Bridal Party 101

Have you ever seen the movie “27 Dresses”? Yeah, I’ve got that closet too. I am, what I jokingly refer to, as a “professional bridesmaid”. Long before I decided to pursue wedding photography, my social calendar was full of weddings, most of which I was apart of (planner, coordinator, decorator, mistress of ceremonies, guest book attendant, reader, invitation suite designer, DIY favor maker). In fact, my very first experience as a wedding photographer was also in a wedding where I was the maid of honor (MOH). Wait, make that 2 weddings. That were one week apart. We’ll save that story for another day.

I loved working with brides on their wedding day so much that I took on event planning + styling jobs with intentions of making it a business. But quickly realized that as much as I enjoyed it, it just wasn’t meant to be – especially since photography was my real passion. It just might have been the wedding where I tried to be both the planner, stylist, coordinator, mistress of ceremonies AND photographer that did me in. Or those two weddings where I tried to be both MOH, decorator and photographer. Balancing a camera in one hand, bouquet in another. A staunch reminder that you can love it all, but just can’t do it all.

Being a bridesmaid is both an honor and responsibility that I do not take lightly. Being a maid or matron of honor is held to an even higher standard. I’ll admit, it has it’s perks, it’s pitfalls. Yet, SO worth it – being a bridesmaid is your chance to show your friend how much you love and support them. So, as much as I appreciate the two opportunities I was given to be both a MOH and photographer, I would never ever do that again. For the simple fact that I want to be present in the moment, supporting & celebrating with my bestie and her new spouse, instead of worrying about getting the shot.

So, I’m thinking that based on my expertise (I use that term loosely) in being a bridesmaid + maid of honor, I’m going to feature a new series on how to be the #1 Bridesmaid, a great Bride, sprinkled with lots of general wedding party awesomeness. Kinda like Bridal Party 101. If you can think of a fabulous title for the series let me know!

Mandy had one of the most attentive & supportive group of bridesmaids. Ever.

A photo of your truly doing bridesmaid duty in my lovely friend Tina’s wedding a few weeks ago. (captured by our fabulous friend, R.T. Armstrong Photography)