If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like for a wedding photographer to attend a wedding without taking photos, here’s what it was like for me.

Excrutiating!

During the ceremony, I sat with my hands wrapped around one knee while I watched two of the most delightful brides smiling and waving and just being wonderfully joyful together. I saw so many amazing photos that I could’ve taken. My feeling of distress was exacerbated by the fact that one of the brides was the MOST expressive bride I have ever witnessed.

The couple walked into the ceremony together, both beaming. The most expressive one waving and laughing all the way down the aisle. She continued to laugh and wave for an additional five minutes or so after she reached the altar. So many amazing photos … hands on my knees, camera in my bag.

Argh!

I was asked to take photos of the reception, which you see below.

A wave of relief swept over me. I picked up my camera and made plans for what I knew would be the last display of overwhelming joy … the bubble exit. Because I was not the official photographer, I chose a place in the crowd of bubble blowers. I crouched down and waited for the joyful couple to pass by.

Utter joy!