Chicago Blackstone Hotel wedding: Wendy & PJ

When I walked into the bride's suite, there was a lot of energy as the final push to get Wendy ready for the meet-up with her fiancee, PJ.  I had to step back and take a deep breathe so I could scan the room and assess each and every hurdle in front of me.  The room was spacious, but Wendy was at the farthest reaches of the room, in a corner, with multiple hair and make-up artists standing in the way, annoying portable lighting and heating lamps placed nearby, a massive dining table cluttered with paraphernalia and bridesmaids rotating about to catch a glimpse of Wendy's progress. 

I recall my blood pressure rising while trying to quickly decipher my plan of attack.  I dug deep into my newspaper days as a photojournalist and started thinking about how I can make clean, compelling images in such tight quarters while not disturbing the flow of events for all the other vendors involved.  I mean, I couldn't really ask everyone to move to the great-room, near a window, and have everyone step away.  I slapped on a lens, and quickly realized I made a poor decision.

I slapped on another lens which brought me a lot closer to where I could make better pictures.  However.  Squatting and kneeling was too high.  I needed tog et lower.  So I spent a majority of the preparation imagery somewhat lying down, and somewhat sitting up.  Think half sit up, engaged core, not breathing and a little bit of a painful burn.

Because Wendy was running a "little" behind schedule (what bride isn't), I had to capture a few of the final details in a documentary method.  The necklace shot was quietly taken while her family and bride's maids tugged at the buttons on the back of her dress, and the shot of the back of her dress was taken while the artists put the finishing touches on her makeup prior to walking out the door.

Instances like these continue to confirm the power of my background as a newspaper journalist.  I am armed with 12 years of newspaper work, and nearly 10 years of wedding photography.  The information/insurance bank of experience to draw on when new challenges are tossed at me on the fly are extensive.

In last week's posting of my new promo video, I mention that I am looking for a connection between two people.  That connection I spoke about does not mean a kiss, and it definitely is not confined to just my client (bride and groom).  A good photograph is built on an emotional message.

What am I talking about? The diptych of Wendy & PJ after their ceremony, upstairs grabbing a quiet moment together before proceeding to the reception speaks volumes about "that connection."  Sure the previous diptych of PJ laughing at the ceremony refers to that connection as well. But it is a pretty simple photo, and somewhat literal.  Subtle is much more powerful.  I am speaking more about the body language. The intimate, soft smile, the gesture of her hands, the tilting of her head and the placement of her hand on her chin while listening to PJ.  These are indicators of the connection and love in their relationship and completed without slapping the viewer in the face with a "kiss" photo to signify what love "is."  The kiss photo is rarely the winning image.   

Skip down to the 2nd to last image.  I specifically remember these two dancing all night.  The gentleman could not stop smiling and kept closing his eyes when he would embrace his wife.  Sure, some people are not as gregarious as others.  But it is refreshing to find people who can display their emotions for all us to witness.  And mostly, for me to document.  For my client.  Since, that is why they hired me in the first place.

And it is my job to be keenly aware of each and every person's personality attending these events to grab those moments.

Wendy Zelkowitz & PJ Marci

August 14, 2010
Ceremony: Blackstone Hotel
Reception: Blackstone Hotel

Ceremony: Blackstone Hotel
Reception: Blackstone Hotel
Caterer: Blackstone Hotel
Wedding cake: Take the Cake
Band: Final Say
Florist: Kehoe Designs
Lighting/decor: Kehoe Designs
Makeup artist: Ana Oveido
Officiant: Morton Efron
Invitations: Encore Studios
Programs: Paper Affair
Wedding consultant: Suzy Silverman
Host hotel: Blackstone Hotel
Wedding dress: Lazaro
Wedding rings: Lester Lampert
Bride's shoes: Vera Wang

Second shooter: Chadd Foy