photo below by elaine
Some cats just know how to throw a party. Others know how to join it. R.J. and Ellen did both.
I was lucky enough to be invited to their St. Maarten wedding party at a private villa. R.J. is a great friend from college who has found perhaps one of the sweetest gals on the planet – besides my lovely wife, Elaine, of course, who served as second shooter for this one (rough gig, eh?). Many thanks are due for her putting up with my demands as I sweat through every inch of Banana Republic I had on during the wedding.
Around 3am as the party raged on, I had a conversation with someone who gave me a bunch of grief for still taking photos and not drinking (enough) and relaxing. I explained that while I will accept his gin-and-tonic to join the celebration, I just can’t put my cameras down for this one until the last soul leaves. You know it’s a good one when that happens. There was just too much to be missed.
I mean, really, when does the bride decide to go for a swim with her dress on? Amazing.
As far as St. Maarten? Gorgeous. Go if you can – wonderful little island. I’ve never seen taxis drive so fast and restaurants serve so slow. It’s called “Island Time.”
R.J. and Ellen gave us a welcome dose of it and provided some really beautiful moments to witness. Every time I shoot a wedding like this, I am constantly reminded how lucky I am to be in this field making pictures in new places week in and week out.
Cheers, my friends…to many years of rum, cigars, and love.
