Alan Dickson Photography

Posted in WEDDING STORIES by Alan Dickson on 7/7/2010 1:28:14 PM

Well what can I say about Sarah & Eli's wedding?  July 3rd - one of the hottest Saturdays so far. Both are from rural Thunder Bay, both well educated, both Country kids at heart. The ceremony & reception were at the Nor'Wester Hotel and both planned a great location for their after ceremony photos. Seeing that they live in Victoria B.C., we didn't get a chance to do their engagement photos in which I learn a bit more of what they like. But have no fear - Eli knew exactly what was in store! They both knew where we were to go for the photos and Sarah had some ideas of her own. The day had spontaneous moments where we would just pull off the road, jump out and shoot a bunch of images.









Let me tell you what happened after the ceremony: The couple had rented a full-sized school bus to haul the family, wedding party and me to the the desired locations. While we arrived at Eli's parents house in the Highway 130 area, Eli was directing the bus driver to go around the barn to pull up against the house.  As the bus rounded the corner I saw an old truck in the distance - bingo! There is my first shot and as we kept moving, I saw an huge open field, and that gave me ideas for my second shot. 2 unexpected shots waiting to happen and more to go! The excitement was building!











We first took some family photos, then off to the open field and then the truck. I am always keeping my eyes open for opportunities that would make a great shot. Eli had our next location down as we pulled into a yard with a nice country house, some rustic out buildings and a barn that they decided on. We talked to the owner briefly and told him what we were hoping to do, he suggested don't go to far around the corner of the barn - a bee hive was in full force, so caution to all of us. We got to work creating images that are one of a kind for this couple. We were all thankful for the little breeze, as it was very hot. There was so much to shoot as the possibilities were endless. Some guys - some girls - some wedding party and mostly our couple. Each setting like this has its own look and this barn/farm setting had a very classic look to it. (This was very different from our previous barn wedding with Susan & Chris. Different barn/ different couple. The style changes with each couple. There is one thing I tell my couples about wedding photography. It's your day let's make it about you.) Most of the couples this year have suggested the locations they want to go to, it's my job to bring out the best in those locations. You won't find another couple at this spot - this is special for Sarah & Eli. These are very exciting times we  as photographers are in. Masterpieces are all around us, we just need be creative & capture them. When we left the barn to go to the reception, the elderly couple remarked " I really don't see what you like about our barn" I just chuckled to myself, if you only knew!













Sarah & Eli, your  wedding day was one of a kind. Your ceremony was beautiful with guests throwing rose petals at you as you walked down the isle to the unexpected photos taken along the way. Thanks for your ideas and your smiles. You are a very Classy Couple!