Your wedding photographs are not just for you

your wedding photographs are not just for you

There is this one picture in my parent’s wedding album that makes me laugh, and taught me something about my grandfather I never knew before. My parent’s wedding photos connected some dots and family threads for me. And this is why I say, “Your wedding photographs are not just for you.”

You see, my grandmother – my Dad’s mom, was recovering from a broken leg when my parents were married. She wasn’t able to get to the park where my parents had their family portraits taken so the only pictures my parents had with my grandparents were taken at the reception. Everyone was smiling as if they had just been laughing. Everyone but my mom that is. She was glaring at my grandfather just with a look of disdain.

I asked my mom about this photograph one time. She recalled that my grandfather had made some joke that he thought was so funny, and she thought was so inappropriate to be sharing at a wedding (and in the company of ladies). Lightbulb! So that’s where my Dad got his sense of humour and poor timing! I always thought my grandfather was a very proper, society man.

My grandfather passed away when I was only five years old so I never had the chance to really know him. Instead, I have learned so much about him from photographs, my parent’s wedding photographs included.

your wedding photos are family heirlooms

The point with my story I hope to illustrate is that your wedding photographs are not just for you. They are for your family too—about capturing those that celebrated with you, both their personalities and the connection you have with them. Your photos will be a wormhole to another time for all the generations that will come after you.

Choosing a photographer who gets this will be worth more than you know!

One day you will be sitting with your son or daughter or niece or nephew, going through your wedding photographs and they will ask you about a certain photo. Your response will teach them something new about their grandfather/grandmother/uncle Bob and about themselves in the process. I think this is one of the things that make wedding photographs priceless.

one more personal story

I also feel it important to share another personal story to press this issue a little further, because I really believe in the holistic value of photography.

My father passed away two years after I was married – he was diagnosed with cancer just two months before my wedding. I cannot tell you how much my wedding photos have meant to my family as we continue to grieve his loss.

My wedding was the last time my brothers, parents and I were all together. I’m so glad we have such incredible photographs that capture our joy and connection. My youngest nephew was born four months after he was born. One day I’ll be able to show him my wedding album and tell him all about his grandpa and his big mushy heart.

Me with my Dad on my wedding day. Photo by the incredible Tara Lilly.

If you have any questions about any of the tips or advice I’ve provided feel free to email me, anytime! Heck, let’s have coffee!