Even though, I have to admit, it's been years and years, when I was working even at my siblings weddings, because I didn't know how to say no. Instead of enjoying the day and put the camera down, I was the official wedding photographer for 3 of my siblings wedding.When my wonderful aunt-in-law Cynthia asked me, if I would be a photographer of her daughter's wedding in Richmond or would prefer to be a guest, I said very simple answer: I want to be a guest, because I'm done feeling that I'm missing out on the joy and fun at weddings of my family.
I want to enjoy myself and I know myself enough, that I know, once I'm working as a photographer at a wedding, I'm working. I can have fun and enjoy myself as well, but it is completely different.
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| Grandma - in pink - will celebrate her 100th birthday in January.. what a special moment.. |
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| My beautiful and sick baby Eli and his super caring cousin Charlie. Love them both. |
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| Happy couple, happy family!! Richmond wedding. |
I feel so grateful, because my aunt Cynthia is so respectful and very wise lady and I appreciate her sensitivity and asking in such a way, that I knew, that I'm asked to be the photographer, because she truly values my work and style, but at the same time understands boundaries.
I had a lot of fun, I still took some pictures. My baby boy was sick (even though, he was still amazing and some people didn't even know, that he was sick - he is a wonderful happy and good being), so between jet lag, taking care of a sick baby, taking some pictures and talking to people and seeing my husband after 5long weeks, I still am grateful for the ability to enjoy present moment and have fun as a guest at a wedding.
So.. I guess, here is the morality of a story. Everyone has some budget for their wedding. But the truth is, that if you have a close friend or a family member, who is wedding photographer, unless you are desperate (because you cannot find anyone that you love their style and price as well), try to hire someone else instead. Trust me. Maybe your friend or family member doesn't know how to say NO yet, like I did many years ago. Because if I could go back in time and choose between being a photographer at my sister's and brother's weddings or being a guest, I would choose being a guest today. I didn't know any better, but I'm glad, that I'm still learning and improving my ability of self love, care and confidence.
Have a wonderful day and stay tuned to my other posts.
With love,
Bára
PS: I'm photographer though.. and I still couldn't help it and captured some pictures ;-)
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| West Coast family with the happy couple. I didn't take this picture obviously. The hired photographer did!! |
