I had a conversation on the airplane ride home from this wedding that is sticking with me.I was talking to an older gentleman and he was asking what I did for my profession.I smiled and told him I was a wedding photographer and I had just gotten done photographing a wedding with my sister in boulder.he sniffed somewhat callously and said "so you just show up and press click, not a hard gig, huh?"I was kind of taken aback at his response (granted it was at six in the morning and my fuse was little short and my legs still felt like "bambi legs" and my shooting hand was still working itself out of "claw" mode)I sniffed back and narrowed my eyes a bit and replied:"you know what? no, I can honestly say I have never in my life just "shown up" and pressed click for a clients once in a lifetime wedding day memories."he raised his eyebrows, sniffed awkwardly and opened his newspaper...I think he got it at that point...at least I hope he did.but it got me to thinking about what I get to do.maybe I value what I do too much?I have never lied in saying that I love what I get to do.I love meeting new people...I love hearing their love stories.I love meeting their families and seeing the legacy that older family members have left for the new couple.I love photographing these people...in the best light, in the beautiful settings they have carefully chosen to make vows for life to each other,I love photographing these people and helping orchestrate their loved ones to be in the best light and settings so that their photographic memories are excellent and as stress-free as possible,I love photographing the in-between moments where life and memories happen...un-orchestrated or coached...the kind-of in between moment that can't be recreated...it's just a beautiful moment that happens and you feel lucky for getting to photograph it.I love photographing the many beautiful details that make up the couples day...details that they've spent hours scouring boutiques + websites for that just perfect thing...details that might get lost as memories fade in time...or even as the day passes since they weren't made to stand the test of time.I love photographing those first few moments as the pastor smiles expectantly and says "you may now kiss the bride"...the couple exchanges a giddy smile, the music crescendo's and time freezes in that moment...and I love photographing the incredible celebration as the night unfolds and loved ones toast and dance in celebration to this newly joined couple.no, I have never in all of my life just "shown up and pressed click"...are there people who do this?photographers who value memories and moments so little that they simply show up and press click?!I simply cannot wrap my head around that if that is true.days like the one below happen once in a lifetime.they should be valued and treated as such.I LOVE that I get to photograph them for couples like these...AND with my friend + sister who values days like these just as much as I do.once in a lifetime moments should never be just "clicked"...they should be preserved and cared for as if they were your own.it's a privilege to get to do what I do...I love it.and I am so thankful to get to have beautiful couples who trust Elizabeth and I to photograph these moments for them...it genuinely is an honor.Michael + Liz, you two are genuinely amazing people and it was such an honor to get to photograph your day with Elizabeth!I wish the two of you a lifetime of happy memories! :)

photographers:

Elizabeth Ann Photography

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k

reatid photography

venue:

Wedgewood Banquet Boulder Creek

bridal gown:

The Bridal Collection

wearing

Lillian West

bridesmaids attire:

Nordstrom

wearing

Adriana papell

florals:

The Painted Primrose Floral Studio

cake:

La Momo Maes Bakery