Mary Anna & Paul's Wedding!

So on May 10th I got to do my first wedding since January 5th, which signifies the official start of my Wedding Season! There was family from all over the country at this wedding; I'd never heard so many states mentioned at one rehearsal dinner in my life!


Adding to the excitement was the fact that Tacoma was holding a marathon that day--and the start and finish line were both basically right at the hotel where the wedding/reception was being held! Most of the runners were gone, however, by the time we went out on the terra cotta colored steps to do formals...

I had found this great brick wall as a plan "B" location...I love Paul's face after they all took a swig from their flasks!!

Always wanted to do this shot, but I was waiting to arrive at a location with just the right windows, and today, here they were!

And this fabulous arched doorway was just right across the street...

Caught this great moment of the B/G getting razzed by one of their guests on the street...


Formals in the courtyard that was full of runners just a few hours beforehand!

The best way to go, in my opinion, is doing formals before the ceremony, like we did here.

Late in the evening, Paul's dad got up and serenaded his son and his new bride!

Shooting from the hip is something I started as a miniature hobby; just randomly. It's important for me to experiment here and there to stay creative and spontaneous in my shooting. I also visualize the unfolding of the wedding day a couple of times the night before. A wedding day consists of many smaller events, i.e., the preparations, the formals, the family shots, the ceremony, the party... which is how I think about a wedding. Not one HUGE event...that would be stressful...just a multilayered day, not unlike the tasty wedding cakes which I enjoy a piece of when I can, as I shoot from the hip... :)