It says in the Scriptures that God made woman so that man would not be alone. He created for her a suitable helper and mate. To be joined together and become one flesh through marriage, by His mercy and grace, never to be separated by man. How powerful. How romantic it is. After all, why do those in love get married? To be with the one they love, right? Why do they stand before peers and family on such a memorable day? They do so to romantically and humbly say, in front of everyone, “that this is the man or woman I want to spend the rest of my life with.” This was God’s plan from the beginning.
As a wedding photographer, it is my absolute joy to document such a day. Why? Because, I believe there is something incredibly special about photographing such a beautiful and powerful occasion. Not only that, but it offers a sense of foreshadow for the Bride (and Groom) to relive those moments through well crafted photographs. And it’s not only just the weddings that offer those once in a lifetime stories. It’s also the stories before that precious Bride walks down the wedding aisle.
Take for instance, this Bride. I call her the “Lady in Waiting.” Her husband is over seas at this very moment fighting for her freedom, and for this country’s as well. It is with great humility that I accept the opportunity to photograph her beautiful day this November, when her courageous soldier returns home. Look below at these photos. Can you feel the power here? Can you feel her story? Look in her eyes and feel her love for him. What a beautiful story she has, as she has waited day after day and now, in November, she will finally be with her beloved.
I especially love this black and white photograph of her, as she shows herself waiting, patiently.
This couple below are actually dear friends of mine. I was able to get to know them quite well, as we went to school together in North Carolina. What I love about their story is the excitement they have for one another. They have waited for so long to finally become one through marriage and due to their recent accomplishments of obtaining a degree, this Spring, this Bride to be will be given away to join her future husband. As I was photographing them on their engagement shoot, they specifically wanted photographs with edge and depth. So, I took them to a remarkable green campus early on a Saturday morning and as the sun was coming up I just kept seeing this photo in my mind. I sat the blanket on the ground, turned to walk to my spot, and when I turned around they were laughing and smiling with the sun behind them. What a moment. This photograph is for them.
By now, you should get the idea that I love stories. I truly love and appreciate photos that reflect the anticipation of saying, “I do” to a Bride/Groom To Be. This gentleman below is by far my favorite groom to have photographed. His story was a testimony of pure patience for his Bride To Be. I was given the opportunity to second shoot for this wedding, and as I was “clicking away” on my camera to grab some photographs of him getting ready, I was blown away with his love for his Bride. There had been some complications with his Bride and Family, and he had vowed to wait patiently until he was able to be with her. If you notice in the photo, there isn’t anyone else around. He had specifically asked to be alone as he prepared his heart for the moments to come. It was indeed my pleasure to be there that day as their story continued to unfold.
Ever since I started photographing couples on their wedding day, I have always been a constant observer of not just the Bride and Groom, but also their families. This last photograph is of a dear friend of mine from North Carolina. Her story is actually one of “behind the scenes.” Her story is her family. There is such a deep and rich history with her family, as well as her husband’s. If I had to describe her family’s story in one word, it would be vintage. Which is why her photo looks the way it does. I applied a personal textured touch to her photograph as it was taken in one of the oldest and most valued pieces of property in Boiling Springs, NC. And just like we all have our own histories of how we began with our own joyful adventures, this Bride started it all for me as a wedding photographer. This photo is dedicated to her family.
My name is Chris Breedlove. I’m wedding photographer and it is my humbled joy to do just that. After all, we were all created to be a part of God’s romantic plan through marriage. That’s the point behind it all. To document such a powerfully beautiful story is the point behind my photography.
Thank you for your time. And a personal thank you to Mr. Rob Towner Jones (Towner Jones Photography, LLC) for allowing me the opportunity to write my thoughts for the entire world to see through his blog. Thank you, kind sir. Blessings.
