On May 1st my very very dear friend Tanya tied the knot with Barry. Seriously, I’m tearing up just *writing* that!

There’s so much to write about and so much to say… where do I start?

First – I was one of the two Maids of Honour. Being on the other side of the camera for the day was weird (but not quite as weird as *editing* a wedding with me in it), and also made me see things in a much different way. In no particular order, here’s my experience of the day:

• I cry at weddings – heck, I cry when looking at the photos of weddings I’m editing that I didn’t even shoot – but for this one I think tears escaped on at least 5 occasions. I can’t even describe how happy I am for Tanya, and more especially how happy I am that *she’s so very happy*. Looking at her looking at him brought – and still brings – tears to my eyes. I’m such a sap. Being a wedding photographer makes me more of one every day – I never used to cry at weddings, not even my own. Now I can’t help it ;)

• I’ve attended countless weddings, and by far, this one went by the quickest. I was so surprised how fast time went by. Even with a small group of 65 people, there were so many people I never even got to talk to. I’m happy that photos of those people exist so I can see what was happening where I was not.

• I always tell couples how we are very unobtrusive and that the day should always be about them and never about the photography or doing anything for the camera, but even with that I was surprised how very little I noticed or cared about the photography throughout the day. Well, I mean, other than the times that I had to grab a camera because I couldn’t shoot nothing ;) But – most importantly – as a member of the wedding party the photography was the last thing on my mind, and that’s a good thing. The day should never be about the photos.

• Did I mention the happy, and the tears? Yeah. That about sums it up.

Tanya – you have been a dear friend since we moved to Vancouver almost 5 years ago now. You are family. I love you, I am excited for you, and I can’t wait to hear about all of the adventures ahead. I’m still wrapping my head around the fact that when you return from that cruise honeymoon of yours that you’ll be going to your new home in another city… but I’m looking forward to visiting, too!

xoxo!

So many thanks for vendors on this one… to Shari & Reka for being awesome Olives for the day (along with Reilly who shot the photo session and ceremony but got to have fun, too. And – he’s been able to answer the question he’s wanted to know for a while – no, he *cannot* shoot as well after a few (too many) drinks ;). Massive shout out to the ever lovely Tanya at Milestone Events for decor rentals and saving us from the silver silk roses of doom, and Lonsdale event rentals too for last minute linen requirements after another (totally unknown to me) vendor bailed. Yet another confirmation to always, always hire the right folks! And finally, thanks to Accent Cruises for a great time on board.

Cheers!