I was back at the magnificent Aurora Inn with Patricia and Alan for their wedding, and the weather could not have been better. It was a glorious day at one of the most beautiful venues on Cayuga Lake. Patricia, Alan, and I hooked up early to do some shooting together, and then we rolled through a ton of group shots, and into a wonderful ceremony. Afterwards a bagpipe player, and the whole congregation escorted them back to the Inn. I have photographed many weddings with out a second shooter, and usually it is not a problem. However, I have to say that when there is this much to do, and such a tight schedule to follow, it takes everything I have to concentrate, and stay extremely focused. It really is a challenge, and takes a lot of energy, but is also very rewarding to come through it accomplishing everything you set out to do.
Lauren Tillapaugh and her tremendous staff did another first class job, making sure everyone was well taken care of. Thank you so much Lauren and everyone for looking out for me, and thanks Chef Greg for the awesome meal! The food at the Inn is always tremendous, and well worth the trip for anyone in the area looking for a great place to eat.
Patricia was a gorgeous bride, Alan has unreal light blue eyes, and the sunset was incredible. What more can a photographer ask for? Well a couple of cute little children decked out in some great outfits would be nice. Don’t worry, they were there too, and they were very cute. One little girl had the most incredible eyes. Another time I was focused in on one of the boys when Patricia (not knowing I was there, and just being her awesome self) bent down and leaned into him to give him a kiss. I took three images that luck played a big roll in. I say luck, because I wouldn’t have the photos if I wasn't already focused on him. Moments like these are a fraction of a second long, happen so quick out of nowhere, and don’t get replayed. Yes, there is luck involved but there is also a sense (from shooting people for so many years) that puts me in the right place at the right time. It is a terrific feeling for me, and brings back the excitement of when I first discovered the magic of photography. In other words, yes it makes my day! Please don’t get me wrong; there is a lot of excitement in creating beautiful, artsy, planned out images too. That is one of the things I love best about being a photographer. But to capture moments like this is priceless. It is usually when you will see me showing the back of my camera to a guest standing next to me, because it is something that has to be shared. People are always floored when they see it too, which adds even more excitement.
Thank you Patricia, Alan, your friends, families, Lauren, and the awesome staff at the Aurora Inn for such a wonderful day. I wish you many blessings on your new journey together. As always, please click on an image to see it larger, and click here for their slideshow.
