Natalie & Levi
Throwback to my first-ever wedding. This was a small family-only wedding in 2020. The bride and groom decided that with the continuation of the pandemic, there was no guarantee of when a wedding could be planned and executed, and decided to move forward with only those closest and most important to them. This outdoor ceremony happened in the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. While August is typically hot the summer sun was putting in work this day.
I will always be grateful to be chosen by this couple for trusting me. I remember watching YouTube videos and reading blogs all night the night before because I was so nervous. I just held down the shutter for their first kiss so worried that I would miss arguably the most important moment of a ceremony. That nervousness never really left me. I now have equal excitement to be involved in moments like these and having the chance to capture fleeting moments with loved ones that will outlast all of us.
I’ve learned so much since this day and I don’t think it will ever truly fade from my memory. I remember sharing the photos with the couple knowing that they were just happy to have someone capture their big day especially on such short notice but being so scared that I missed the mark or that I failed. I edited the gallery and sent them over and I remember the flood of relief when the couple shared their favorite images from the day. If they shared them I did okay. The imposter syndrome was real (it still is) but it gave me my first step. My first try and my first taste of what I truly love photographing. Real moments of real people and the love they share with their community.