Anyone interested in assisting me and Jason this Saturday afternoon/evening in Denton

[AnnetteT]

First of all, this will not pay much -- I am still portfolio-building, so I am charging not-market prices this year for learning.

I have one assistant already who works with me and have been hiring someone to work with Jason (to carry gear, lightstick, etc.) Shooting is not required HOWEVER if you're not needed to for assisting stuff, you are welcome to shoot...and it's fine to use in your portfolio.

Of all the weddings I'm doing this year, this is the one I know the least about...It's a church wedding with a restaurant reception. I have not gotten the start time from the bride. As of last week, she was still trying to figure out her schedule for the day.

If you're in portfolio-building mode, all the better...if you're flexible, responsible...remember to look for photographers' cameras we hide in the bushes while a bride and groom made their exit (don't ask!)...Don't mind holding lightsticks at inhuman angles...Liking coffee helps...because that's how I start off every wedding...a trip to Starbucks... :-)

Let us hear from you...

[Dokk]

I'll be in Denton most of the day Saturday but, unfortunately, I'll be working myself. Keep me posted though as I live in Lewisville and work in Denton and I'd love to get some shots around the area for my portfolio and I'm also scouting locations in the area already finding a few really nice ones. I'd also like to see some of your work. Keep my in mind for the future.

[bondarnes]

How did it go? Can we see some images? Can we, huh, huh?

[AnnetteT]

Well, we had two great people assisting us (in addition to my regular assistant, Rhonda)...Shelley Debnam and Lisa Hayes (up from Houston).

It was quite an experience...(as working with us often turns out to be)...

I'll start...and I'll let everyone else chime in...and...as soon as I get some pictures processed, then...

Let's see...the bride and groom were both about an hour late getting started...

Jason was threatened at gunpoint if the groom didn't get his wedding pictures (thanks PicturePerfect Moment!)...

Jason's car was "smoking" (literally) and broke down on the way from the groom's house to the church...

The church coordinator was seen running with a vacuum 45 minutes before the wedding started because the church forgot to clean...

Let's see...that's a good start...Shelley? Jason? Lisa? anyone else want to chime in here? ::

[iCe]

Sounds like one of my ex-wife's weddings

[smdebnam]

The officiant said, "This is Mr & Mrs...what's your last name?"

The wedding party then exited the church, (after the bride's train was caught on a nail leaving the alter) and the officiant annouced to everyone that they were invited to the reception then asked the guests if anyone knew where it was.

What matters most...looks like the bride and groom were happy and having a good time. Annette and Jason did a great job and I am grateful for the opportunity to have assisted them.

[jasonhuang]

Here are my highlights.

1.) Showed up at the groom's house an hour before wedding. His exact words were, "Why are you guys here so early?"

2.) About to leave the groom's house, he says, "If I don't get any pictures, I will hunt you down and kill you."

3.) I replied to the above statement with, "Oh, by the way, my name is Eric." He laughs and yells, "I know who YOU are. Your name is Jason."

4.) Driving to the church, my car makes funny noise and starts smoking. Had to call the other assistant to come pick up Shelley and I. (Thanks Lisa!)

5.) MOB almost face plants on the stage going to light a candle.

6.) The minister saying, "I now have the pleasure of introducing to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs.........what was your last name?"

Other than those 6 highlights, the wedding itself was pretty awesome. The couple actually looked at each other when saying their vows, they had an excellent choice of music, I think the groom teared up, and I got to meet a mechanic who was gracious and trustworthy enough to offer to fix my car for me. Overall, one of the more memorable weddings yet. :-)

[AnnetteT]

I have to say Shelley and Lisa were real troopers...

Lisa gets the award for best "calm under pressure" when Jason calls to say he and Shelley are stranded with a smoking car...the ceremony is going to start soon and I thrust the cell phone at Lisa and basically tell her to go get Jason.

None of us know the area...our maps are limited to our location...and she's from Houston...but she jumped in the car and retrieved him...QUICKLY, too, I might add...

but...um...ask her about the cake...

Lisa? What did you think about that wedding cake?

::

And Jason...does that mean we need to get you a shirt that says "My Name Is Earl...er...Eric?"

[bondarnes]

You four are now officially "Wedding Warriors." Jason, have you looked into picking up some body armor?

[haysfour]

This was an absolute blast for me! I've only done one other wedding... technically 2 if I can count my cousin's wedding where I could tell that the photographer didn't know (or maybe he just didn't really care) what he was doing (it was his gift to the couple)... the only camera he used was a P&S.

ANYHOW... it was great to watch Annette and Jason work. I finally learned how to "drag the shutter" learned a lot about how weddings are NOT supposed to go, and learned that everything is beautiful (even if it's really not) eg. the wedding cake was gorgeous
Important life lesson I should have learned a long time ago.

Everyone handled all the previously mentioned situations marvelously, including helping to make sure all the guests knew how to get to the reception.

The only other thing I can add to the list is the ringbearer runnining around & sliding on stage and the mother (a bridesmaid) having to drag him off. Also, the flower crying and refusing to walk down the aisle. But that probably happens quite a bit, huh?

I'm thankful for Annette and Jason giving me the opportunity to assist, and it was really great to finally meet them, Shelley and Rhonda. I hope to be able to do it again sometime!