Last summer, on what was probably the hottest afternoon of the year, we had an outdoor wedding to photograph. I had watched the weather and knew what we were in for and planned my day accordingly. I had stocked an extra bag of water bottles and sunscreen. I had taken special care of my gear to ensure it didn't sweat or fog when going outside. I even planned the perfect summer outfit that allowed for breezes and movement while still looking wedding attire appropriate. Little did I know what this hilarious day had in store for me.
When I arrived at the venue and surveyed the ceremony space, I realized that the entire wedding would take place in the blazing sun. Despite the fact that the garden had gazebos and trees, the sun would be at the perfect angle to light up the aisle and the couple through their vows. As the hour grew closer to the bride walking down the aisle, the humidity level rose. Guests arrived in sundresses, short sleeves and wearing hats and sunglasses. Their was a nice covered patio and a bar set up for them as they arrived. I noticed that most just wanted a cold water. When everyone was finally seated, the sun was blazing and their was literal steam coming off of the sidewalk. I waited at the end of the aisle as the bride and her father walked toward me down a narrow covered path and came into the sunlight. This was just the beginning, for her and me.
As she passed into the sunlight, I turned to photograph a groom who was wearing a traditional three piece suit and dripping sweat from his brow. I am positive it was not all nerves because I was doing the same. Guests were already fanning themselves with the program and shifting back and forth in their seats. We would all laugh this off later! I continued to shoot the photographs from the back of the aisle as the couple and their wedding party participated in the ceremony. At one point, I noticed a shady area down the right side of the garden and thought, what a perfect spot for me to be, shaded and closer to the groom. I found the little niche and leaned back against a wall of shrubbery. And then, it stung. I don't mean the heat. Something was stinging me and I felt it crawling down my shirt. I quickly exited the area and at the back of the garden, found a bartender who helped me reach into my shirt to swat away dozens of small flying ants that were stingy me. I started to itch like crazy! She quickly got me wet, cool towels and wiped my back. In the mean time, the ceremony went on. I recovered quickly and was able to get some terrific action shots of the ceremony. We had a good laugh afterward about my quick escape from disaster!
Usually, we take our happy couple for posed moments throughout their venue. This garden center had a beautiful pond and winding trail that were perfect. The couple was placed on a cute bridge and I pushed my way into green area to get a better angle for the photo. Just as I brought the camera up, a squirrel or rodent of some sort ran across my foot. I jumped and found myself falling down. As I tried to catch myself, my shirt ripped open from the bottom of my arm pit to the hem line, exposing it all! (This was not funny) I held it closed with my right elbow and actually finish taking those photos. Leaving the other photographer, I went into the bridal suite and found a box of safety pins. I had to take my shirt off and sew it together all the way up the side with safety pins. I was able to make it back in time for the grand entry to the reception and the cake cutting. I was never so happy to be given the "just go home" as I was this day.
A few week after the wedding, I received a nice thank you review from the couple. I can laugh about it now and I hope they can, too.
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