Goin' To The Chapel ▌ Sierra Vista Photographer, Arizona

Allow me to preface this post by saying "I am not a wedding photographer." Yet. I have yet to accept a wedding client because I do not shoot with flash, need to practice using flash, need to buy an off camera flash, the list goes on and on, but I cannot claim to make amazing images inside dark churches, period. With that said, my husband and I attended a wedding on Saturday and while I packed up my camera, following my father-in-law's advice and never leaving home without my camera, I had this feeling that said "clean your lens, pack your spare battery, you will be photographing this wedding." We battled pouring rain and ominous thunder clouds to get to the sweetest little chapel in Georgetown, TX, just in time to see the bride waiting under an umbrella with her father. When we entered the chapel I tried to locate the photographer, so I wouldn't stand in his or her way as I attempted to build my wedding portfolio. Alas, I could not find him or her. I quickly made my way to the groom, one of my husband's soldiers, and inquired about the photographer, and found that there was no official photographer other than a budding and talented family member with camera in hand. A big apology to everyone for the pushy New Yorker that took over moments later ;) I just couldn't bare the thought that this lovely young couple was about to commit their love to one another and there would be no professional pictures to look back on! Maybe it was my sympathetic Army Wife side who could think ahead to the long deployments, the obnoxious temporary duty stations, the untimely separations when wedding anniversaries go uncelebrated and babies are born before Daddy can make it home. This bride would need an image, a memory from a most special occasion, to remind her of the good times, to remind her of the love she shares with her soldier. I may not have captured the wedding party in it's entirety, my chapel images are dark, the roses in the garden outside were heavy with rain. But I can certainly take a little credit for capturing a few moments that will hopefully carry a lifetime of happiness; the decorations may have been soaked, the dance floor towel dried, but this intimate military wedding could not have been more charming! Congratulations to the happy couple, and should I get any more of these edited before we move to Arizona I will certainly post them right here. Enjoy your sneak peek!