Andrew was really nervous before his lovely bride, Kirsten, was to arrive. His groomsmen supported him with jokes of worst case scenarios in one breath and “everything will be fine” in the next. He wasn’t nervous about marrying her, he said, he just wanted to do it already. The anticipation and the adrenaline made him pace, but he was in great spirits and his friends weren’t short on ways to keep the mood light. Even Andrew hammed it up for me, exaggerating his forlorn attitude for the camera.
We had a really good time cracking jokes in the sacristy and chapel while trying to keep out of sight from Kirsten. Even Father Moretti joined in the circle of laughs, sometimes at Andrew’s expense. But the jokes took a distant second place when Andrew saw his bride process toward him from the rear of the church. It was a reassured smile that didn’t fade with each of her approaching steps. He knew what and why he was doing this.
Shortly after Kirsten and Andrew were together before the altar, Fr. Moretti began, “In the Name of the Father…” that was my hardwired cue to draw upon my own wedding and put it to use in my very first Catholic wedding in Virginia. I got to bring their — and my own — sacramental joy into their photographs.
After their nuptials, Andrew and Kirsten invited their friends and family for an intimate wedding reception The New Bridge in town. Their tri-level, wine bar reception was casual, intimate and felt really comfortable even though everyone was in suits and dresses. Kari of Two Rivers Events made sure everyone was well taken care of, including making sure the food wishes that the bride and groom had got to us. Let’s just say that few things are more appreciated by wedding photographers than a great meal (and chance to eat it)!
The final part of Andrew and Kirsten’s wedding was personal after party at Wiffle Tree Farms in Warrenton, VA where we took care of the family formals and some of the more private moments with this really great couple before Traci and I left them to a wonderful, casual evening with their close friends and family.
But before we left, Andrew said, “Their steaks are organic, fresh, and amazing. Get them.”
It was a perfect end to a wonderful day of working with Traci J. Brooks Studios for the fourth time on a wedding. It was sooo awesome to photograph a Catholic wedding and bring my experience to bear on their day.