Documenting weddings is extremely difficult. At each one I learn a great deal, and when I get home, I’m kicking myself for not doing something that I wish I had. I have to remind myself that the goal cannot be perfection, but simply doing my best to capture as many small moments as possible. I’m looking for the moments that the photographer can’t quite capture the same way and the moments that take place out of sight of the bride and groom. This gives them the opportunity to enjoy the story after they’ve experienced it as the main characters.
On September 1, 2019, friends and family gathered at The Gruene Estate in New Braunfels, TX to celebrate the wedding of Jacob and Stephanie King. It was a clear day for a beautiful outdoor ceremony and reception in a venue that had the perfect Texas vibes.
There are two specific moments that I’m so thankful I was able to capture. Of course the Bride and Groom are the stars of the video, but I always love documenting the friends and family as they experience the biggest day in the lives of people they love dearly. As Stephanie was putting the final touches on her look for the day, the bridesmaids gathered around the door to peak into the room. There’s a moment where one of her friends is overcome with joy for her friend, fighting back tears, captivated by the specialness of the moment she was observing.
The second moment happened between Jacob and his mother. As she was helping him with the last pieces of his attire for the day, she embraced him, speaking into his ear her feelings about him, expressing her gratitude for getting to be his mother, and sharing with him how proud of him she felt. A single tear then rolled down her cheek as she was experiencing this special moment of connection with her boy.
Emotions are always high on a wedding day, which can sometimes lead to some frantic moments, but every single person this day seemed to simply experience the extreme joy of the moment, without any of the usual chaotic moments I get to see. It was an honor to document the marriage of Jacob and Stephanie.
