As I walked through the maze-like rooms of Phipp’s Conservatory this past Sunday I was struck by how incredibly green everything was in the middle of winter. The sun illuminated the perfectly manicured plants through the large greenhouse windows, the air was thick with humidity, and the sound of birds chirping echoed throughout. It was 70 degrees, overcast, and the flowers were in full bloom, making it a perfect day for a summer wedding…or at least a staged shoot in the middle of January.
A stylized wedding shoot was a new experience for me, but proved to be exceptional fun as well as a great new challenge. Mostly because Rhonda and Bill are a seriously great couple. Their actual wedding date was in the fall, which can be seen in the just-married look they have in their eyes and the way they interacted with one another. Going back to Phipps where they originally got married and stylizing a shoot for them was awesome because they didn’t have to worry about how guests were faring at cocktail hour or whether a crazy family member decided to sing karaoke during dinner. They were both laughing and smiling the entire time. Bill helped Rhonda sweep away any stray hairs out of her eyes, and in return Rhonda informed Bill of when he was making a silly face. I loved that they were willing to try any direction I threw their way, even if it meant Bill had to pick Rhonda up, wedding dress and all, and twirl her around the main corridor as plant enthusiasts stopped what they were doing to stare. And you couldn’t blame them: Rhonda looked stunning, Bill was an absolute gentleman, and there’s only so many orchids you can look at in one day.
I had a blast with Rhonda and Bill this past weekend and, luckily for me, this won’t be the last I see of them. I am thrilled to say I am shooting Rhonda’s sister, Valerie’s, wedding this August and I could not be more excited about it. The sisters will switch roles, and dresses, and I will be there every step of the way. Judging by Rhonda’s shoot and my experiences with their family thus far, Valerie’s wedding will be full of fun, love, and genuine happiness. Thanks for a great shoot, Rhonda and Bill! I’ll see you soon.
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