Re: [Leica] Weddings

[Michael Bell <mbell@mail.utexas.edu>]

Since we are talking weddings, I have a recent story.  My cousin got 
married on New Years Eve and I new they didn't have much money so I 
volunteered to take pictures.  My aunt asked if I could videotape 
also, but I told here there is only so much I can do at one time!

I arrived at the rehearsal, which was 2 hours before the wedding, to 
find that most of the wedding party was not there.  I also found out 
my Aunt had not made arrangements for anyone else other than the 
minister.  The minister ended have to deal with music (a MIDI setup) 
in addition to officiating.

I ended up directing traffic.  Since most of the wedding party did 
not show up for the rehearsal, they didn't know what to do.  At 10 
minutes after the start time they were milling about at the back of 
the church.  I eventually realized nothing was going to happen until 
someone did something.  I went to the back of the church and said: 
"OK, first send the kids down (flower girl and ring bearer).  The 
ring bearer is asleep?  Someone carry him down then.  Make sure the 
best man gets the ring at some point."  I back up and snap some 
pictures.

"OK now, one groomsman, one bridesmaid, I don't care who,  stand 
together, you on this side, you on that, go down the aisle, at the 
alter move off to the side far enough so the others can fill in 
beside you."  I back up, snap the picture, then get the next two set 
up and send them down the aisle.

Since the minister and I were juggling so many jobs, things didn't 
always coordinate very well and there was the occasional bit of 
awkward standing around with nothing much happening.

After the service the minister said to me, "I've done weddings that 
went perfectly.  This couple today is still just as married."

Between the service and reception, almost everyone changed from their 
nice clothes to jeans and T-shirts.  The hotel double booked their 
one banquet room, so they put us in two adjoining rooms.  It was a 
tight fit and made taking pictures difficult.

I have no idea how the pictures came out.  I left my cousin the film 
to have developed. Hopefully they will send me some copies at some 
point.


- -- 
Michael Bell
MBell@mail.utexas.edu