Weddingbee PRO

Photographs… they can be so many things to so many people. They can be traditional, alternative, candid, posed, real, fake, cool, cheesy.

For me, photographs should carry a story, whether it's obvious or not. As a wedding photographer, it's my job to document the events of the day by capturing moments, and helping people to relive them days, months, years later.

For many, this means taking a series of photographs that combined tell a story. Much like the act of photographing a ceremony - the images when placed together in an album are able to bring back all the emotions that were felt at the time.

But what about a lone image? I feel it is much more challenging to tell a story with just one photograph. This is a challenge that I will be continuing to conquer for the rest of my life.

Above is an image that I particularly love. It is well composed, with good contrast and colour. Its depth of field pulls the viewer into the rings almost instantly. But the part I love most is the secret that it holds.

When I arrived at Erica and Jay's wedding venue, everyone was a little nervous about the weather. It had been raining off and on all morning. Erica is a very easy going, fun loving girl, and even she was a little bit worried.

While she was having her makeup done, I went outside with the rings for a brief moment. I found a puddle on the deck that surrounded the building she and her family were in.

As time went on, the rain turned to drizzle, and a bit of sun started to peek out. By the time the (outdoor) ceremony was beginning, the rain had completely gone and had left us with nothing but beautiful light. It was perfect. Their ceremony was perfect.

About half an hour later, we began our portrait session together. As Erica and Jay were sitting together enjoying their time in front of the camera, the rain returned - but this time there was no anxiety. In fact, there was opportunity. With caution to the wind, Erica decided that frizz or no frizz, she was going to get wet! Because this was her wedding day and she was going to enjoy every minute of it!

This is what I remember when I look at this photo. I remember the relief that everybody felt when the rain stopped. I remember the joy in Erica's eyes as she and Jay laughed in the rain. I remember a day that turned out perfectly. And it makes me really happy.

-Amina