There’s a lot I need to say about this wedding, so bear with me. I know photos are where it’s at, but this was a special one. This was my sister’s wedding.
Yes, I shot it. I never would have expected that – I always figured that if someone close to me got married, I’d want to not have to worry about the photography and be able to just enjoy the wedding. But it quickly became apparent that that simply wasn’t going to happen.
I love photography. Shooting weddings fulfills me. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to be my sister’s photographer. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d be doing something wrong by shooting the wedding of someone so close to me – like I’d miss the day or something. From the start, they wanted someone who “shot like me”, so whether my style was what they were looking for wasn’t an issue. I recommended a few of my trusted photographer friends to them, thinking I’d hand off the photography side and just “enjoy the wedding”.
But one day I realized I couldn’t do that. I wanted to experience her wedding, and I wanted to be her photographer. There wasn’t any other way, really. I wanted to shoot it, and I wanted to shoot it with all of the heart and strength and creativity I could find within myself. I ran the idea by Kristen and Joe, and they were thrilled.
I can’t even explain to you how significant the wedding day was. I was surrounded by many of my closest friends, and certainly by my dear family. Watching my dad walk my sister down the aisle through my viewfinder, and seeing Joe fighting tears, almost undid me. It was monumental. More significance than I’ve ever experienced doing what I do, and by far.
My son Cameron was a ring bearer. My girl Lillian was a flower girl. I watched them make a long walk towards the aisle, seeing Cameron monitor his walking speed so as to not overwhelm little Lillian. He cared about her. When she sat down right in the middle of the aisle, Cameron covered his mouth with his hands and burst into laughter. Lillian did the same, and then got up and grabbed Cameron’s hand, and they ran to my beautiful wife at the front of the aisle.
I danced with my wife, I danced with my son, and I danced with my sister and new brother.
I can’t explain what it was like to be their photographer really – it was heavy in a lot of ways. I care a lot about what I do. I care deeply about making photos that people love, and all I wanted on that day was to make photos that my sister and Joe and my family loved.
It wasn’t easy – it was pretty stressful at times, in fact. But the whole day, wrapped up in a big ball of joy+stress+tears+excitement+laughter+dancing+preparation, was a significant life event.
It was one of those things that you can’t really describe in whole, and can only feel in your chest.
MANY thanks to my associate Kelsey, who shot when I couldn’t, and made it so I could relax at the reception.
show hide 16 comments
Dee - Well done Ken! The pictures are so beautiful, you can really feel the love. Family weddings are so stressful. Congrats to your sister. She’s stunning!
sara forte - welp, you had me at the intro. That “feeling in your chest”…I know it. Only felt it a few times, but you don’t forget.
What a huge undertaking and you did it SO SO well. This is a visually emotional post, and only every now and again do I honestly see that come through in wedding pictures. I’m sure the fact that she is your sister helped with that, but it is truly work to be proud of.
Matthew - So rad!
benj haisch - amazing dude. I was smiling big all the way through
benj haisch - also, this might be the cutest photo ever taken. http://www.kenkienow.com/blogcontent/Paradise-Springs-Wedding/Paradise-Springs-Wedding-38.jpg
brett maxwell - Haha, I love this, the trusty 35: http://www.kenkienow.com/blogcontent/Paradise-Springs-Wedding/Paradise-Springs-Wedding-34.jpg
And I hope Kelsey got this one, not sure what I’d think of my sister pulling that in front of me
http://www.kenkienow.com/blogcontent/Paradise-Springs-Wedding/Paradise-Springs-Wedding-56.jpg
Leah - ken – you captured kristen and joe’s wedding so perfectly! that day was awesome and i know that it had to do with all of the amazing people that love them dearly. you love what you do and it’s reflected in your photos. it’s one of the reasons that i love your pictures. and you can bust a move on the dance floor and that’s a plus in my book.
tim - Ken, dude you crush this. I don’t know you nor do i know your family but i felt as if i was there and i experience the emotion of the day. As a tog i am sure it was tough on you to see the day not as a creative but also of someone you love. I honestly can say that this was one of the best weddings i have seen in a long time.. great work dude really great work.
Jill Kienow - Thinking about that weekend and looking at your work gives me that chest feeling all over again. Thanks again for capturing a wonderful celebration so perfectly.
gabe aceves - friggin amazing ken. it makes me wish i could have photographed my sisters wedding.
Emily - This post made me cry, and I don’t even know your sister. But I know how your photos of my wedding day make me feel, and I know how much you love your family, and these photos are gorgeous and just oozing with love. And that beautiful california light. And could Cameron & Lillian be any cuter? I love, love, love the photo of you walking down the aisle with your camera in hand. Such a great set of photos. I need to go blow my stuffy-from-getting-choked-up nose now.
J Shoda - Awesome Ken. A true insider’s perspective and it turned out beautifully.
Sarah - Your love for this wedding really shows through, Ken. You should be very proud. Your sister is a lucky gal to have such a talented and passionate brother!
Kristen - I don’t know how many times on our wedding day I looked at you taking pictures and thought “I’m SO glad it’s him”. Having you there playing such a priceless role in our day meant so much to Joe and I, and will always be such a special memory for us. We get to relive our wedding day every time we look through the pictures you took, and I can’t tell you how much that means to us. Thanks, I love you.
Cameron Ingalls - pretty stinkin awesome! beautiful wedding….. beautiful bride!!! great work shooting it and participating in it.
Erin Davenport - Many smiles, laughs and teary-eyed moments were had by me as I absorbed this post. Still smiling
“Special” doesn’t even begin to describe it!