Candid Moments Photography

Jacquelynne and Doug were married at the Hershy Hotel which is a gorgeous and old hotel right next to Hershey Park and Hershey’s Chocolate Factory.  Sadly, because this summer has been about 80% rain so far, they had to get married inside rather than out in the Hershey Gardens.  How many times can I say Hershey in one post?  But, like I tell all my clients, when you lose one cool location you will always gain another cool one and it was the same in this situation.  The inside of the Hershey Hotel is gorgeous.  Beautiful tiles, a fountain, great architecture etc…  It was just really nice.  Then at the end of the day, another storm moved in and we were able to get some really cool clouds.  Oh, and we were able to go outside for some after the ceremony which was great because the Hershey Gardens are amazing.

Jacquelynne never stopped smiling and laughing and having a great time, her sister was nice enough to share her birthday with her sister, we sang happy birthday, everyone had a great time dancing the night away and the photos show that the wedding was perfect even though the weather was not.

I had the pleasure of bringing along a friend of mine on this wedding.  Mike Landis is a fellow photographer who lives nearby and was willing to help me out.  We had a great time and a few fun stories to tell along the way.  Meredith decided that while we were taking pictures around Princeton University that she and Mike would wade out into the middle of the fountain.  Of course with the giddiness of a little boy on Christmas morning I said “that would be AWESOME!”  I then suggested that the bridal party join in and we had the making of a wonderful photo shoot.  I do have to say that I was extremely nervous that Meredith was going to slip and go under.  I don’t think any of the brides friends or family would have thought it was such a great idea then.

Before that great moment I had a moment that was on the other side of the spectrum.  One of my most embarrassing moments.  Now, I don’t embarrass too easily but I felt like a big idiot at the church.  The church was very dark and in order to get a sharp photo I leaned against the side wall to steady the camera.  I was in a small niche so I wouldn’t attract attention.  Unfortunately, that’s where the lightswitches were.  Instead of switches, they were buttons.  A whole line of them.  I leaned on them while steadying my shot and turned the lights off in the whole church.  Because there were so many buttons I had no idea which ones to hit.  The priest had to walk back and turn them on.  Of course everyone followed him to me and watched him scold me.  Not a good moment in my career as a professional photographer.  But like I said.  I don’t embarrass too easily.

Enjoy the photos and feel free to laugh at my expense!

I rarely work alone at a wedding however, this was one of those times.  It is during my solo weddings that I realize how much I miss a 2nd photographer.  I was working on overdriive during Mia and Phil’s wedding.  The Indian ceremony was all in another language and was filled with many traditional elements.  Since I was unsure what was the most important parts to this ceremony I worked both sides of the room as well as the center aisle, back of the room and front.  It was very beautiful.  There was even FIRE!  Cool.  After the Indian ceremony Mia decided to do the white dress, Americanized version.  It was much much quicker. 

It rained most of the day but as soon as we were ready to go outside it cleared up and provided us with wonderful outdoor shots.

I was so glad to be hired to do another Indian wedding.  I love the traditional dress.  It’s so beautiful.  In the end I was exhausted but excited.