It’s been 4 years since Benj and Maddie were married. I can’t even begin to explain how much I love these guys, and how much Benj’s friendship has meant to me. In 2008, we were simply Flickr friends, and beyond a mutual admiration for each others work, we really had no points of connection. Little did I know that this would end up being one of my favorite weddings, and a couple of my favorite people, not to mention the wedding photographer I would choose if I were getting married today. The things I remember most from the wedding are all great stories on their own, but together they build a broader narrative of love and commitment. This is in large part what a wedding photographer does. We tell a story that could never contain everything you need to know about the couple, their families, and their friends… but it’s a snapshot. It’s a teaser or a trail of breadcrumbs for other people, in order to get the conversation started. For the people directly involved, it is a reminder that life “can be whatever you want it to be.” It is a window that shows both the past and causes you to wonder about and plan the future. That’s the story we try to tell. I have no idea what Benj and Maddie’s story will look like in 5, 10 or 15 years. All I know, as I approach my own 15th anniversary, is that they have both chosen wonderful companions for the adventure.
Some of my favorite moments:
- Maddie’s starbucks cup save the date idea
- The very detailed card Maddie made Benj, explaining how he would now replace the teddy bear as her long time sleeping companion
- Benj official relieving the teddy of his duties 😉
- The pearl ring which is a new family heirloom
- High school girls love them some romance. The looks on their faces as the newly married couple kisses outside the sanctuary kills me every time
- The Canon cake
- The party-foul… drink spilled on the best man’s sleeve. Who’s the blame, the best man or the planner? 🙂
- Um, fireworks.
I sat at dinner with Benj and Maddie last weekend (we have a shared affection/obsession for Indochine) and talked a bit about their anniversary, and possible plans for their future and couldn’t help but smile at all they have to look forward to. It’s also Benj’s birthday, so go give him some love on his facebook page. Shooting and editing styles change, but I will never stop loving this wedding. High five to my Washington homies, here’s to 64 more anniversaries.
