I have this bad habit of asking fellow wedding photographers if they remember their very first wedding they ever shot. I NEVER get a good response…..usually they cringe at the the memory of past mistakes made and the thought of all the information they didn’t know or utilize when photographing a wedding for the first time. I guess I keep making the mistake of asking because I actually have really great memories from the first wedding I ever shot. I will be the first to admit that I wish I could go back knowing what I know now and re-shoot the whole thing, mainly because we were in such a great location on the beach and I see now all the amazing portrait possibilities. Most people don’t understand how different wedding photography is from any other form of photography. You have to think on your feet, constantly dealing with changing light, defective equipment, crazy relatives, and making sure not to miss the most important moments. The pressure is unbelievable. So going into your first wedding can be extremely terrifying because you don’t know what to expect.  My first wedding was a little over three years ago for my best friend’s little sister Sydney Butler….now Sydney Kucharyson. I had taken some shots at relatives weddings, but this was the first wedding were I would be the sole photographer, responsible for everything. I was so excited because the Butler family is family to me and I was going to get to share in this very special day in their lives.  I remember spending the entire wedding day running around like a crazy woman making sure I didn’t miss anything, and getting all the details that Sydney had worked so hard on.  The strongest memory I have from that day is walking away feeling like this is what I should be doing. I had the best time sharing in the behind the scenes of a wedding and realizing what a special gift it is to be able to share that with a family. I remember pushing myself technically and creatively which I hadn’t done in a while and it was exhilarating. When I think about all that wedding photography has taught me not only technically but about myself I tear up. I know this is what I want to spend my life doing, sharing these experiences with others and growing creatively in ways I never thought I would . So thank you Butler family for giving me the opportunity to really find and embrace my passion, I am forever grateful!

Here is a sampling of some of my favorites from that day……..

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Filed under: Personal, Weddings, first wedding, Florida wedding, wedding photographer