I'm not sure how many couples truly realize how the photographer shares their moment with the guests. When photographing, you really have to take in and live in that moment that is being experienced, so that you can quickly react (and anticipate) what will happen next.
Having said that, I was listening to the father of the bride's speech, who started off by saying the theme of his speech was about identity. When you are first born, you are given a name that identifies the person who you are. Then, you go through a series of stages that begins to give you new identities (ie: in this case, becoming a husband to Laura, and then becoming a father to Heather). So when you walk into a grocery store and introduce yourself, you may not be remembered or identified by your name, but rather, that you are "Amy's husband", or "Heather's father".
On Saturday evening, Heather's father got yet another new identity (as he placed a hat upon his head): "Father of the Bride". He spoke about how proud he was of Heather (for all of her accomplishments - including this one!), and how proud he was to welcome Cliff into the family (having yet a new identity- Cliff's Father-in-Law).
What an incredible speech! This is just so true of all of us that I had to share this.
BONUS PHOTO: The father of the bride took the photo above of me photographing his daughter's wedding (ok, they are a Nikon family but I won't hold it against them!! ;-) Thanks Bruce!
