Do you remember that disco-era song by the group Shalamar, “The Second Time Around”? Well, as a photographer, I love photographing second weddings.
Why?
• The bride and groom are more relaxed. They’ve done this before. No “Bridezillas.”
• In many cases, the bride and groom’s children (and sometimes grandchildren) are there. A very different kind of experience.
• Generally, the vibe more chill.
I enjoy the stories, even when they are sad ones (for example, not too long ago I photographed a wedding of a widow and widower. The wedding was beautiful, and a comfort for those grieving the loss of their spouses. Life goes on!
In other cases, the partners had been divorced. In some cases, there were multiple divorces before lovebirds found the right one. Some second marriages happen early in life; others could happen when the couple is in their 60s, 70s, or beyond. The stories are always unique, and interesting.
Cherie and George married at a trendy venue with around 100 guests; most of them were musicians. After the ceremony, different bands and individuals got up on the stage and played a set for the couple. There were almost as many musical instruments as guests!
Second weddings can be very different from first weddings. They are generally smaller. I have photographed weddings with 25 guests to 175 guests. Some have dancing and a full catered reception; others are at-home affairs, or take place at a local park or restaurant. Sometimes a child of the bride or groom is not happy that their parent is remarrying, and I need to be sensitive to that when dealing with the extended family.
Miriam and Jeffrey got married in a beautiful park setting with about 75 guests…then went to a local restaurant for a celebratory meal.
No matter what the situation, I am flexible. I work with the couple to make sure my photography is exactly what they want, from full coverage from start to finish, to “just photograph the ceremony. We don’t need pictures of people eating at a restaurant.” I also offer an optional “concierge” service to help you edit and choose the best photos for your Wedding Photo Album.
This older couple’s wedding was in a tent in their backyard. Their children and grandchildren joined in for the formal portraits.
Eric (first marriage) and Kay (second) found each other later in life. With 175 guests, their wedding almost felt like a first marriage.
I will work within your budget to deliver outstanding memories of your special day and help you get your second time around off to a beautiful start.
See Also: How Use My Experience in Street Photography When I Photograph Orthodox Jewish Weddings