I learned on the rainiest of wedding days that it’s the people, not the weather, that make a wedding day amazing. Tricia and Reg have a sweet story to share with generations to come. Without further ado, Tricia and Reg’s wedding album design:
I was thrilled when Jacklyn contacted me to schedule a family photo shoot to happen after Preston returned from Iraq. As they eloped several years ago, it was a perfect time to finally have a professional pictures taken. Including “the girls”, Twinkie and Olive, in the pictures was a must. These furry members of the family are a big part of their lives, so we divided the time between featuring the dogs, and just Jacklyn and Preston. I had so many favorite pictures it was hard to choose what to show, they were all so photogenic!
First of all, I know this is an enormous post, but I just don’t know how to make it shorter! To see even more, watch the slideshow in the post below or “like” the jan michele photography Facebook page.
Tricia and Reg’s wedding day had it all: fun, friends, family, laughter, love, tears, romance, sentimental moments, celebrating, – and lots and lots of rain! But it was such an amazing day we hardly noticed. However, with the beautiful Chesapeake Bay Beach Club for a reception venue, we were compelled to try again for outdoor pictures, only to be met with more rain. But dodging showers we were able to get a few more beautiful portraits to capture their love in an outdoor setting.
I loved Tricia’s attention to so many little details that made the day extra special, from her sparkly blue shoes to the starfish escort cards (I borrowed extra starfish for some of my favorite ring shots ever). This is the fourth wedding I’ve photographed for this wonderful group of family and friends, starting with Reg’s brother’s wedding four years ago. It’s fun to see familiar faces among the guests and bridal party.
Tricia is such a stunning bride and together she and Reg make a beautiful couple. So on to a “few” of my favorites of their wedding day!
This may be my favorite shot of the day. Love the joy in this first dance!
Choosing great vendors is another way to make sure your wedding day is pleasant from a logistics point of view. Tricia and Reg chose well as everyone was wonderful to work with.
Church – St. Andrew by the Bay, Annapolis
Makeup/Hair – Kate Ricasa
DJ – DJ Phlipz
Videographer – Blue Sky Films
Florist – The Flower Box II
Cake – Fiona’s Bakery
Reception Site/Caterer – Chesapeake Bay Beach Club (gorgeous venue and delicious food!)
Transportation – An Extraordinair Limousine
Photographer – jan michele photography
Tricia and Reg’s slideshow will give you the flavor of their wedding day and the sweet memories made.
The bridesmaids wore purple dresses, all in the same color but different styles. What a great idea, as they were all so cute and flattering. The flowers were green and purple, Tricia carried a picture of her mother on her bouquet. Tricia’s something blue were sexy blue heels with sparkles and bows.
As usual, some of my favorite images of the day are the first dance and the father/daughter dance, so be sure to watch for those.
The Chesapeake Bay Beach Club is a beautiful venue right on the bay. Even on a rainy day it was cozy with great views. And the food is delicious!
There are two keys to making sure that your wedding pictures will bring a smile to your face – now and forever.
First, do you connect to the photographer’s work? If you like what you see, there’s a really good chance you’ll like your pictures. The way the brain works, pictures not only trigger but become our memories, and you want a photographer who will see your day as you will want to remember it. A photographer’s work should invoke a positive emotion when you look at it. If your wedding album looked similar to a sample you see, would you absolutely love it?
Second, do you like the photographer? This is the person that you’ll see the most of on your wedding day, from getting ready though the end of the day. Your photographer will be watching and close by all day, so it’s really helpful if you enjoy them as a person and trust them. Not only do photographers bring their own perspective to the wedding day but their own style of shooting as well. Some are more boisterous, and others are quiet observers. Choose someone who fits your preferred experience.
It’s easy to get bogged down with prices and packages, but when it comes to photography, it’s really better to go with how you feel first and foremost. Choosing a photographer should be an emotional decision more than a dollars and cents decision. After all, if you hate your wedding pictures, any good deal is still a waste of money.
The photos are the only tangible thing you have left after the wedding, the one thing that appreciates in value as the years go by. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating their value to you or future generations. They are worth the investment!
A footnote about referrals. A referral from a friend usually means that they had a great overall experience working with their photographer and liked their pictures. This certainly gives you confidence that you are considering a competent professional. And I love nothing more than seeing couples I know at their friend’s weddings, and I do rely on referrals. But, just because your friend was happy, does not mean their photographer is the right one for you. The same rules for selecting a photographer apply.
