This is Jeff and Liz Detrick. Slater and I had the honor of photographing their wedding earlier this month. By the time it was over, I couldn't help but notice how many honoring decisions they'd made in the process.
They took communion before the ceremony.
It was just them, Bill the officiant. and myself in the sanctuary for this. It was a holy moment, to be sure. I've often thought it odd when a couple takes it in front of a crowd with many believer but doesn't offer it to the body. This was honoring to God and sensitive to both believers and those outside the faith in attendance of the the ceremony.
They chose a First Look.
First Look is a newer idea where the couple creates a moment to first see each other before the ceremony; it's usually photographed. It's a special moment for the couple; they have a moment to take each other in, savor it, hug, soak in it in a way one cannot during a ceremony. By doing a First Look, the couple and their party are then able to take all the photos they'd like before the ceremony. This also values the guests by not making them wait for an eternity while so many pictures are taken after the ceremony, forcing guests to wait ad nauseam at the reception. In this case, it also allowed Jeff and Liz to take communion as well.
They chose elegant and cost-appropriate clothing.
Did you notice in these photos that the attendants clothes aren't all the same? You probably only noticed that they all look stylish and flattering in what they're wearing.The women simply all wore black dresses. So if they had one already, great. If they didn't, they bought something that looked good on them, fit well, was within their budget and they could wear again. It's hard to tell, but her attendants were all across the body-type spectrum from very pregnant, to super slim--but because they had the freedom to choose their dress, it served them all well. How many weddings have you attended when all the women looked great in the same dress? Me neither. How honoring to the attendants and how fiscally responsible to allow them to pick out a dress.
The guys' suits don't match, but they look sharp. If they had a dark suit, great. If not, for the price of a tuxedo rental one can buy a quality wool suit and have it tailored to fit. (K&G Fashions Superstore in Indianapolis rocks suits every day for $100-$150.) And what guy, if he had to buy a suit, wouldn't benefit from now owning one that fits? Their own suits fit better than tuxes usually do and again, how fiscally responsible and honoring to the groomsmen.
Great music.
Ok, they totally cheated on this because Liz's brother and father are both professional musicians. And I'll admit, when I heard about trumpet players I was a tad skeptical, but I must say, they made a profound impact on the ceremony. We simply do not hear this caliber of live musician enough these days, especially in weddings. These guys were impressive. So perhaps if you can't afford live musicians, ask around some musicians or music lovers and perhaps get some ideas on some great recorded music--if for no other reason, so we do not have to hear Pachelbel's Canon in D one more time. Oh, you've heard it...Alright, let's go out there and have more honoring weddings! ;-)
