To start, I arrived at the hotel early and while waiting in the Lobby for Katherine to let me know I could come up to the room, I was confronted by a burly looking woman who asked a million questions about who I was, and why I was there and telling me I couldnt take pictures. Of course, these situations happen usually when I am shooting news events - not weddings - so I was caught off guard a bit - but none-the-less turned into defensive mode telling the lady I'm in a public area and can take pictures of whatever I want and publish them where ever I want. -- not that I had any intention of publishing any photos I shot that day -- but just to argue the principle. -- Seeing as she was getting nowhere with me (and at this point our voices are raised a bit) - she backs off and goes to complain to someone else. - A few minutes later, another woman comes up, this time a bit less aggressive in her questioning and explains to me that there is an "alternative life-style" (read:fetish) festival going on in the hotel, and that if their member's pictures get out, it will ruin families, lives, etc. (read: these people are cheating on their husbands/wives and don't want anyone finding out).
An interesting start to a wedding, that's for sure! - I assured the lady that I couldn't possibly care any less about their fetish festival, and that if they don't want their members in photos, then their members should stay clear of the lobby while I shoot my bridal party. -- I also find out that most of the guests of the wedding also happen to be staying in the same hotel, so I'm sure there are many more fun stories from the wedding guests. - I heard about a couple very interesting elevator rides!! lol!
Moving on, the bridal party comes down and Katherine and Scott see each other for the first time and then we are out of there!! -- And I think we are all very happy to be getting away from that hotel at that point! :)
The rest of the day -- perfect! - We head to Evergreen to do some photos around the grounds prior to the ceremony -- such a beautiful location! After a few quick formals with the bridal party and some bride and groom shots, we are in a hurry to get to the church so we are off! - Some more formals prior to the wedding (love it when couples do this, it saves so much time afterwards!) and then right into the ceremony!
The reception took place at the Evergreen Carriage House - a beautiful old building which at one time looked to be used as a stable. My wife being a big horse girl would have loved it!!
One point worth noting for anyone thinking about planning an event at Evergreen - there did seem to be some animosity amongst the museum staff at Evergreen who did not seem to like us walking the grounds of the main house to take photos when the couple had only rented out the carriage house and not the main house. -- While they didn't say anything to me directly, I did get the impression they may have let Katherine know their feelings - which of course, I think is absurd given that there was no event at the main house and the no-doubt hefty price tag the couple paid to rent the Carriage House! The wedding staff (note- different than museum staff) at Evergreen however was excellent! :)
Scott and Katherine had a live band as opposed to a DJ - and while all venues simply do not have the room for a live band, it worked well here! Not to mention - Live bands are amazing!! They really get the party going like no DJ can do (sorry DJ's)!
Scott & Katherine - another amazing wedding from my point of view - fantastic group of friends who are not afraid to party (which is really what makes a wedding in my opinion!)! -- I couldn't ask for a better job than to be shooting weddings like this! :)
