The day didn’t start that early, but for sure I couldn’t have slept in. A wedding gig always has a lot of prep work that goes into it. Going through notes about the schedule for the day. Rechecking to make sure everything has been packed and charged. We are taking pictures of moments that will never happen again! I mean, everyday is special, but you know what I mean.

The ceremony and reception both happened at the Stonegate Conference and Banquet Centre. A beautiful venue like many others. Everyone dressed in colorful clothes, good food, beautiful decorations, lots of dancing…I get to learn more about my craft because I’m in situations that I haven’t been in before. I learn what I could do better. Get to meet great people and see them when they are in a great mood…Then there’s always a take away that has nothing to do with photography. When it’s your job to try to pay attention to detail, you notice all the small interactions and get a behind the scenes perspective of what transpires throughout the day. This is what I look forward to at my gigs.

This wedding was no different. I was able to see constant shield of family members around the bride and the groom. A pat on the shoulder, handshake, or whisper in the ear…there was always someone from the family close by. Then it became clear when it came time to honor people for attending the ceremony. The bride and groom touching the feet of the family members showing respect toward them. I knew this from the past, but it hit me even harder with this visual in front of me. How often do I give honor and respect to the ones I love? Or to anyone in that matter? It brought me back to the days of getting ready for elementary school. On the first day, I would always wear a button down shirt and it would be tucked in. I would complain, but my mom would say you are respecting the teacher by looking presentable. It’s sort of like dressing up for an interview. You show you are serious about the position and showing that you can be business like. But how do I show it in an everyday context? Made me think…touching their feet, especially in public might be a little weird. But maybe speaking with respect, holding yourself to a high standard of integrity, and valuing relationships are just some ways I can show respect and honor.

When you honor and respect those you love, they are not with you just in time of celebration, they are the ones you can count on when things don’t go according to plan. But that statement isn’t 100% correct. Look at parents. No matter what the child throws at them at times, you have some that are patiently loving them. Just a glimpse of how God showed His love by sending His Son to die on a cross. He loved us when we were yet sinners. I’m challenged now to show respect and honor to those that I don’t even like…wow

Romans 5:8 – “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”