In late August, I travelled to Mexico for the wedding of some dear friends, Aaron and Paul. They were getting married in the beautiful town of San Miguel de Allende, and my husband and I were to be guests. With celebrations planned over a period of a week, it was a great trip until my husband fell to food poisoning a few days before the actual wedding….
On the day of the wedding, he was still able to attend the service and a short period afterward, but then missed the rest of the celebration. There was no “official” photographer for the event as it had been designed to be a casual affair, so I decided to use my simple cellphone to document the event in my usual wedding style as a way to keep myself occupied as I was suddenly solo in the crowd.
Documenting a wedding on a cellphone proved to be an interesting experience in many ways. There are pluses and minuses to it as I quickly found out. No large camera equipment was definitely a plus. Slow control of focus and other controls was definitely a minus. While low light capability on cellphones is extraordinary these days, it doesn’t solve all problems with moving people. Flash is still pretty useless for creative control. I could go on. But as I used to tell my students, you make do with what you have, so I shot the event with what I had, a Galaxy S20, a two year old cellphone. For the gear heads out there, for the ultra low light shots I chose to hand hold at 1/6 and 1/10 of a second. All of this contributed to the look and feel I ended up with in what you will see. I shot in jpg for space (which I never do) and streamed to OneDrive for security and then did minimal editing in Lightroom to avoid too much destruction and excess artifacts.
Tech stuff out of the way, it was an absolutely beautiful occasion and achieved the casual and laid back feel that Aaron and Paul had wanted. The air was filled with love and friendship and the close group of friends that had assembled clearly enjoyed themselves and being together. The food and drinks were sensational, and the location divine. All told it was a fantastic experience and I was thrilled to be part of such a love filled weekend. Cheers to the happy couple and lots of love for the future!
Author Archives: dnmartin98
Texas and a lot of kissing.
Since moving to Texas my photography business has been in a state of change. I’ve built a new studio, photographed some political events and marches, made images of local politicians, and worked with a stylist and make-up artist on model shoots. The one thing I haven’t done though was restart my wedding photography. The area we moved to has a TON of wedding photographers in and although my style and execution is very different from most others, I hadn’t really felt like wading into the fray.
That changed when a local couple approached me and asked if I would photograph their day. I’ve known Jimmy for a few years now and first met his fiancé Kim as part of this process. We had a great first meeting and decided to proceed. Subsequent meetings were just as much fun and the planning of the day was wonderful. Getting to know people is an important part of my ability to capture their day….
The day was all about family and friends and was small and intimate. With only around 30 guests, the feeling of the day was wonderful and close. Taking place in a pavilion at a local residence, everyone smiled, drank, ate, and shared a true moment of love. The sun was shining, the mood was fantastic, and the Bride and Groom very much in love! There was, as you will see, a lot of kissing….
This was the perfect event for me to get back in the saddle here in Texas. I’m delighted that I got to work with Jimmy and Kim and meet their families. I hope you enjoy this video as much as the people in it enjoyed their day!
A return to Cincinnati for Ashley and Matt’s wedding
It’s been almost a year since I left the Cincinnati area for Texas. When I left the area I obviously said goodbye to a number of my photographic clients that I had been doing work with for a number of years. That also meant losing contact with some people/friends as well. However, the great relationships that you make transcend such moves and when one of those friends ask you to travel back to document their wedding it’s an easy choice!
When Ashley and Matt approached me to be part of their special day I was thrilled to be able to say yes. I’m always available to head back to Cincinnati for weddings for people who are special to me and Ashley and Matt were at the top of that list! I’d been hoping they would call ever since they announced their engagement! The arrangements were made and before I knew it the date was here and I was back in the ‘Nati once more, staying with some friends and ready to go!
The day reflected Ashley and Matt so perfectly; unique, eclectic, full of individuality, and bursting with personality. From the little touches like the badges of Ashley and Matt, to the parade with a trumpet player and sparklers down the high street, you could see that these are two people made for each other. The vows written into copies of their favourite books served to clinch the deal.
Surrounded by their friends the day was full of love, laughter, and happiness. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of it. Much happiness to both of you!
Friends, relationships, and a whole lot of love.
Weddings are all about love, relationships, friendships, and people coming together. Usually, that’s mostly to do with the people I’m photographing, however every once in a while, the universe makes things happen in an unusual way.
