{Our wedding | 11.11.14} A wedding photographer.. and on this day.. a bride.
For almost a decade I have been photographing weddings... and on this day, I, the wedding photographer, was the bride. Much is different on such a day when you are in front of a camera, rather than behind it.
From my view as a photographer of such an important day, such as a wedding day, I have been privy to a multitude of intrinsically beautiful moments. Instances that have made me laugh, tenderness that has made me cry and emotion that has made my heart swell and appreciate the simplicity and yet irreplaceable value of love. Family. Beloveds. Life. The small moments. All from behind my camera, quietly I observe hour upon hour the details, the sentiments and exchanges.. and record these monumental life-moments packed into an incredibly fast-paced day. What an honor and privilege to watch these events unfold in front of my lens.
I document love.
I am so blessed to say I have found my love.
From my view as a bride on such an personal and special day, where I am not directing and posing but rather being posed and directed - it is a phenomenal whirlwind of activity, spotlight and excitement. I understand in that moment both what the bride and photographer make happen on that day and the importance of both roles. I have to remember that I am not "photographer" that day. I am not framing anything except the mental snapshots I take in my mind of the people I love. My only captures are the ones I am silently taking in my heart and soul of the beautiful split seconds of this fleeting and delicate day.
How does the wedding photographer go about selecting her very own wedding photographer? In my case... fate. Another photographer who's style is quite similar to my own contacted me about photographing her own wedding this year. I laughed at the irony as I myself was trying to figure out who I would hire to shoot my own wedding. The beauty of this industry is sometimes you get lucky enough to trade services with really great photographers. Nico Studios did an incredible job in such a short amount of time covering my day. I was also lucky to have my own 2nd shooter, Ashley Potterbaum, who has worked with me consistently for several years, work as a 2nd shooter for Nico Studios on my wedding day.
Being a wedding photographer wasn't something I ever saw myself doing. I studied Fine Art in college and went on to pursue a career in Graphic Design and Marketing. All of those years were stepping stones to where I am today. One of the most wonderful things about life's journey is that we start out sometimes on one path - not knowing the entire time that it's leading us to a greater path, the very one we were meant for. My heart is full of gratitude. I have been on both sides of the wedding camera. And respectively have been able to appreciate and admire each multi-faceted side.
I have covered a lot of special days for my clients. I have been privileged to photograph many, many weddings over the years. I have to say, my wedding was my favorite. ;) I think atypical is a good descriptive of our day and love. We were married with our three children, our beloved families and closest friends in an old train station {first wedding inside of the station to my knowledge}. And being a wedding photographer - we were married on a Tuesday afternoon. My ring is an almost 100 year old moonstone/diamond ring in white gold. It is art deco in style and made around 1927. Our theme being travel - and love being a journey boasted lovely details like maps, vintage map flowers, old train books, travel tickets and a compass. Our cake even had map icing. We celebrated after our ceremonial kiss with an immediate selfie. Still my favorite thing. A bit of cake cutting, a toast and a dance. Dinner was at one of our family favorites, Elia's. Lebanese food is amazing! What an incredible day that I will never forget.
It may have taken me half of my life - but I have found the one whom my soul loves. Thankfully, love has no timetable.
We have all the time we need.
Photos are predominantly taken by Nico Studios, Chris Davis {along with some also taken by Ashley Potterbaum and myself, Joanne Csakany}
All images edited by Joanne Csakany.
Love is a journey... and only you hold the map.
photography • Nico Studios // Chris Davis, 2nd Ashley Potterbaum
hair • Heather Jones // Salon Artistry
makeup • Joanne Csakany
videographer • Jake Stutzman // Vibe Videography
ceremony venue • The Wakarusa Historical Museum // Wabash Depot
reception venue • Elia's Mediterranean Cuisine
flowers • ARTISFYyourlife {Etsy}
cake • Sweet Em's Cake Shoppe // Goshen, Old Bag Factory
personalized cupcakes • Leslee Onnink
dress • BHLDN // Greenbow Lace Gown
bridesmaid attire • David's Bridal
groom/groomsmen attire • Men's Wearhouse
music • Turning Page // Sleeping at Last {ceremony} Thinking Out Loud // Ed Sheeran {cake} A Thousand Years // Christina Perri {1st dance}
For more love details find us on IG under #mrandmrscsakany
