A wedding in Venice-Part 1

     Meeting the parents of the bride & groom is always an exciting time for me. However, in many years as a photographer, I never in my wildest dreams thought I'd be travelling 1200 miles to St Marks square in Venice to do just that. Before the trip I spent much time on the world wide web, researching this beautiful city. It's streets, canals, architecture and atmosphere were all going to play a part in the success of this trip. In our pre-wedding meetings we discussed the fact that there may be other people encroaching on their pictures. That too we agreed, would add to the occasion and the atmosphere.
     The day arrived and before we new it, we were walking through the streets en-route to our hotel. Whoever decided to put wheels on suitcases was a genius. Camera kit is not light at the best of times but when you need to transport storage and back-up devices, power cables, leads, batteries and more batteries, then you realise what's involved in organizing your travel load.

     Meeting Pete and Laurens families and friends was followed by an hours shoot that first evening. It was fun and relaxing for all, and it had to be. In the coming hours I had to be their best friend. Gain their trust and at the end of the day produce stunning images for them. As professionals, that is paramount!
     The following morning saw another shoot at 8am. Again in St Mark's square only this time a lot quieter. Following this, a meeting with the officials in the Basilica including the monsignor who was going to marry them and a visit down to the crypt where the whole event was going to take place.

      Our last appointment was at the Town Hall (yes even Venice has a town hall) where Pete & Lauren were to sign the legal documents. So you may ask 'were they now married'? Well yes and no. They signed documents so on paper they were, but the real marriage takes place tomorrow.
      We parted ways at lunchtime as much work was still to be done for both them and us. We had to find hotels. Trace routes between the canals and historic streets. Cover the route from where the bride was leaving to the Basilica where it was all going to happen. But before that we need to download cards and back them up. We also needed to eat and maybe try a cornetto. Well just one!
     Tomorrow I'll cover the groom's preparations and his route to the square then wednesday it will be the brides turn and ladies wait till you see 'those' shoes!

Click the images for a larger version.