Enter the wedding of Lauren and Flynn. I’ve known Lauren since the mid 2000’s when we used to work at Starbucks together. She is an amazing powerhouse of a woman; energetic, direct, principled, ethical, and sincere. She’s also an alum of Northern Kentucky University, as am I. I left Starbucks in 2010, but through the wonders of social media, we have been able to remain connected to each other. This year, she and Flynn, who also works at NKU, were to be married.
Everything was set for their date of April 29th. Then one week before, due to unforeseen medical circumstances, their photographer had to withdraw from the event. Lauren and I met over drinks and I was delighted to be able to help by stepping in. Normally this would be a challenge as my work is based heavily on relationships, but as I already knew Lauren well, I felt that I could capture the heart of what I was sure would be a great day.
The day did not disappoint. Neither did the people! There was so much friendship and love on display and the sense of bonding from Flynn and Lauren’s fraternity and sorority brothers and sisters was incredible. From the getting ready stages of the day, to the ceremony, and on to the fantastic reception and party that lasted well into the evening, this day was about love, special people, family, and being connected to each other. Being able to step in and be part of it was an amazing experience for which I am truly grateful. Here’s a selection of images from the day.
Congratulations, Lauren and Flynn!
Once upon a December morn.
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 3rd, 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 3rd, 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!
Rick and Mark – Tenderness and Laughter
Rick and Mark are a unique couple in so many ways. When you first meet them, their sense of humour can often catch you off guard. Bone dry could be one way of describing Mark’s humour and Rick is often the butt of his jokes. I remember when I first met Mark I wasn’t quite sure when to laugh and when not to, but I quickly learnt that all of the joking between them exists because they love each other so much! That’s a great thing to witness. It’s especially important when planning a marriage.
Rick is very hands on and detail oriented when it comes to the planning of things and I like that approach. From the beautiful pumpkins, peacock feathers, bottles of blowing bubbles, an extra cake for Marks mother, and the signage around the venue, everything was meticulously planned. As we went through our meetings, Mark clearly enjoyed teasing Rick about everything, but cleverly knew that he was also going to be the beneficiary of it all!
The day itself, thanks to Rick and Mark, was a great success. Deftly managed by Katherine, their event planner, everything ran without a hitch. But the most evident thing to me, as the observer with the camera, was the tenderness behind all the planning. All of the things were done for a reason and to demonstrate love. The beautiful pictures of absent family members in the hallway were one example of the inclusivity of the day. The extra care over special menus for guests was another. There were many, many more touches as well.
Tenderness was also clearly visible in their love for each other. I think you’ll notice that in the pictures. Rick resting his head against Mark; Mark holding Rick with clear affection as they danced. These are the special moments of wedding days and this day was full of them. All the humour and laughter revealed a tremendous amount of love and comfort and I was thrilled to be a part of it all. I hope you’ll be able to see some of that warmth and love in this small highlight of their day.
Congratulations, Rick and Mark!
Derek and Nico -Real love and a lot of dancing.
I’ve known Derek and Nico for a few years now. They first approached me to document their wedding in mid-2015 and that gives you an idea as to just how prepared they are! However I wasn’t quite prepared for the level of intensity that came along with working with them on their special day, both in terms of the effort they put into things, and the love that they show for each other.
This is a couple who are meant to be. They hand made almost everything for their wedding and planned everything out meticulously. But not in an obsessive, nightmarish way. It was done as an experience of their togetherness and as part of their commitment to each other. From the decorations, the documentation, the “recovery kit”, the shuttles, the cufflinks, and the gifts – everything was about sharing their love with everyone else.
Nowhere else in their day was their love for each other more evident than when they read their vows. Both of them became so emotional that they had a hard time completing the words. But, just as with all love, they forged on and won the day. After all, there was a party to follow!
This was a party with a lot of dancing. I think just about everyone at this wedding danced for hours and hours. All ages, genders, styles, races, and sexes were on the dance floor. It was non-stop. You can see for yourself in their slideshow that people had a good time. There was certainly a lot of sweat! The evening ended with a “sparkler cheer” to wish them all the best.
I had a blast. So did they and clearly, so did their friends. This is what love is all about and I’m thrilled that I got to share in it. Congratulations, chaps!
Dan and Mark – A classic, sincere, and elegant affair.
Cincinnati is not really a very big place. I’m out and about a fair bit as a photographer and as an active member of the community, I know a fair few people. One of the great joys of my job is when someone I have known for quite a while comes up to me, suggests we work together, and I get to form a new and vibrant friendship with them. That’s the case with Dan and Mark.
