“We want you to be our photographer” she yelled in my ear…
“Huh??” I said, and gestured with my hand to my ear.
“WE WANT YOU TO BE OUR PHOTOGRAPHER!!!, FOR OUR WEDDING??!!” she yelled over the rhythmic retro mix of the flashdance DJ.
It took me a second to realize what the devil Erin was talking about. I took a look at Stefan who had had his arm around wrapped around Erin. He gave me a side gin and said “you are our guy”.
That was almost 2 years ago… at this thing called WPPI (wedding photographer convention in las vegas). It was the first time I have even gotten hired in the middle of a dance club (probably the only time).
Cut to 11 months later.
Walking off the airplane I could feel the cold Denver air slicing through the gaps between the fuselage and that flimsy accordion thing that they try to seal against the side of the plane. It was invigorating. I know this might sound strange to a lot of people, but there is nothing like that in Orange County. Even on our coldest nights. It was the perfect way to start what ended up being an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. It is always intimidating when another Wedding Photographer asks you to photograph their wedding… but when they tell you they are going to put you on a plane and put you up with their friends and family for 4 days in an absolutely beautiful location, your heart skips a beat. I was greeted with hugs and smiles, some from people I didn’t even know. “Welcomed” feels like an understatement. Even though I was there to do a job, I truly felt like family. I am proud (and slightly embarrassed) to say that it is the first wedding that when asked to dance… with just a little encouragement from the bride, I put my camera down and did. =)
Erin and Stefan where married high in the Rockies on the side of a mountain, over looking Breckenridge Colorado on the deck at The Lodge and Spa at Breckenridge.
To my favorite ColoRADians, I love u guys. Thank you.
