KRIS & SUE - 24 YEARS IN THE MAKING - CAPTURING A CLASSIC LOVE STORY

After 24 years of waiting for same-sex marriage to be legalized in the USA, this wedding ceremony was not only a celebration of love and spontaneous jubilation but it symbolizes progress, equality, the art of patience and a smashingly good reason for a grandiose party. 2013 an iconic year for this extraordinary couple. What a pleasure it was to photograph history in the making.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Mississippi, Blooming Creations (http://www.bloomingcreationsmn.com)  did a fantastic job of keeping everyone cozy inside the tent amidst 3 degree celsius temperatures 

After years of waiting, anxious moments of contemplation quickly turn into butterflies the size of elephants, and before you knew it, their moment has finally arrived.

Kris wore a stylish outfit by Israeli designer Elie Tahari (http://www.elietahari.com) complimented by Sue's garb coming from House/Black Market (http://whitehouseblackmarket.com) and her glittery silver shoes by Guess - 'sexy without question' (www.guess.com)

Thanks to Tim Brown creations for all the thought and attention to detail, including the special placement of the heirloom lanterns and evergreens in honor of Sue and Kris lost parents

Enjoying their magic moment to the fullest. Hair and make-up thanks to Sandy Bettin from Salon Bella Vita - their hairstylists for the past 25years (http://salon-bellavita.com).  Interestingly in a recent survey done in the United Kingdom, they found that the average woman in the UK keeps her hairstylist for longer than her marriage lasts (11years), so by all account Kris and Sue look like they are a 'cut above' the rest :)

             The romance of raindrops 

              Yes ….finally!

And then the celebrations began--for a split moment as I shadowed the couples dance moves up and down the isle, I thought I was appearing on Ellen TV live.

The family photo session was done amidst bursts of drizzle droplets---but nothing could stop this couples enthusiasm 

The image on the right reminds me of the famous Simon and Garfunkel song - 'Still crazy after all these years' - it also epitomizes my 'passionately playful' style of shooting.

        You are my world

Eagle Trace Golf and Event Center in Clearwater, providing the perfectly lit backdrop with all its vibrant colors (www.eagletracegolf.com)

                                                                The sensuality of silhouettes

Eagle Trace stylish event center, rich in mahogany tones, and table decorations

Matt Imdieke (matt@eagletracegolf.com)

Welcome newlyweds!

Caters 'Russell's on the Lake' did a magical job of blending in their floral arrangements with touches of tropical sweetness (http://www.russellsonthelake.com)

A poignant and touching 'open-mike' session for Kris and Sue

The tradition of 'clinking' of glasses until the bridal couple kiss originated in medieval days when wine was often spiked with poison, and hence a way of the host proving his innocence and ultimately a sign of trust, honesty and a toast to good health (www.westchestermagazine.com/Blogs/The-Wedding-Guru/)

Dashing and creative table and flower designs thanks to Foley Country Floral  (http://foleycountryfloral.com)

DJ Mary and David Marx from North Country doing a delightful job of getting everyone in the party vibe (http://www.northcountrydj.com)

Love this image of Sue dancing with her mom in the top left-hand side--generations apart, partying together.

Sue showing that its time for 'lift-off' 

Everyone getting down to some serious boogie

       Light painting is a photographic technique in which exposures are made by moving a hand-held light source (we used extra long sparklers). This image was inspired by the couples love of spirals---seems like their love is spiraling out of control.

       For the love of light

Cheers from our magical day!

LAURENCE & EINAT - GLOWING IN THE GORGEOUS GREENS OF THE VINEYARD HOTEL & SPA IN NEWLANDS, CAPE TOWN

Laurence and Einat's big day was another cracking Jewish wedding filled with the wealth of tradition and energized entertainment. The Vineyard Hotel and Spa is one of my favorite venues: not only does it boast remarkable beauty in the lush leafy suburb of Newlands but also thanks to wedding planner Robyn van Oudtshoorn who has been weaving her magic at the Vineyard for years and one of the main reasons everything always seems to run so sweetly and smoothly (www.vineyard.co.za)

 Einat looked so perfect, she could have doubled as a Porcelain doll. Wedding gown from designer    Maggie Sottero (Belize) (http://www.sotteroandmidgley.com/collection.aspx) sourced from the UK shop Bridal Attractions (http://www.attractionsbridal.co.uk/) 

 I absolutely adored photographing these novel and playful shoes from 'Irregular Choice' - wedding collection in London (http://www.irregularchoice.com/shop/womens/list/collections-102/)

Thanks to both hair stylist Lisl Boshoff  (http://powderpuffmakeup.co.za/) and make-up artist Amari de Waal (www.makeupbyalmari.weebly.com) for adding all the finishes touches of perfection.

 The wonderful tradition of the Rabbi signing the Ketubah (which is written in Aramaic). This is the marriage certificate and this particular one was one of the most distinguished and stunning one I have ever seen.  

 Close family leading the groom to the private and most emotional part of the ceremony called the Bedeken (unveiling of the bride). As custom would have it, this is done without the bridal veil to make sure it is the correct bride he will marry.

 Great excitement as the groom moves closer towards his first sighting of his bride to be!

 Emotional moments unfolding

The excitement and expectation is literally tangible.

 Tears of joy at first sighting--it really was touching to see both husband & wife shed a simultaneous tear!

 According to custom, once the groom is sure this is his bride, he then draws the veil over her head as they prepare for the ceremony outside.

 Guests basking in the glorious afternoon sun as they eagerly await for ceremony to begin

     Precious moments……a penny for your thoughts Laurence!

 Their beautiful Ketubah (marriage certificate)--striking and stunning as themselves

 There is something so reminiscent about royalty in this image to me

 Love spiraling out of control on wedding day

 All the family from London feasting no views at the Vineyard

            Let the mayhem and party begin

Thanks to  DJ Brent for keeping the dance floor humming (http://www.dreamweddingdjs.co.za/)

 The timelessly classic and exotic flowers & decorations thanks to Jenny  (http://www.jennybflowers.co.za)

 Bridesmaids engulfed by festive fever

 Laurence and Einat on centre stage--that's the beauty of Jewish weddings--everyone get's involved.

                      Cheers to a wonderful couple and a long life together forever

 Table settings were very cleverly displayed on records, making usage of the 'NOW, That's What I call music CD label'