“I’m not keen on the idea of being asked to whisper into my friend’s ear as part of the photography”.
This was one of the things (paraphrased) that Lydia said to me as we met to talk about their wedding. With this in mind as I parked my car in the parking lot on their wedding day, I approached this wedding as I usually did: authentic and honest moments through a documentary approach. Brian and Lydia loved the photos and I definitely did not do any “whispering into a friend’s ear” suggestions to create them.
Making being put on in the boardroom at the Museum of Vancouver. While some couples want a clean room, I like to capture the look and feel of the room (even if it’s messy) as it retains the feel of the day and occasionally some of the details have particular significance to the couple that may arise years down the road.
Brian and Lydia’s wedding day took place at the Museum of Vancouver. While I have been there for weddings and also visit to check out some of the main exhibitions that they have, I am always particularly intrigued by the old Chinatown and Japantown gallery. The Vancouver neon gallery is also very cool as it has this amazing look that you don’t see in Vancouver anymore. During Brian and Lydia’s wedding, while we didn’t get to go to the old Chinatown/Japantown section, we did make use of the 1950s diner area, the 1960-70s gallery and also the neon gallery as well.
Makeup artists do some amazing work. I’ve never used an airbrush before and can imagine (after attempting to do some painting of my own) how much finesse is required to get it just right for somebody.
The day started in the boardroom in the lower level, which is mainly used for brides getting-ready. While there was a temptation to use flash, I didn’t want to draw to much attention to myself or to the fact that I was taking photos in very close proximity so I kept it off and, as per usual liking, kept the ambient lighting. Despite all the chaos that was usual to getting ready, Lydia and her bridesmaids and her mum were having a ton of fun together as makeup was put on, flowers were arrange and the dress was put on as well.
Oh, look! Vancouver!
With the sun beaming down that afternoon, the ceremony took place just outside and in the back of the museum in a small courtyard area that has the Vancouver city skyline in the distant view. Vows were read, rings exchanged and of course a kiss was made while friends and family looked on. After a brief family formal session and some photos of the bridal party, I followed the bride and groom up to the reception hall, which had a large donut wall and the wedding cake… which was not actually a wedding cake. It was donuts. It was awesome.
The sun was bright but some clouds help temper the light.
While friends sign the wedding papers as witnesses, Brian and Lydia have a moment to themselves. They had no idea I took this moment of them until I presented them with their prints.
I don’t often do many posed formals but if I do, I try to make it really cool and/or be really meaningful to the couple. I saw the neon in the neon gallery and HAD to go for it.
I love looking for the little moments like these in a wedding. While most photographers will usually sit and rest and eat (which I will also do on a wedding day… I do need calories to make up for the 3300 calorie deficit!), even during eating times I still walk around and look occasionally for moments.
Dinner and speeches came and went and Lydia and Brian had a final moment together walking off towards the sunset in the nearby park before I took a final photo of Lydia’s father dancing with her.
All throughout, the event planner (A Little Ivory Weddings and Events) did some amazing planning gymnastics in the background to create a beautiful event for Brian and Lydia. The Suits did an amazing job bringing the music during the First Dance, the Ceremony and also the dancing after the main events had completed.
Despite being a relatively quick wedding, which to me is usually less than 8 hours, there was a lot going on and a lot to do. In the end, though, the most important thing was that Brian and Lydia were married, friends and family celebrated and I was there to document it all as it happened to create authentic photographs that captured (for future reference and for future generations) what actually happened during the wedding day.
WEDDING INFORMATION:
VENUE: Museum of Vancouver
EVENT PLANNER: A Little Ivory Weddings and Events
MUSICIANS: The Suits
HAIR STYLING: Save The Date Beauty
DONUT AWESOMENESS: Cartems Donuts
PHOTOGRAPHER: Some Photo Ninja Guy ;)
Gallery below:
