The best seat in the house
When I was younger and confined the boundaries of my hometown, one of my most frequent activities was catching a movie on opening night with friends. We would strategically plan our evenings such that we left ample time to arrive at the theater hours before the movie started. The reason was simple - we wanted the best seats in the house. Though it has been years since I've caught a movie on opening night, the desire to have the best seat has never escaped me (and can you blame me?).
Like catching a movie from start to finish including all of the previews, being a wedding photographer is very much the same. I'm able to witness the bride and groom as they're getting ready before they see each other, sneak off with them to take portraits and mingle with them until the official send off. It's a privilege I've always enjoyed and one of the big reasons why I've enjoyed wedding photography. There really is no better seat to watch everything unfold. And it doesn't hurt that it lends to great photos.
Personal reasons and jokes aside, it was an absolutely honor to be a part of Dan and Caitlin's wedding. Held at their alma mater, the College of William and Mary in colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, the wedding was both special and deeply personal. They decided to return to the place where they share some of their fondest memories and got married in the chapel on campus, adjacent the parking lot where they first met. Naturally, there was no better backdrop for them to start the rest of their lives together.
Being surrounded by their closest friends and family, I was able to witness how much Dan and Caitlin care for each other and how much their families have become intertwined. Friends and family from all over (even Caitlin's grandfather from Australia) made the effort to fly/drive all the way down to Williamsburg to be a part of their day and after spending the weekend with them, it was easy to see why. Dan and Caitlin are both selfless, thoughtful and humble. Simply, they're great people.
By the end of the weekend, the unanimous consensus was that the wedding was absolutely amazing and one of the most enjoyable weddings I've had the opportunity to be a part of. Dan and Caitlin, thanks for trusting me and awkwardly practicing the poses that I sent you. I hope these pictures are everything you hoped they would be.
And a special thanks to all of the friends and family that I've met over that weekend. Thank you for making me felt so incredibly welcome. I really feel like I've known you all for a lot longer, despite only spending a weekend together.
Location: The College of William and Mary (ceremony), The Settlement at Powhatan Creek (reception), Williamsburg, VA
Gear: D700, 24-70 f/2.8, 70-200 f/2.8
DCHU Photography
