Sabrina as "Photo Girl" at Shandi & Charm's Wedding...
On
Saturday, July 26, 2003, I got yet another opportunity of a lifetime! I've
been photographing weddings for years, while secretly checking out the
latest fashions and make-up techniques :-) All the while wishing I could
be wearing something a little more comfortable, like a leather mini skirt
and heels!
So when Shandi asked if I would photograph her wedding to Charm, on Saturday, July 26, 2003, when they renewed their wedding vows in a very special ceremony, I was so excited.
A few weeks before the wedding, I was out shopping with Diane Knox, and found a cute little black dress with subtle blue highlights. We were in drab, so I waited until I was home to try it on and was so happy that it fit! I just love wearing tight clingy clothing, because it feels like you are wearing a hug all day long!
I got to the "Brides" house at about 3:30 and met Shandi who had just gotten back from the "Beauty Parlor" after having her hair done! I took a few pics of her at the magic mirror while she put on her make-up. Then the wedding party arrived. Vanessa was the maid of honor, with Natalie and Ardra as bride's maids.
Once everyone was ready, we headed downstairs to Shandi's "studio" to take formal portraits of the Bride, Shandi, and her groom, Charm! Plus their two very pretty daughters, who looked so grown up in their dresses. Good thing they had Shandi around, to give them lessons on how to walk in high heels!! So, with pics of the Bride and her girls, and the Groom and her, er, his, groomsmen, we headed of to Kildonan Park for formal pics.
That was so cool!! I've photographed lots of weddings in Kildonan Park, and walking around photographing a bride while wearing a mini dress and heels was abaolutely a wonderful experience! It was a beautiful day and the park was very crowded with lots of visitors, and a few other wedding parties too!!
We found a nice spot, nearest the roadway, and began snapping away. Shandi had to be the prettiest bride in the park, and had lots of cars slowing down to take a peek! Andrea walked about with the video camera recording every special moment!
The most special part of the shoot, was taking a photo of the bride and groom near the foot bridge, to duplicate a wedding photo of the "Bride" and "Groom" that was taken when Shandi and Charm wed 10 years ago!!
Then it was off to Club Happenings for the ceremony and the social evening afterward!! The hall was decorated with balloons, by Kim of "Air of Excitement", who had come down personaly to set things up. Linda, one of the Masquerade members, was there setting up the wedding cake that she baked specialy for Shandi & Charm. Plus, a nice display had been set up showing some of Shandi & Charm's wedding photos from 10 years ago, and more pics from recent times.
After filling up on pizza in the back room, it was time to touch up the make-up and face the crowd. The ceremony was a very touching service which had all us girls near tears with happiness for our special girl friend and her life partner. Andrea recorded the whole service on video tape, while I snapped away with Shandi's digital camera! (I gotta get me one of those!)
There were so many special moments through the evening, the first dance, cutting of the cake, to the groom tossing the garter and the bride throwing the bouquet! Shandi and Charm spent the evening thanking all their very special guests who chose to share this special day with them.
For
the complete "Wedding Story", and lots of pics, visit Shandi's
web site..
http://groups.msn.com/ShandisPrettyPlace/mywedding1.msnw
Thank you Shandi and Charm, for letting me be part of your
special day!
**BIG HUGS & BEST WISHES TO BOTH OF YOU**
Thanks for reading my story,
Sabrina
E-mail me at sabrina_markes@masquerade.ca
Member of the Winnipeg support group - "Masquerade"