Alison and Ethan

Alison and I met one night when I was photographing people milling around the first floor of the Harris Fine Arts Center. Alison was on duty as a security guard and somehow we hit it off as friends almost immediately. This photo-shoot was my first time meeting Ethan. The three of us thoroughly enjoyed the warm day, colorful surroundings, and lively interaction.

I couldn't decide which I liked best of these three, so I posted them all.

Stapp-Tengelsen Engagements

Dan felt more comfortable shoe-less.

Here's a fun sampling from my time together with Dan and Katie. The challenge? They wanted a picture with some space on it for text, so they could make it into their announcement. I gave them what they were looking for, as you will note. But engagement photos aren't just about the picture you send out to all your friends and family. Often, the extras are the ones you'll make into prints to put up in your home or into your photo album. With that in mind, I put in a few different compositions just for variety's sake. This was in September 2007.

By the end of the shoot, we were all hot and tired. Dan and Katie decided to finish it off with a dip in the fountain.

The little boy on the right probably wishes his mom would let him do that.

The Stapp-Tengelsen Wedding

Dan and Katie Tengelsen were married in November 2007 in the Mt. Timpanogos temple. This wedding was lovely down to the minutest details. From bridal gown to the boutonniere to bridesmaid's dresses and the groomsmen's three-piece suits, careful thought was taken so that everyone would look and feel their best. As photographer I paid special attention to these details, since in them I saw the thoughtfulness and graciousness of both the bride and groom.

Sun rising over Mount Timpanogos temple.

Heading off to the luncheon.

Jacob (far left) put together a humorous mock-umentary sketch of Dan and Katie's courtship. It was a happy surprise for the new couple.

Dan's mother welcomes Katie to the family.

The luncheon concluded with words from Katie's mother.

Barn? Yes, the reception took place in a barn.

But this wasn't your grandpa's ordinary barn. This one was complete with harvest-time decor and semi-glossy floors.

First dance.

The father of the bride caught up with his daughter just in time for a turn around the floor.

What kinds of photography do you want to see on this blog?

I'm turning to the blog-visiting public to answer the current dilemma: what kinds of photography do you want to see on Maria Gabrielle Photography? Weddings and only weddings? Fine art as well as wedding-related? Something more, something less? Please let me know by joining in the poll on the sidebar to the right and/or leaving me comments on this post. Thank you, thank you for your time and input.

Wedding Photo Tip #1: Plan in ample time for photos

Plan ahead. When scheduling your wedding, plan in ample time between the end of the ceremony and the beginning of the luncheon or reception. How long is considered "ample?" Two hours or more.*

"Why two hours or more?" you (or a future-in-law) may ask.

1. You want a wide selection of images and poses to choose from, and I want to give you that.
2. On a busy day, everything will run behind schedule. So, it's hard to know exactly when your ceremony will finish. Use your best approximation. Call the church or temple in advance to know about how many weddings will be taking place there that day.
   
3. If you have a large wedding party (50 or more, with energetic and/or grumpy littl'uns) block out a little more time, perhaps fifteen minutes more.
   
4. Account for the driving time between the ceremony venue and the location of your luncheon/reception.
   
5. Group shots (especially with larger groups) can take half an hour -- occasionally longer if there be renegade children or no one can find grandpa.
   
6. Individual portraits should be allowed between one to one and a half hours. This is especially important if there are many other couples getting married on the same day at the same venue as yourself.
7. Remember too, I want to be early to your reception--ten or fifteen minutes will do. Detail shots and any family or wedding party shots you want at the reception are best done before the flow of guests arrive.
   

Follow these steps and you, your photographer, and the universe will smile calmly and blissfully upon your day.

*This is especially important for couples marrying in an LDS temple or other venue where photography during the ceremony is prohibited, since the majority of the wedding pictures will be taken after the fact. Or, if you are planning on doing any location shoots that day.

Sampling: Betsy's bridals

Ah, Betsy! I wish we could have had an entirely separate shoot with you in your dress. Perhaps we still can. Here are a few of the ones we took while Micah ran to the car.

Wedding at Newport Beach

Open-hearted and tasteful -- working with the Huntingtons and Crofts for this wedding was a lovely experience. I've been fast friends with both the bride and groom for many a year, and shooting their wedding gave me the chance to meet their families. The following is a mere sampling of me trying to capture the warmth and joy of the day.

The big day begins. Welcome to the Huntington home.

Betsy prepares to "follow the prophet" by marrying in an LDS temple.