I could never do these two justice by writing a few paragraphs. Knowing Sydney since she was in high school, discussing life and photography with Aaron for 5 1/2 years… there’s too much ground to cover. I have so must respect and love for these two, the way they live their lives, and the creativity they bring into the world. I wanted to show their story as simply as possible, no color, no extra words or hashtags. Just an old fashioned love story. Here’s to a hundred more anniversaries.
I have way too many words for this little family. Meeting through mutual client-friends, it’s been years of portraits, baby bumps, newborns, family sessions, just-because-just-for-mom-sessions, and now the engagement into the wedding. Rain is our theme, apparently. Rain and love.
I’ve gotten to know them both pretty well over the years, and their daughter is every bit as amazing as they are. Having been enthusiastically welcomed into their home (by the dog), and into their lives (by the humans), it has me thinking… This job can be such an honor. I don’t know how long I will get to do this for a living, but I’m going to make the most of it, for as long as possible. Documenting life for people is fulfilling in a way I never could have imagined when I started playing with a camera for the first time.
Sally Mann first inspired me to photograph people in an art-meets-documentary sort of way. Informed by art, for sure, but less about art, and more about humanity. She also said, “I wish I could be a better writer, but writing is so difficult. I get seduced by visual aesthetics. Because I just like making beautiful pictures, sometimes I wander away from making a clear statement.” I’ll leave this post right there.
Occasionally I would have a senior who talked more about me photographing their wedding day than the session we were currently shooting. I photograph weddings, seniors look at wedding photography, it makes sense. Often it doesn’t happen that way, though. Life moves on, people move states, they meet new photographers and create a bond with them. No harm, no foul. However, when I get the chance to watch these senior girls turn into dynamic women, and be involved in their lives… it’s an immense honor. I count it a double honor-blessing-joy to be present for their wedding, which has apparently been in the works since they were 16. 🙂 From the Bieber poses (mixtape dropping soon) to the laughter during the engagement session, I felt a sense of relief at what an amazing man Eryn chose to be her partner in life. They both chose well.
Having photographed two of the sisters’ weddings now, I feel like I have a good grasp of how special the family is, and how lucky Eryn and Michael are to have each other. I see so much on their faces every time they look at each other. What a joyful couple. What an emotional day. From senior, to engaged, to bride… Eryn’s wedding couldn’t be any more special to me.
.
.
A thousand thanks to my friend Daron for shooting with me, and thanks to Leftbank Annex for taking good care of us.
Go do something kind for someone who doesn't expect it.