Wedding Photography is the Best Event Photography. Why? Read on!

"Go where the love is." This advice came from a stand-up comedy class. I wasn't any good at stand-up, but I am good at going where the love is!

There really is no point to pursuing anyone who doesn't like you or care about what you have to offer. The same is true in photography. Either a person likes me and my work or they don't. I want to spend time with the people who show the love. Photography is A LOT of work and if I don't love and feel loved it's nearly impossible to do a good job. Note to clients... don't undercut your photographers because it will be hard for them to love you and feel valued by you!

And to extend the concept even farther. Photographing weddings is the ultimate "go where the love is" genre!

When a photographer photographs a wedding, they are photographing the love. Documenting it. Holding memories of love in little capsules that can be swallowed at will, whenever a little hit of love is needed.

Getting to photograph a wedding and a couple who are so deeply in love is a privilege. I don't take it lightly.

When I was asked to fly up to Oregon to photograph Victoria and Robyn I was beyond honored that they asked me! They had already eloped because they wanted it to just be about them without worrying about what others thought. So the fact that they were having a wedding reception for their loved ones to celebrate them and support them was a big deal. And the fact that they asked me (a photographer in the burbs of Los Angeles) to come document it was, for me, a huge deal! It meant not only were they ready to invite people to participate in their love for each other but that they trusted me to be the one to document it. It wasn't easy for them to decide to step outside of privacy and allow the people who love and honor them to come and celebrate with them. But I'm so glad they did! I truly believe it's an honor to photograph love, be a part of it, enveloped in its magic!

Victoria and Robyn both grew up in Mormon families. Victoria knew she was gay from an early age, but it took a while to come out and say the words that were clear to the ones who loved her. Robyn is a free spirit open to all love. So when the pair met as Mormon missionaries in Chicago they were inseparable and fell in love. They are a beautiful couple and the world is a better place with them in it together. It rained and rained during the weekend of their reception (an wild experience for a Southern California gal), but as a true testament to their love and lovely personalities, they embraced the challenge rather than wallowed in it! MY only challenge was buying a mini umbrella to keep my gear dry.

I have to add that, as a movie buff, I am enamored with the fact that Robyn looks just like Mary Pickford, star of the first silent films, and the first mega movie star ever. She was the first actress to be called "America's Sweetheart." Robyn is just as much a sweetheart. And just as bold, too. Mary Pickford was also a rebellious flapper in the 1920's and there are so many similarities between the two of them, beautiful, bold, smart... mega stars! When I edited these, I couldn't help but lean into a more vintage look. Hope you love them like I do!

And those were just the photos from the couple's shoot!

Check out the photos from this cool wedding venue!

It's an old brick bread mill that was converted! Victoria and Robyn didn't want any fanfare. No speeches (just a quick word of thanks by Robyn), no cake-cutting, no big band to dance to, just the two of them welcoming the people who love them to share in their love and their charcuterie boards. I left in the photo of Robyn and her mom hugging in the set below because it was a big deal that she came! Otherwise, I left out most of the guests shots. There are just too many!

Surround yourself in love and joy

So, what's the moral of the story? Go where the love is!

I definitely want to do more weddings after this! Many photographers say the weddings are too long and stressful, but for me I was energized by the love and joy the whole day through! I was sad it was over! Now I need to find more love so I can go to it... and take more photos!

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