Friday, August 17, 2007

Greg and Lauren






Last Saturday Greg and Lauren were married over the 18th Hole at the incredibly beautiful Snoqualmie Ridge Golf Club. I don't recall ever photographing a wedding where the Bride and Groom were so focused on photography. It was a lot of fun spending the day with them driving around Seattle creating beautiful portraits before the ceremony took place. We started at in the morning at their family breakfast, moved on to hair and makeup. From there we all headed to Seattles prettiest view at Kerry Park on Queen Ann Hill for a round of portraits with bridesmaids, groomsman and parents. After that we were off to the University of Washington for more portraits. We went to several locations on the campus as there are many beautiful areas to photograph there. At one point we snuck into the library where one of the most beautiful staircases is hidden in gorgeous light. I was able to snap off a few photo's of Lauren before security came and told me no wedding photography was allowed. I came up with a lame story about not being a wedding photographer but the three cameras around my neck at the time gave me away I think. We snapped a couple more shots and tried to discreetly leave. Discretion wasn't in the cards for me that day however as I accidentally dropped the metal ladder I was carrying on the marble stairs...CLANG, CRASH, BANG!@! All the way down the stairs. I can only imagine the shade of red that must have been on my face. Oh well, it was worth it. The shots I did manage to grab are gorgeous!


After UW we hopped in the bus and headed out to Snoqualmie Ridge. We spent another hour or two shooting formals and the ceremony began at 6:00. The light was a photographers dream! Absolutely perfect. It was a beautiful ceremony. Uncle Butch performed the service informing everyone that he wasn't an ordained minister but assuring everyone it was a legal ceremony. I would imagine it was as there were around 20 lawyers in there including the groom :) One of the greatest moments of any wedding I've attended happened during the kiss. They moved in to lock lips and anyone who has spent any time with Greg and Lauren would know that they are madly and passionately in love with each other. One kiss wasn't enough and they moved in for another. Uncle Butch was miked and let out an exclamation similar to "Oh My" that was absolutely priceless! I get a kick out of it every time I think of it.


The reception was spectacular as well. They had a 5 tier cake and an additional cake in the shape of their dog! It was very lifelike though I don't know how he tasted. The DJ turned the lights completely out on the dance floor which at first I thought was going to present a challenge for me. Instead I opted to experiment with lighting effects and ended up very happy with the results. I had my assistant Joshua hold onto a light pole with my flash on it. When he saw me pointing my camera towards someone he would hold the flash over or beside them giving some very interesting lighting effects. Cool shadows gave a look of real intensity that I am excited to have captured. Here are a few pics as a sneak preview. I'll post a link to the slideshow when they are all completed.


Have a great day!


Mat

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Mat, it was so interesting to read your perspective on the wedding and the photography. The pictures look fantastic so far and we are so excited to see the final results. Thank you for your professionalism, it was a pleasure to work with you. Kathy Engel, mother of the bride