sterlingimageworks I have saved this blog post for the end of the year because it was the wedding of a lifetime. I’m serious. It was my dream to one day shoot a wedding in California and this year it happened. I still can’t believe I was given this opportunity & can never thank Ben and Jamie enough. It was last year on January 1st that I went out to eat with my uncle and his fiancé that I found out it was a possibility that I would get to shoot Jamie and Ben’s big day! Then I began googling Yosemite and fell in love with it!
This September it actually happened! I hopped on a plane to LA and from there rode with my uncle (and soon to be aunt) to Yosemite.
I spent a whole weekend capturing the entire trip, let me say it felt a whole lot more like vacation that actual work, and partially like a dream. We started off with dinner on the first night along with a little relaxing & stargazing. Then day 2 we went hiking to the waterfalls (which I thought I might die but I was determined to make it). We didn’t realize it was quite that much of an elevation increase when we began, then it was too late to turn back. It was so worth the hike! That night we had their rehearsal dinner at the cabin. Then the next morning I woke up and began my day like I do most wedding days, with the bride getting ready! Except this was the earliest I have ever began shooting a wedding – at 6AM! We had to start early for their sunrise wedding.
Next, we headed over to the ceremony location, which was glacier point — from there you can see Tenaya Canyon, Half Dome, Liberty Cap, Little Yosemite Valley and Nevada Fall.
We were lucky because the park ranger told us that the week before the forrest fires caused so much haze and smoke that you couldn’t even see, except a foggy view. We dodged a bullet and had the most spectacular view of the park. One of the most beautiful views that I have ever seen!
After their ceremony we headed back to their brunch reception and after that – we took a much needed nap!
That evening we got the opportunity to hike some more and got to see some wild deer, and they would let you practically pet them. They weren’t afraid of anything!
Needless to say, this was one of my proudest moments as a photographer. It re-lit the fire I have for photography & made be realize how blessed I am to be able to to what I love. Not everyone gets that opportunity and I couldn’t be more thankful. It made me want to grow in my craft. It was more than just shooting a wedding – it was a renewal for me, a revival.
It was one of those moments that wakes you up, in the best way possible. When I look back on this trip – this quote comes to mind:
“Your greatest awakening comes, when you are aware about your infinite nature.”
-Amit Ray
Congrats Jamie and Ben, love you two! Thank you so much for choosing me to capture your big day! & I am thankful to now call you both family!
-Callie
