I was a spreadsheet kind of bride; meticulously scrutinizing every aspect of what makes a wedding a wedding. I spent weeks pouring over the internet for the perfect photographer. We chose not to get a videographer, so it really upped the stress on who to get for pictures because they would be the only tangible memory of our special day.
I hate to admit it, but I was extremely picky. This one didn't edit enough, that one used the same edit constantly, this one only had outdoor experience, etc. Every photographer I found had a downfall I couldn't overlook. Then, through some divine intervention, I found Jonathan's page. He had it all, variety, experience, with bated breath I asked for an investment list, and what do you know- incredible prices to boot.
I had found my photographer, but now came the "was it the right choice" time frame. We had a long engagement, 2 years, and I booked Jonathan about a year and a half in advance I believe. As our engagement pictures came up, so did my stress levels. What if we aren't as photogenic as those other couples? What if our personalities don't come through and we look like completely different people? What if I have my eyes closed in all of the pictures or my eyebrows are messed up?
The day of engagement pictures came and once we got out there, my fears melted away. He let us interact as we normally would and captured moments I took for granted. He made suggestions that turned into masterpieces. And he did it all with a cheery, stress-free attitude. When we got the pictures, they were everything I could have hoped for. Each picture was seamlessly edited but you could still see the time he took to infuse as much love as possible into each one.
I took bridal portraits at a B&B in Natchitoches and on the river front (along with a much bigger posse than I intended, but again Jonathan handled them all fabulously, ensuring my smiles for the pictures were genuine throughout the night). I don't have high self esteem by any means, but the bridals I received from him looked like something from a magazine. I couldn't believe it was me!
Finally, our wedding came around. People running around, trying to make sure the bride isn't seen, family every where, and through it all, Jonathan- silently documenting the love among the chaos. He slipped through the church and I never heard so much as a click from his camera. I was able to fully focus on my rapidly-becoming-husband and the vows we were promising to each other.
The reception flew by in a flash, but I remember a calm moment, there was nothing to do but dance, and my husband lead me to a quiet corner so we could just whisper to and hold each other for a minute. I have no idea where he came from, but there was Jonathan instantly, capturing our small piece of alone time and immortalizing it forever.
I haven't seen my wedding pictures yet, but I have no doubt they're going to be everything I ever hoped for and more. Jonathan is an incredible person as well as photographer and I would recommend him to anyone that is interested in having someone shoot your wedding that truly cares for you as an individual and does nothing but add to the experience.