Why do I second shoot? Well, it resets me as a photographer. Instead of taking the lead, I get to watch and enjoy the action and shoot the snippets that no one else sees. I’m also blessed that the lovely photographers that I have shot for let me take the reigns when needed or sit back and catch the moments when necessary. That trust that we have is what makes second shooting a powerful experience for me. I’m a respected member; I’m part of the team.

I also get to do something that I don’t normally do on a wedding day – focus on details. Vivian, (who continuously rocks my socks), seamlessly shots rooms, tables, centerpieces, sign in books, you name it. I’ll snipe a detail here and there but she’s somehow always behind me saying “I already did that”. As a second, suddenly I’m the one who has to do that and I have to remember what I’ve always taught Vivian to do – go wide, go in.

And as I get to the reception site, I take a deep breath and whisper “Go wide, go in. Here I go …”

This is the wonderful coordinator, Katherine, holding a 30×40 canvas from Jana + John’s wedding. You’ll be surprised how small a 30×40 looks in that gigantically gorgeous church

I got some more time to shoot Asheesh.

This is what you call yummy light.

Vivian and Jamie, meanwhile, were shooting the reception room.

Some tender moments with Rashee & her father.

A toast from Asheesh’s father.

This is where the table wars started. It was California  (Asheesh’s friends) vs Texas (Rasheesh’s friends).

This is where Table 17 (California) picked up their whole table and walked out of the reception room with it. Read that again, it happened.

This is “Vivian’s Table”. When Vivian ran up to me excitedly to tell me she had her own table you better believe I was confused. But yes she did! They screamed “VIVIAN!” every time she walked by. It was like being on the set of Cheers, but at a wedding.

And then the dancing started.

Rashee getting down, even with her really heavy dress.

Lots of Texans representing.

Vivian’s utterly wicked ring shot.

A final goodbye.

YES! GNOME!

We got caught with the Gnome so this happened.

Hugs from Brittyn & John! Now Rashee/Asheesh, Brittyn/John, and me/Nathan all share the same wedding anniversary weekend!

So did I mention the Anime convention and the fact that a whole table walked out of the reception? Yes, it was that kind of wedding.

Here’s my utterly lovely wedding party. They were a riot.

Rashees’s niece with Asheesh. She’s a big hugger.

Asheesh’s niece is really shy. I couldn’t contain my giggles, she wanted no part of the pictures.

As a side note, we had overwhelmed her with a lot of people running around so I closed off the door behind me and let her get more comfortable.

The VIP girls.

I told you they were a fun crowd.

Asheesh’s sister and her family. His niece is having a good time now. I think this is right about when I  introduced my patented monkey sounds.

Both families.

Rashee’s side.

Some adorable ones with Rashee and her parents.

All of the amazing parents.

Asheesh and his parents.

This is making the album. LOVE.

Clothing change, with bonus attitude.

So I know I mentioned that the anime convention was in town. I HAD to get a picture with the banana.

One, because I have this thing with bananas like screaming “I’m a BANANA”.

Two, because we all need an excuse to sing “Peanut Butter Jelly Time” at the top of our lungs. Especially, when we are in San Jose.

Three, because, well, why not?

The Club Regent Ballroom at the Fairmont San Jose just looked amazing.

On to the ceremony – where Rashee’s family welcome Asheesh.

Rashee enters with her brother in law (image by Jamie of Rose Street Studio).

Rashee & Asheesh walked around the fire 7 times.

They were given advice and puffed rice to throw in the fire each time by their cousins.

Asheesh led the final couple of times and they were serenaded by rose petals on the final lap.

Rashee’s sister placed oodles of toe rings on the bride.

The traditional ring exchange.

Married!!!

… where you will find Rashee doing cartwheels in her suite.

You’re thinking, “we get, she’s beautiful. Now let’s see some pics of the groom!”

We begin the baraat. The Baraat is the groom’s procession to the ceremony on a mare, accompanied by his family.

Horse dancing. It’s like car dancing, but WAY cooler.

Did I mention that there was a huge Anime convention in town during the wedding? Um, yeah.

Bad Lynn, no cookie. I know.

First up is Melanie + Clint’s 10×10 flush mount wedding album, wearing a sexy white quill leather. As you blog stalkers may remember, they got married this past April so I’m so excited to have her wedding album in her hands just a few short months later!

The feel of the cover is divine.

Of course, the pages lay flat to show off all of their details! I love this particular spread because it showcases Melanie’s amazing color scheme and simply adorable ring bearer.

I’m a sucker for the last image. I love that last BOOM SHACKALKA BOOM before you close the album.

Next is Kimberly & Brandon’s sexy 12×12 beast. Kimberly and Brandon were married in January of 2009 and I was so excited to get an email from her saying she was ready for a wedding album!

It can be seen here a black damask embossed leather. It’s ludicrously awesome.

Here’s Kimberly’s spread of details. Deep reds, LOVE.

Her own BOOM! last image!

Just a few final images of both albums together Aren’t they just lovely?

I love those thick, modern pages. Yum!

I met Amelia a short while before the wedding and we discussed what she was looking for. She explained it was just a big party with an amazing band. No garter/bouquet/cake – just friends and a good time. My mind was blowing up a little bit as this was definitely out of the norm but yet a photographer’s dream. No fuss, just fun. Complete with a dance off contest. HEAVEN.

(Of course I suggested the needed a Framed booth and that crazy post will follow tomorrow. It will also reveal some sneaky things we have up our sleeves for future Framed Booths.)

Every dance off contest needs a trophy or two.

The band selected the winners!

No exit is complete without a high five run through.

And the obligatory Gnome shot. NOM NOM.