I’ve realized a simple truth lately – that true imagery is meant to be timeless. It’s my eighth year as a professional wedding photographer, and I’ve already seen some trends come and go in my profession. 
Whether it be the transition of a film workflow to a digital one, an editing technique (making everything black and white except for a bride’s flowers), a posing technique (Jump shot anyone?), or even the recent trend of photoshopping dinosaurs into bridal party images (to those unaware of the phenomenon, sadly it’s true), I’ve seen quite a bit happen since I finished my undergrad.
What I haven’t seen transition is our desire for authenticity and timelessness. I don’t think that will ever go away (least I hope not). So why am I writing about this? Because that is the spirit and theme of Nely and Nick’s imagery. Timeless authenticity.
I remember sitting down with these two roughly a year ago so I could get to know them better. I had jotted down some notes after our time together, and specifically wrote down that these two were all about the “real” and “the unique” in my imagery. 
It’s who they are too – they’re sweet and endearing people, and I wanted to make sure that my rendition of their wedding told that story.
And that’s where our “style” of wedding photography has / is / was (and always will be) here at Making the Moment Photography – authentic, honest, unique story-telling imagery. 
Use the word photojournalism – sure – we are certainly photojournalistic wedding photographers. In the end though, words are just words right? Nely & Nick’s wedding images speak to the story and little moments that were their wedding day. 
But it’s not simply photojournalism, or the above image of Nely wouldn’t have happened. I’ve always struggled to use the word “Portraiture” when defining my imagery, because it conveys this “posey pose” sense of things – and I’m never about fakery with my couples. 
I am a bigger fan of helping people relax and become themselves. Yes – I certainly guide them there, but it’s not about a list of memorized body positions, it’s an interactive give and take between me and my subjects. 
You see, I’m learning them, familiarizing myself with their very soul as we talk and I lead. It then happens so naturally that they loosen up, and the image occurs. Nely on the top left here is a good example – her subtle and sweet laughter is a big part of her, something that makes you feel comfy and at home – and she does it so naturally. I couldn’t have asked her to do it, I had to be ready for it when it happened.
I often see image ideas – like the above image, where I asked Nelly to stand on the opposite side of a tree I found. The break in the limbs provided just the right distance where I knew if I shot through it, I could isolate her. Her true elegance as a women shines through here.
Enough about me here – these images are about Nely & Nick (but thanks for humoring me here!). Nely and Nick chose to see eachother privately and romantically before their wedding ceremony and reception at the Ballroom at Park Lane. I orchestrated a sweet and quiet time for them to enjoy eachother. It was so fun to witness and photograph. Nick’s kiss to Nely’s forehead is completely real and natural – a moment held and preserved forever. 
After their introduction, we spent the afternoon whimsically creating and crafting imagery together.
I like forced perspective in arwork, and it’s something I like to bring into my wedding imagery. It forces the viewer to focus on what really matters in an image.
Nely’s veil was epic – and was catching the wind like nobody’s business. Pretty sweet.
I enjoy making unique imagery for the bridal party – the men’s images from their wedding are some of my personal favorites. They have a boldness and “cut to the chase” way about them that works well.
Friendships are fun – and I enjoy what happens when you get a group of old friends together.
Their wedding ceremony was at the Ballroom at Park Lane, a charming venue in University heights for weddings and receptions. Our team gets to photograph at the Ballroom at Park Lane often, and I’ve fallen in love with the vintage flair the venue brings.
After the wedding ceremony at the Ballroom at Park Lane, the guests enjoyed a cocktail out in the ballroom. It’s a beautiful space in the late afternoon, full of natural light.
The interior dining room was set while the guests were upstairs mingling. And WOW does the place shine – especially with some uplighting from Selective Sound. 
Seriously – could you ask for a more elegant set-up for your guests to walk into?
It was a night to remember, a lot of fun and KILLER food thanks to Marigold catering. I feel like I’ve become a veritable connoisseur of reception food (I’m usually eating wedding food every saturday) and Marigold food always makes my tummy happy 🙂 
The night rocked away thanks to the music and entertainment talents of Selective Sound. 
I found Nick and some of the guys outside smoking cigars to celebrate the occasion – so fun! Nick and Nely, thank you again (again and again and again). I have LOVED getting to know you two – may the years ahead shine bright.
