As a wedding photographer, there's nothing quite like freezing the real moments that make a couple's day truly unforgettable. This image was captured at a wedding in the stunning Garden Pavilion at Ritz Charles. The bride and groom are seated at their head table amidst a sea of elegant florals and crystal glasses. They are completely absorbed in the heartfelt speeches from their maids of honor and best men. The greenery outside the pavilion's windows frames them perfectly, with natural light spilling in, highlighting their genuine smiles.
I remember this moment vividly because it embodies why I prioritize candid photography over posed perfection. Weddings aren't just about the grand entrances or the first kiss, they're built on these intimate interludes. Capturing real moments like this, the laughter bubbling up during a funny anecdote, the tender glance exchanged between the couple, allows me to tell your story authentically. At the Garden Pavilion, with its airy, garden-inspired ambiance and those floor-to-ceiling windows letting in the Indiana sunshine (or in this case, a gentle overcast glow), the setting amplified the warmth of the day. It's a venue that feels both grand and intimate, perfect for toasts that tug at the heartstrings.
In my experience, speeches can be goldmines for emotion. The maids of honor shared childhood secrets that had everyone in stitches, while the best men recounted adventures that showcased the bonds of friendship. The couple wasn't posing, they were living the moment, toasting with champagne, surrounded by flowers in soft whites and greens that matched the table's intricate, patterned cloth. My goal is always to blend into the background, using my lens to preserve these instances without intrusion. Why? Because years from now, when you flip through your album, it's these real moments that will transport you back to your wedding day, not the staged shots, but the ones where the love love shows in the moment, unfiltered.
This philosophy drives every wedding I shoot. Whether it's a quiet glance during vows or the eruption of cheers post-speech, capturing authenticity ensures your photos aren't just pretty pictures, they're time capsules of feeling. At Ritz Charles' Garden Pavilion, with its classic charm and versatile spaces, moments like this unfold naturally, and I'm there to catch them all. If you're planning your big day and want a photographer who values the genuine over the glossy, let's chat! I'll make sure your story is told with heart and authenticity.
Captured with the Nikon Z9 and a Sigma 70-200mm lens at 200mm in natural light.
ISO 3200, f5.6, 1/20
Edited to look like film,
Location: 12156 N Meridian St, Carmel, IN 46032.