Wirken Photography Blog

Just had Hayley and Andy and the family in for their viewing party tonight.  I almost always blog before the big in-studio reveal, but it was actually kind of fun that, as Hayley’s mom said, they “had only seen 9 pictures from the wedding day” since it happened over a month ago.  So, it’s interesting to me to hear the things that are in their memory without the influence of pictures to shape it.  For the most part, the general feedback I get from people is that the pictures actually enhance their memory of the day- maybe even glorifying it a bit- not only reporting reality objectively, but capturing the wonder of what it actually felt like to experience it.  I told them all that seeing the pictures in a slideshow for the first time might even feel a little overwhelming.  It takes awhile to “get acquainted” with your pictures- picking out the nuances and the pictures that are most meaningful, or most visually striking.  So, I’m going to try to talk about why some of the photos below stood out to me as I was editing, and how each of them are specific to Andy and Hayley’s story.This first image is a moment that I see at lots of weddings, but it is always precious to me- that look on the bride’s face as she sees her wedding day look unfold.  And ever since I first met Hayley, I have been struck by how uniquely beautiful her eyes are.  

when this series of pictures of Andy getting ready came up on the screen last night, Hayley said, “that is SO Andy!”



Hayley and her mom and two sisters are very close- and hilarious together!  Here is one of their giggly moments from the day 
 
Hayley is thrilled to get a gift certificate from Andy to pick out the puppy she wanted- she went from elation to tears in a few seconds. 
Hayley’s Manolo Blahnik’s were a gift from her grandmother

though our focus is always on the moments, so much of what goes into capturing the feeling of an event is capturing the details.  Hayley had a really incredible color palette

 This was one of those moments that was so subtle that I felt I was the only one that saw it- mom just had a split second of overwhelming emotion as she saw Hayley become a bride before her eyes.

The church was very special to Hayley because her parents had been married there years before.  I like this little moment of acknowledgment between them right before the start of the ceremony. 

and the nerves and anticipation for dad and daughter are always one of my favorite aspects of the day 

I had never seen this before- the church allowed guests to shower the couple with roses during the recessional.  It created a real sense of celebration.  

Nicole captured this great angle

Hayley really wanted to share a drink with her best friends in the historic Drum Room before heading upstairs to the ballroom.

I always get so excited when I get to photograph one of Natasha’s incredibly elegant cakes! 

Hayley’s sisters delivered heartfelt toasts
you don’t see this every wedding
the Hayes family is surrounded by the best group of friends and they completely busted a move all night!

the rugby team had fun with the photo booth
thanks again guys for letting me in!  It has been a treat getting to know you!