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Here’s some of my favorites from the day. Thanks again, to Rhea and Iggy for allowing me to share in their incredible day. Heart you both!!

Okay so Rhea *really* wanted a shot with some bikers. So… we stood in the street, risking life and limb, and waved down this really cool couple who were more than happy to take a shot with us. They were so much fun!

And this shot was taken by Benny Ventura, who helped me out with assisting and running the photo booth for the guests. I thought this image reflected the love and good times we all had. (Thanks Benny for everything. You’re awesome!)

Click here to view their wedding slideshow!

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What I want to share is, though, is that when I stopped worrying about all the technical stuff, and instead took a minute to stop and care about them. I then decided to ask one of the family members if everything was okay. My heart broke when they went into detail about how this was a second marriage for both the bride and groom, and that some of the kids weren’t completely happy with the idea of this new union. Loyalties to one parent, resentment toward new step parents. Talk about an awakening: It was not about me AT ALL. My compassion for the depth of what everyone was experiencing really hit me. And at that moment, everything changed for me. The story was so much more than just the joining of these two people, but the joining of these two families!

But here’s the part that really choked me up. Later on in the day, during the reception, I was doing my thing and noticed that the bride and her new step-son were talking… and playing… and laughing, alot. I flashed back to just a few hours before when the bride was crying during her portraits and the son refused to be around her. And yet, here they were now, talking about the fun they would have on the honeymoon, which included all the kids, and hugging. I saw the love in both their eyes. The family was joining, and the love was winning over the anger. And witnessing that even made me take a moment away from the reception to wipe my eyes (after taking the picture of them first, of course).

Anyway, I know I’m a sap, so don’t hate. I’ll be honest, something always touches my heart at every wedding. But this one particularly reached me on a deeper level. It was a huge learning experience for me. One that was also a huge reminder about what I’m doing as a photographer is capturing the love, not the “perfect” image. And really remembering to see the day “from the heart” and not just my head.

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As scheduled, we met at the capitol building in downtown Austin. As they approached, I could see a big sign in their hands. I laughed to myself as they approached and saw that the their sign said LOVE. They laughed as they tell me “Well, we couldn’t come to the capitol and not have some kind of sign!” Inside my heart melts a little as I’m filled with admiration for their relationship with each other. Love. Yep, that’s a perfect statement for them.

I told them that what I really wanted to capture was the romance and passion they share and explained how I would prefer to be a fly on the wall as they flirted and played together. As always, my goal was for us all to have fun and let their personality shine while me and my camera just follow the energy of the moment. In the two hours we were there, I felt so lucky to have been given the trust of this amazing couple as they openly shared their love with each other as I snapped away.

Thank you so much Shannon and Justin! I love you both! :)

xoxo
Rita

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Marcus and D’Ann specifically asked close friend and Deadline Live radio show host, Jack Blood, to help lead their “anti-wedding” celebration. The two, who are very active politically, decided to do things in the way of the old world, where man and wife profess their love in front of family and friends, in the comfort of home, and didn’t require permission from any governments.

The entire event was an expression of their beliefs and vision. From the black wedding dress purchased at Hips and Curves, to the black wedding cake, and even wedding rings that fit perfectly on, yep you guessed it, their middle fingers.

Everyone could feel the excitement in the air and I felt honored to be asked to capture such a unique experience for the two of them. Marcus and D’Ann were friends since high-school who had each gone their own way, and then found each other again on, of all places, facebook. In time, friendship grew to love. And it’s obvious they really are the best of friends, filled with mutual respect and admiration.

I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard while doing a photo gig and I’m forever changed by being around these two incredibly fun-loving, heartfelt, and passionate people. And I can’t even express how grateful I am to you both for trusting me to be your photographer on such an incredible day for you. I’m happy to call you my friends and wish you all the love this life has to offer.

xoxo!
Rita Q

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