Anniversary Weekend Escape

Four Augusts ago Sara and I had a wedding of our own. So what do we do on on only August weekend off? Sara and I headed to Fort Wayne for long time friend Sarah Ferguson’s wedding to Jared Studebaker – as GUESTS! It’s been about 4 years since the last wedding I attended “off duty” from photography work. I’ll admit that I quickly discovered my social ineptitude at receptions when I am present as a guest, always wanting to grab a camera and jump up for a photo idea out of habit, constantly looking around for the bride and groom. We saw newlyweds from the first wedding Sara and I photographed together all the way up to last weekend’s newlyweds, the photographer that gave me my first job in photography, our youth pastors from high school, friends who hosted our wedding in the yard outside their country schoolhouse home, and tons of friends all around.

Since it was our only free August weekend we made a getaway of the road trip and celebrated our 4th anniversary a few weeks early. With the kids at their grandparents’ we hit the road!

Big brother Mikey escorting Sarah down the stairs. It hits me that I’ve known these guys since each was in Kindergarten, and they’re part of the best stories growing up. Holy smokes we all grew up; Sarah’s about to get married.

Mike and Sarah at the end of the aisle. With friends like these guys it was like a big family reunion. I saw my own friends and former classmates since early elementary through high school, long time family friends, the list goes on. Weddings have a lot of emotion and tenderness even when I don’t know half the guests or extended family, Sarah’s big day was chock full of smiles.

The Ferguson family is renown for humor. Her father had passed away unexpectedly just months after her brother John’s wedding. His funeral, to be perfectly honest, was the funniest I have ever been to. Everyone had hilarious stories and memories to share. I know his laughs were missed on Saturday and every day since his passing.

Bradd, our youth pastor growing up, shared the mic with Sarah’s oldest brother John officiating the ceremony. He stopped to dab some tears and lightened the room a little during the ceremony.

Sarah’s son Tustin watching from the back. He was done being a ring bearer.

Sarah’s smile says it all here. She was a radiant bride!

I loved being “off duty” at the wedding. It was standing room only in the packed courthouse, and I planned on sticking to the back anyway. Interesting to see what photographers look like from the guest’s perspective. I saw a spot neither photographer was near and took the previous photo. One of the photographers liked my idea and I took it as a compliment when he shot alongside me. I chuckled to myself and just stepped back when he outright stepped in front of me.

Free tip: When you’re out of the way and a (hired) photographer goes out of the way to step in front of you, look for something they’re looking past.

Request: if I do that, kick my shins. (If I can’t find a good angle and do that I’ve earned it, I’ll thank you later)

The wedding was beautiful and seeing a friend become a newlywed is always a treat. After the ceremony we mingled throughout the ornate historic courthouse rotunda while the newlyweds, bridal party and family had portraits. Feeling a bit out of place and being in a beautiful venue, my wife Sara and I decided to tour the historic Allen County Courthouse and improvise a shoot of our own.

She found a little black dress for the weekend and asked me to take photos so I wasn’t about to pass up the chance! We went to the 3rd floor and had great backdrops of the rotunda and stained glass windows.

We went back after dinner, and heard it was time to cut the cake so I peeked down. I expected to see one of the photographers up there for a great view of the cake cutting none of the guests would have but… instead they both stuck with close ups and let me have the balcony shot. Thanks!

Tustin and the Flower Girl Emma came up to get a taste of the cake as soon as it was cut – I like those kids’ style!

Great weekend getaway full of friends, fun, Fort Wayne, and celebrating 4 years as husband and wife!