I have known Jim for a very long time. Anyone who knows how old I am will agree it is a “very long time” but we’re not here to talk about me and my age despite the fact I look really good for my age. Jim’s wife passed away after a lengthy illness. Similarly, Maryann’s husband also passed away after a lengthy illness. The couple found each others company enjoyable, began dating and decided their relationship was important enough they would get married.
Two months ago I received a phone call from Jim asking if I was “doing anything on December 26, 2009?” Other than spending time with my family my response was “No.” I asked him what he had in mind and he informed me he was getting married again and wished I would complete the wedding photography. As a wedding photographer I absolutely jumped at the chance. We discussed the couple’s plans. The couple quickly agreed they had no desire to have any photos from the ceremony. The reception would be held at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens located on transit Road in Depew, NY. The only people in attendance with the couple to celebrate their day were their four adult children. The couple also said they wanted “nothing fancy.”
I have only been in Salvatore’s on one occasion and I didn’t venture much past the lobby. WOW! is all I can say. If I could not use some of the millions of decorations as backdrops then I just wasn’t doing the couple or the restaurant justice. We were able to convince the management to open up an area that was locked and scheduled for a wedding party on another night. It was great, we had the entire room to ourselves. Beautifully lit Christmas trees, decorations and the marvelous wrought iron gates.
The only people in attendance other than the couple were their four adult children. Mary Ann’s son Michael and Jim’s children; Douglas, Kathy and Gregory. The bride and groom asked that I begin with family portraits so each family member would have photos for their family. Dinner was what it was or at least what I have heard it is at Salvatores. AWESOME! Photos during dinner and then at the Italian Gardens hotel down the street on the Williamsville, NY portion of Transit Road.
Normally I have very little difficulty getting someone in the bridal party to smile. This evening was different and it was the bride and groom who experienced difficulty smiling. Tonight we abandonded my normal approach of candid photography and we used all “staged” portraits. These turned out nice and seemed to be a better fit for the couple and their personality.
Thanks for reading and please scroll down and leave me a comment.
Christopher
