One of the great things about being a photographer is that interesting opportunities often pop up out of the blue.  One such opportunity was the wedding of Dustin and Mike that happened on the morning of December 3^rd, 2016.

Those of you who have followed my blog for a while know that I typically start meeting with the people I photograph about a year in advance.  With Dustin and Mike, I met them for the first time on the day of their wedding.  The reason for this was not a lack of planning, but more to do with spontaneity, romance, and chance.  Dustin emailed me 5 days before their wedding asking if I was free on the third of December.  Apart from photographing the Cincinnati Men’s Chorus in the evening, my calendar was clear.  They had decided to move the date of their wedding up from March of 2017 to December 3^rd, 2016.  Several factors had played into this; the recent election and the fact that they had some cherished friends coming into town on that weekend that they wanted to be able to be part of the ceremony.  I said “yes” and Dustin promised to email me the location and details in a few days’ time.

A few days later, as promised, I received an email telling me that the wedding would be held in Washington Park, Cincinnati at 11:15am.  There would be five guests attending and the ceremony would last about 15 minutes.  The officiant was to be Julie Niesen Gosdin, a friend of mine whom I have worked with before in a number of capacities.  There was no time for a pre-meet, and explanation of my work, or anything; just a “yes, I’ll be there” response.  The plan was for them to marry in the bandstand.

I arrived at around 11am to make some early images of the park.  It was a cold, winter morning, but the day was delightfully crisp and invigorating.  I began making images and then became a little concerned when the park managers showed up with a throne and lots of boxes to turn the bandstand into “Santa’s Grotto” for a Santa meet and greet.  Bandstand idea, scratched.

Dustin and Mike arrived at 11:15am, and after telling them about Santa’s Grotto, we decided on a beautiful square with Music Hall in the distance.  After a quick pause to do a KSU (Kansas State University) pose for the alumni magazine, we got down to the business of marriage.  The whole event was just a magical expression of love, romance, and closeness.  Close friends, heartfelt and sincere words at the ceremony, followed by expressions of love and applause from the guests, including rousing cheers from people strolling through park as Dustin and Mark kissed, warmed the heart on this chilly, but beautiful, December morning.  We ended the morning with a simple portrait session before the happy group departed for Nada for their wedding meal.

I was delighted to be part of this experience.  Great things come as surprises.  Thanks, chaps, for including me in your special day!