Caitlin and Michael’s wedding day gave me such a renewed perspective on the importance of being a wedding photographer, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to capture their day.

Caitlin is a 1800s historian. When it came time to selecting their wedding venue The Haley Mansion, built-in 1893, seemed like the perfect place for them. This mansion was once home to many extravagant parties hosted by the Haleys, and has now been turned into an event space for all the enjoy. This space definitely has an old-world charm to it, and Caitlin and Michael made it their own with many personal touches throughout the home. For instance, both of them are avid readers so they decided to make some of their favorite books the centerpieces for the reception.

These details are great and all, but that’s not why this wedding had such an impact on me. Earlier this year Caitlin’s sister, Colleen, had to receive brain surgery and wasn’t able to attend the wedding. I can only imagine how difficult this all has been on their family, but they all wanted to make the most of the situation and through FaceTime calls Colleen was still so much apart of this day.

Many wedding photographers I know say they often cry at weddings and can get very emotional… Let me honest, that’s usually not me. Since having my own daughter, sometimes moments between parents can get to me but for the most part I can keep it together. But… Seeing the relationship between Caitlin and Colleen had me in tears all day long. Even while editing this wedding every time I got to the part where Caitlin “brought” Colleen to the dance floor and then her family gathered around Caitlin to dance with Colleen, I’ve cried. This is NOT normal for me haha! Witnessing this sister relationship was just that beautiful.

I’ve talked about this before and I’ll say it again… Wedding details are great and amazing couple portraits are the best, but goodness gracious it’s all about the people. This day you have to celebrate comes once in a lifetime and I want you to enjoy it as much as possible and be as present as possible. I want you to trust me to capture your day and all those there with you. I’m the photographer that hustles as much as I can because I can’t stand the thought you not having photos of your guests at cocktail hour. I’ll always be down for you to pull me aside to get a photo with your college roommates, or you dancing with your grandpa. And gosh (I know you’re not supposed to say this but oh well), I’m notorious for over-delivering on photos because I care that much that you can look back on your wedding photos 10+ years from now and get to actually see who was at your wedding.

Wedding photography is so much more than pretty photos of the couple or the perfect detail shots. It also about capturing all those who have come to support and love on you on this very special day. Those are the captures that’ll be cherished for a lifetime.