Wow, what a whirlwind trip! In the capital of Country Music, we gathered to help Cousin Ben welcome Emily to the clan. My lovely bride and I could only be there for the ceremony and reception. We got in Saturday early afternoon, and had an early flight back on Sunday morning. We need to plan a longer visit!

Of course, I take pictures. Not as many as I should, but I try. We couldn’t (shouldn’t) take pictures during the ceremony. Probably a restriction by the clergy at the venue or something; I didn’t research too much. But I figured if the Mother of the Groom wasn’t going to take pictures during the ceremony (she wanted to and had a camera!), well, I’M certainly not going to show disrespect! There’s always *after* the ceremony!

© 2012. With the groom's family

Ben and Emily had what appeared to be a very accomplished photographer. He was shooting on a medium format camera; I didn’t quite catch the brand–which really only matters for reasons of status! Anyhow, he was shooting film, but also had a DSLR. This fellow was very quietly going about his business, getting all the formals and what-not. He didn’t seem to have any issues with the other photographers hanging out (mostly just me). The photographer’s assistant (I think) got everybody arranged in the various groupings, and I managed to get some snaps. Trying not to interfere with the photographer, of course. Little lesson here: if you’re at a wedding or other event, where a photographer has been hired to make pictures, do realize that the couple has spent a TON of money on that photographer, and try not to ruin his shots. Even if it means not taking pictures. It’s only respectful.

Ben and Emily were kind enough to look at me for a couple of shots. Really nice of Emily, since she had absolutely NO idea who I was–just some strange guy with a camera.

© 2012. Ben and Emily give me a quick pose

The reception was pretty spectacular. Oddly, I remember events by the food. For my own wedding, we had simply the BEST barbecue in the WHOLE, WIDE, WORLD! Literally! Well, there was steak to be had at this wedding reception. And let me tell you, that was the single-most tastiest, absolutely tenderest steak I have ever eaten in my life! It just melted in my mouth! I understand the chicken and salmon dishes were delicious, too, but Oh My God that steak!  One bite and all thoughts of making a picture of it just disappeared. THAT’S how good it was!

© 2012. Ben and Emily relax for a minute.

My lovely bride and I were seated pretty close to the table of honor, so I got another “looking at me” shot. Ben is like, “yeah, I’m the luckiest guy in the world!” It was great seeing those two together; even though I had just met Emily, I could tell the couple was quite enamored of each other. I’m really hoping we can spend more time in that part of the country. We don’t get to hang with that part of the family enough at all.

© 2012. Ben and Emily

Congratulations, Ben and Emily! Here’s to a joyous, long, and prosperous life together!

© 2012. Cutting the cake