So there’s another story behind this one.
Last year was HECTIC for us. Too much. I shot just under 20 weddings and could hardly handle it. I know there are photographers who shoot 50+ weddings a year – but I just can’t do that and still enjoy life or be a good husband. So this year I decided to take it much easier. I chose to have my last wedding be Michelle and Kevin’s Shangri-la Fijian wedding in Fiji. That was in June.
The next thing on the agenda is the Raddest Photo Trip Ever which I’m taking 12 photographers on the trip of a lifetime to Thailand and Cambodia. That’s in December.
Well I started to get a little bored. Not too bored. I just sort of getting the itch to shoot a wedding or two this last month. I got an email from Emily Smiley a couple weeks ago saying one of her brides wanted me to shoot her wedding. I’ve wanted to work with Emily for a while now – and I’ve not shot a wedding at the Hotel Del – so I said “sure thing!“
Glad I did.
Yulia and Barry probably had my favorite ceremony of all time. Yulia and her entire family are from Russia. I’ve been intrigued with Russia for ages now – so I loved that I’d be surrounded by Russians :) To add to that, there was a wonderful, traditional Jewish ceremony. I can’t express how much I love the tradition there. If I had to shoot one type of wedding for the rest of my life, it’d be a Jewish ceremony comprised of Americans and Russians. Hands down.
Anyways, on to the photos… But first, a HUGE thanks to Dylan Mayer for second shooting with us!
The insanely talented Karen Tran did such an incredible job on all the flowers…
At this point, the Rabbi would say a certain blessing, and they each circled the other three times.
Her turn.
His turn.
They then did a short dance. I just LOVE all these traditions.
Beautiful.
I love this one. Mom and Aunt checking out the ring immediately after the ceremony :)
Something about this one sticks out for me.
Emily Smiley seriously takes care of business. Want proof? Here ya’ go…
Practicing the first dance before the guests enter.
The real first dance.
Dancing with dad.
If time permits, I like to get my favorite 25-50 images from the day, loop them on my slideshow, and let everyone have a peak as the night goes on. I love when I get to see the bride’s reaction :)
Here’s Emily giving the bride and groom some advice on cake cutting :)
My favorite image from the night. The Bride’s father (Russian) speaking with the Groom’s mother (American) through a relative of the Groom’s. As this was happening, the Groom’s mom said “your daughter loves you so much…” His reaction to the translation was simply to kiss her hand.
And what’s a wedding without partying down?!
All in all, this was such a great day. Feel free to leave a comment on what you think of the photos!
Bobby
by Bobby Earle
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