
We wrap up the day with family photos after mass and I tell everyone thank you so much for letting me be a part of their special day.
