I have always had a genuine love for taking photographs.  For capturing moments.  If I had the option of viewing the world through my own eyes or from behind my camera lens, I would choose to be behind the camera every time.  I have learned I especially like photographing people.  Specifically people on one of the most magical days of their lives…their wedding day.   I think this stems from the happiness I feel when I look at a photograph I have caught of a practically emotional moment.  The first time a groom sees his beautiful bride, a father hugging his daughter close before giving her away, tears of joy as a bride and groom walk down the aisle together…finally husband and wife!  Capturing and preserving moments like these for my couples forever brings me more joy than I can explain.

When my best friend Lori officially asked me to photograph her wedding day, I was overwhelmed with excitement!  Not only would I be her matron of honor, I would have the honor of being her photographer!  I would be the one to capture her mom helping her into her dress, the looks filled with love she and Ashley would be shooting each other all day, and the crazy dancing I knew would take place at the reception.  I couldn’t imagine anything better!

When I told my photographer friends what I had decided to do, they were excited for me, but I could hear the caution in their voices.  They specifically wanted to know how I would take on all the roles I need to as matron of honor, while still being the best photographer I could be.  If you know me, you know I love a challenge.  I was determined to find a way to do them both, and to do both well!  For other photographers with the same opportunity, I have decided to share what I learned along the way.

1.  If possible, bring along two additional photographers!  It is definitely important to have an experienced second shooter to capture and direct all of the bridal party photos.  After all, if you are in the wedding, you will have to be in those photographs!  On top of that, I would suggest bringing along a third photographer for moments in the day where it would be particularly difficult for you to shoot.  The ceremony and grand entrances are great examples!  It is also nice when you need to sit down for dinner or when you want to join your best friend on the dance floor for your favorite song!  Knowing an additional set of eyes is there, watching and capturing important moments when you are not able to will give you more of an opportunity to relax and enjoy being part of the day.

2.  Take advantage of your close relationship to the bride and photograph any details your can the day before.  Right before the ceremony was probably the toughest part of the day for me.  I had so much to do and so little time!  I was trying to photograph all of the ceremony and reception details my friend had worked so hard on, deliver and capture the groom opening his gift from the bride, and receive my matron of honor gift myself!  My amazing second shooter Jennifer Brown was busy capturing the guy getting ready shots, and I obviously couldn’t be in three places at once!   By the grace of God I was able to get it all done, but I could have made it easier for myself!  I had access to almost all of Lori’s pretty details the day before.  If I could go back and do it again, I would have taken the time to photograph them all individually then.  That way, I would have had less to worry about on the actual wedding day. 🙂

3.  Keep you professionalism.  Most likely, your friend knew you before you became a photographer.  This might make it hard for her to see and treat you the way other brides do.  Be willing to coach your friends and their bridal party through posing and portrait time the same way you would any other client.  This will ensure you get the quality of photographs you would at any other wedding, making you happy, and your friend happy!

4. Lastly, take a moment to actually BE a part of the day, to hug your friend, and tell her how happy you are for her.  While your job as photographer is important, your job as a best friend is extremely important as well.  Take the time to bring the camera down from your face, and actually see with your own eyes, how happy your best friend is on her wedding day.  Smile and laugh with her.  I guarantee, these moments will be special memories for you both. 🙂