I first met Dan and Mark back in 2003 when I moved to Cincinnati. At that time, I was the VP of Fundraising for the Cincinnati Men’s Chorus. I met them when I was organizing the “Brunch Cruise”, an event that took place most years on a riverboat as a fundraiser for the Chorus. Coincidentally that was also when I first met Jeff Thomas, who was also involved in the catering for this wedding! How time flies…. They attended the Brunch Cruise, the cook out at Jeff’s house afterwards, and I have seen them at many events since. It’s had always been nice to see them to say hello, but we had never really had much of an opportunity to do more than chat briefly. That all changed when Mark asked me if I was available to document their wedding.
I went to their beautiful apartment in Cincinnati (which you can see in the images) and I was struck by what charming and straightforward people they were. I felt very comfortable with them and we had great conversation about many things on the way to talking about their upcoming wedding. As a couple, their genuineness and love for each other (and their dog, Maggie!) was very apparent. I was very taken with the sincerity behind the ceremony that they were planning; just a small, intimate affair. It would be quite different from the usual events that we would see each other at!
The day began with just the three of us at their apartment in the getting ready phase. Jeff Thomas’ crew were setting up, and some special friends were also in attendance. We took some time for some delightful family pictures and then an elegant cocktail party took place in their apartment. Escorting their mothers to the ceremony, the nuptials followed a similar pattern of carefully planned sophistication. It was a real joy to be a part of it all.
I’m really glad that I got to discover more of Dan and Mark. It’s been one of the biggest treats of my photography year so far. Thanks for having me be a part of your day, chaps!
Maura and Aaron – Family, rain, and tons of love.
Relationships are what my work is all about. The wedding of Maura and Aaron was another milestone in a wonderful relationship that I have had since meeting the Lambert family four years ago. That was when I photographed their daughter Hannah at her marriage to Ben. Then I photographed their friends Chris and Krista at their wedding. Earlier this year I photographed the wedding of Dave and Jim, close friends of the family and the wedding planners for Hannah and Ben. My connection with this family is a great one and one that I am really proud of.
Maura and Aaron were getting married at Cincinnati Zoo on April 30th. We had begun meeting last October and had been talking about the event for a while. When it came to the actual day, though, none of us were happy about the weather. Rain clouds had rolled in and steady rain accompanied everything from early in the morning. It was to be an outdoor wedding too! But this is not a family who let their spirits get dampened. I joined them at the hair salon, while Lindsay, my other photographer, joined Aaron and the guys at his parents house for beer and pizza. From the moment we started photographing the sense of family, love, and support was in the air and no amount of weather or anything else was going to get in the way of this day being something special!
We went through hair and make up, walked out in the rain to get lunch, and Marcus, Maura’s close friend, monitored the weather closely on his phone right to the end to see if we had to make the call to move the ceremony inside. At 2pm the call was made. We were outside, rain or shine! As you can see, we had a little shower to contend with during the ceremony, but we were mostly lucky with the weather clearing for us. This family has luck, looks, and love in large amounts!
The whole day was just so marvelous. From the giraffe that munched through the ceremony, the owl at the dinner, and Chris dancing, everything was just perfect. I’m so pleased to know this family and their friends. I’m only sad that they don’t have more people to get married! Congratulations, Maura and Aaron!
Jeff and JP – Mexico, France, and new friends.
A lot of the time the people who I get to photograph are people that I know in some capacity. I’ve usually either met them at an event I’ve photographed, or they are friends, etc. In the case of Jeff and JP, though, they were a brand new couple who were recommended to me by another friend of mine. That makes the initial process very different and means that there is a lot more “getting to know you” stuff that goes on to make a successful photographic record.
I first met with Jeff and JP back in October 2015. We hit it off immediately! They were planning a 2016 event for all of their friends to celebrate their 2015 wedding and there were to be guests from all over the US and Europe in attendance. We had a great time at our pre-meetings discussing everything and it wasn’t long before I started to see them around at other events too! Their event took place at the fabulous Bell Event Center in Cincinnati and was an exceptionally well put together and stylish affair. With Mexican and French heritage, Jeff and JP had put together an event with nods to both of their cultures in a delightful way, including traditional dances from both.
You’ll see from the slideshow here that the event was a roaring success. I’ve also come out of this with two fabulous new friends as well which is something really special to me. The love that these two share and radiate is infectious. Take a look at the video and see what I mean! Congratulations, chaps. I’m glad we met!
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