Raming & Belen: 50th Wedding Anniversary, Philippines
Imagine knowing someone’s every freckle and every wrinkle. Imagine knowing what makes them laugh and what makes them feel. Through all the hardships and blessings that you’ll face, imagine getting to love that someone for more than FIFTY years!
During Christmas break, my family and I were able to travel to the Philippines and take part in my grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary. This presented me with the wonderful opportunity of photographing the renewal of their vows. There was one thing I didn't realize though—I'd be part of the wedding too!
Just two days before the wedding (pretty crazy, right?!🙊), the ladies went to the local gown bazaar. There were TONS of dresses for rent and sale (If you're in the area, I recommend going to Taal)! At first we looked for a golden dress for my Lola ("grandma" in Tagalog) since it was her golden anniversary, after all, but it was so hard finding one. We ended up uncovering a creamish beauty covered in sequins, perfect for my Grandma. Finding a dozen golden dresses proved rather difficult for us, as well. Not a lot of vendors have that many dresses in the same color on hand, but once we finally found a boutique, I found mine immediately! With its long, flowing brilliant skirt, I could invision myself running around, asking everyone to smile for the camera.😁
As a photographer from the States, I really wanted to do my best in capturing Filipino tradition while including southern charm. After a thorough wedding meeting, I just knew I HAD to do detail shots! Usually, I'd plan to do these the day of the wedding, but the ceremony was going to be at 9:00 am, providing me with no time at all. Although the bridesmaids' dresses were still out for alteration, I went ahead with my gut and decided to take flat lay photos. I gathered my Lolo & Lola's outfits and took some of the most dreamy garment shots I've taken so far (I wanted to publish them all, but I don't think family cares about photos of clothes as much as photos of relatives...)! Then, I picked some yellow flowers from the lot next door, took down a cream curtain from the kitchen, and fetched all wedding paraphernalia and arranged them gently on the garage floor—this is what you call "making it work!!!" When I sensed all my cousins and my aunts watching me from the living room door, I beamed with pride! I loved my job, and I loved sharing it with my family. My parents were so willing to help too; they became complete photo-parents (you know, like soccer-moms?), hovering and EVEN fanning me in the intense tropical heat!😂 Here's one of the many behind-the-scenes shot that my parents took!
On the day of the wedding, I was bright, up and early at 5:30 am, dressed up in my golden gown, and headed over to where everyone was getting ready to help and take some photos. We left for the church at around 8:00 am since the wedding would start at 9:00 am... However, if you know international time, you know that punctuality is casual. We ended up starting the wedding at 10:00 am. Now, here comes the weirdish-awkward part, I stood in the front of the church to take photos of the front end of the wedding party (the parents) as they came in, but then, when it came to the grandchildren, since I'm the eldest grandchild, I had to suddenly hand my camera to my mom and run to the back of the church to walk in as if no one had seen me yet.😂 Later on, I had to do the same thing as I went on stage to speak and present a gift to my grandparents. It added such a twist to my job!
Now, if I'm being honest, group photos are the ones that scare me the most. There's just so many people! # of people = # of potential problems. Although I came in pondering a lot about group photos and the possibility of the guests not understanding my English or slightly skewed Tagalog, I think I nailed the group shots!! Some people who love acting would understand this, but the moment I was on stage, arranging people of different heights and sizes, I felt so alive and in command. There was an audience behind me as guests waited for their turn, but I paid no attention. I had a job to do, and I had to do it well in a quick manner.
After the wedding ceremony, we traveled to the reception which had such beautiful decor and delicious food (taking photos makes you one hungry gal). There was supposed to be another switcheroo scenario for me as the wedding party walked in, but I ended up just purposefully forgetting about it and just curtsying.🙈 At around 4:00 pm, we finally headed home—but, my job wasn't over yet! I spotted a green area near the house we were staying at, and I insisted on having a quick couple's session there. Designating a different spot from bridal party portraits is key in making a couple feel special on their special day, and this green backdrop proved to be the best way to end a long day!
For those just starting out in wedding photography like me, here are some lessons/tips that I've been learning recently. I hope they help:
1) If you have a say in any of the designs or colors, voice your opinion! Photographers can (should) envision what look they're going for. When we were looking for dresses, I was able to assure my family that the dress color switch would add light in photographs.
2) Go the extra mile and take detail shots, even if it takes you longer. Also, just make it work and utilize what you have around you!
3) Scout out the venue! Before flying to the Philippines, I was nervous about the church since I wasn't sure how the colors or light would flow, but after scouting out the church the night before, I proceeded with confidence and excitement.
4) Buy rechargeable flash batteries and bring extras, lots of them. BTW, they may overheat?! (I had never used an additional flash for any personal sessions till this event, but I wish I had sooner.)
5) Buy extra camera batteries off of Amazon. I totally forgot to do this before our trip so I had to buy a $40 one at the mall, but Amazon has more affordable versions. You really don't want to be caught with a dying battery on the wedding day.
6) Eat, but make sure you make time to take photos of the guests eating as well. I would say, eat after you have gotten guest photos. Also, I've heard of photographers asking their couple to reserve a plate for them. This assures you that you are going to get fed eventually!
7) Make your couple feel special!
I'm tremendously grateful for the opportunity I had to help with this important moment, and I look forward to being part of many more.
Always Made with Joy,
Abby Joy
