Romantic Abilene Wedding at Sabrina Cedars
Have you ever had a chance to be a part of someone else’s day, helping from the sidelines? I’m sure you have, most of us have in some form or other. Sometimes being a photographer feels that way, especially when you are documenting a story – a love story, if you will. Someone’s wedding – a day of love and sharing.
I remember saying early on in my photography career that I would never shoot a wedding and believe me, I was adamant. I was told multiple times that I should still consider it, that I had “the eye”. Each time I was told this I would reply, “Oh my God, never ever. That’s too important of a day, too much stress and you can never get those moments back if you lose them.”
I wasn’t wrong by saying that, you know. I just have a different perspective as I’ve spent the last solid year educating myself on weddings and large events. Yes, a wedding is a stressful, wonderful day and that goes well beyond the bride and groom. I could list out every possible vendor you could think of right now and what they do for a wedding and how they are stressed but I can bring you a first-hand experience with photography. This perspective changed for me in 2018.
A good friend of mine asked me to photograph her daughter’s wedding in November 2018. I remember turning down the invitation at least three times. It wasn’t until I spoke with my good friend in CANADA, no less, that I reconsidered. I’m paraphrasing, of course, but her response to turning it down went a little like this, “Angie. What’s the worst that could happen? You have beautiful work, you will do great. I’ll even come down and shoot it with you!” Folks, that’s when it all changed. I realized I wouldn’t have to do it alone and for some reason all along I thought that is how you shot a wedding – I couldn’t have been more wrong.
My friend flew down to Texas last year around this time and with her, I shot my first wedding on November 10, 2018 – to date, some of my favorite images are from that session. But I really need to get back on topic because if I follow the rabbit that is my mind we’ll never get anywhere on this blog.
The reason this all changed is that I delivered a full gallery of beautiful pictures to the bride and groom and she was very happy with them. Of course, there are things I could have done better and definitely a few lessons were learned but I did not know before that day that I would enjoy wedding photography as much as I do now. I enjoy it because once you start investing time and money into learning something new, a lot of wonderful people come with it. I’ve taken a workshop from the one and only Esteban Gil. I’ve second shot for three wonderful photographers. I’ve had the time to figure out what I like to do and what people like to see. It doesn’t happen overnight. With practice and knowledge, your fear undoubtedly fades. I find myself excited and not scared of weddings, I can’t wait to dive into the images as soon as I get home.
In August I was fortunate enough to meet Josh and Emily as I was a second photographer for Lindy Hudman at the beautiful Sabrina Cedars venue. This was the second time I joined her at this venue and it just never disappoints. It’s so open and airy, you never really feel boxed in anywhere.
The early afternoon was spent with Emily and her ladies, getting ready for the day. I was able to bring out the off-camera flash and take a dramatic portrait for her to remember. Just prior to the ceremony we took the guys out for pictures and a fun axe-toss. She wouldn’t ever tell you, but Lindy tossed one, too!
Josh and Emily’s ceremony was the most emotional one I’ve ever been a part of. It was full of music, celebration, and praise. Have you ever had to swipe away tears when you’re running up the stairs with no shoes on to get an amazing shot from the balcony? I have – it’s kind of scary, to be quite honest! They had a packed house full of family and friends to celebrate this beautiful day. They had in-house music that gave you goosebumps and a couple of gorgeous songs of worship before the ceremony began.
After the ceremony, it was on to formal family pictures and a few quiet moments with the bride and groom. Quickly after this was dinner, dancing, toasts, cake cutting, and hours of dancing. Everything you want your perfect day to be comprised of!
Enjoy the gallery as much as I enjoyed making it. We are booking 2020 currently and even into 2021. I’ll leave you with this thought – you put so much thought, effort, and finances into a wedding that you want to remember forever. Our memories fade with time, I think photography is probably the most important thing to reserve when you are choosing vendors. Do your research and choose someone that you enjoy, personality and style-wise. It’s so very important they are knowledgeable in their craft and back their data up because you never know what’s going to happen.
Happy November, Y’all!
