Christina Lauder Portraits Photographs a Wedding

This wedding was particularly special to me. The bride is a childhood friend of my step daughter’s. So I’ve known her for many years. The first time I photographed her I believe she was 7. In recent years she has been working with me as a make up artist as well as a model on a couple of occasions. She is also the very first of my step daughter’s friends to get married which is quite a milestone for me. So when her mum came to me and asked if I would photograph her wedding how could I refuse.

Its been ages since I photographed a wedding and to be honest I’ve only photographed a handful in my lifetime anyway.  Its not my cup of tea really. Too much pressure on the day and too little control when it comes to lighting and weather. Since focusing on studio portraits I’ve become very reliant on being able to control all the light in my images and with all the time in the world to get it just right.  Weddings are not like that. Not only is it more difficult to add light it is pretty much impossible to remove the light from where you don’t want it if the sun happens to be in the wrong place. With the additional problem of time constraints its a job that fills me with dread.

But having said that, there is still something special about capturing such wonderful moments in someone’s life. The few weddings I have done I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. I’ve been made to feel a part of their family and that’s really quite special and one of my favourite aspects of doing weddings. Perhaps if my nerves could take it I’d come to love them like so many of my photographer friends.

Vickie didn’t want a lavish affair. It was a simple wedding at the local registry office so my job was easier than most weddings. Instead of a typical 12 hour day I was only required for about 4 hours. But I still managed to take loads of photographs from bridal prep to family groups and of course a few of the ceremony.

In the end I had a great time capturing the special moments. One thing that is very easy on a day like this is getting smiles out of the bride and groom. It required absolutely no effort on my part. Smiles from the younger brothers on the other hand were a little harder to come by.

I can honestly say it was an honour to have been chosen to photograph this special day. It is so nice to have people who have such faith in you and want you to share their special day. I wish this was something for which I had what it takes. But I have to be honest with myself and recognise my limitations. As such, this is definitely my last ever wedding. If you need a wedding photographer you are still welcome to get in touch as I do have plenty of friends who are very capable of doing a fantastic job whom I’d be happy to recommend.