Elizabeth and Paul

I was lucky to be a second shooter for my favorite photographer Regina Holder at the wedding of Elizabeth and Paul, who were married September 22 at The Yellow House, a gorgeous bed and breakfast in Waynesville, NC. Regina sent me to photograph Paul, his brother Chris and close friend and neighbor Todd as they got ready for the wedding. Let me say there's just nothing like walking into a room full of guys you've never met before and photographing them as they're getting dressed. I did ask that they tell me to step outside whenever pants had to come off and thankfully, they obliged. Shooting the guys is not something I do all that often because I usually have Frank with me to take care of recording that part of the wedding day. I was definitely out of my comfort zone, but sometimes that's just where you need to be as a photographer. I guess the highlight of the day for me came when I climbed up on a low garden table to get a better angle on Paul, who happens to be quite tall even when sitting, and went right through the table. Like a cat, I landed on my feet, saving my camera and what little was left of my dignity.

It was an absolutely beautiful wedding. Since Elizabeth is Greek, the ceremony incorporated many elements of a traditional Greek wedding. Elizabeth and Paul were "crowned" with matching white circlets connected by a ribbon to symbolize their unity as husband and wife. Paul placed Elizabeth's ring on her right hand in the European tradition. I hadn't realized that the US is in the minority when it comes to what finger we wear our wedding rings on.

I grabbed this shot of Elizabeth and Paul at the conclusion of their first dance. I really love the joy and excitement on their faces. Click here to see more images from the wedding.