Ceremony: Cathedral of Christ the King
Reception: Maggiano’s Little Italy

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Lisa and I have known each other for a few years through my work with the Archdiocese of Atlanta so I was more than happy when she asked me to cover her wedding a few weeks ago.

When she told me that she and Phillip were getting married at the Cathedral in Atlanta I smiled because I thought about something that I have to take a moment to point out. I realized not too long ago that every single time that I’ve shot a wedding at the Cathedral it has rained. Nothing catastrophic… just your average rain. And on this day mother nature didn’t disappoint but luckily, it didn’t affect Lisa’s day or the schedule in any way. So you’re warned: if you’re getting married at the Cathedral and I’m shooting… it’s going to rain.

Now, this is probably the quintessential “wedding” shot: Coming Down the Isle. There are a lot of photographers out there who are probably going to cringe, but it’s quickly becoming one of my favorites shots to capture. Especially at a Catholic ceremony when they have the full Mass (the Mass + ceremony is usually 1hr+) all the excitement of the day and the emotion that they’ve kept inside finally gets to come out… and you see it right there on their faces!

Favorite moment: we were shooting outside when Fr John arrived on the scene, and with nary a word the first thing he did was give Lisa a blessing, and she was in tears within moments.

Favorite surprise: as I was following Lisa out the side doors right before the Mass was to begin, the door opens in front of her and it’s her dad. Look at the smile on his face!

Favorite shot that’s not mine: Huy Cat was shooting with me again and we think so much alike. We both took this same shot but his was better…

Favorite Cathedral location: If you walk ALL the way around the church and come in the side doors by the sacristy and adoration chapel, this is the view you get.

Favorite shot they’ll love: the consecration being the high point of the Mass, I know this shot will mean the world to Lisa and Phillip. I’m going to blow this one up and send it to Fr. John because he’s asked for images in the past, and I know he’ll love this one.

Favorite little moment: no words, no posing, no prompting, just a little moment in time.

Favorite find: Totally posed, totally prompted. So shoot me. I’ve always loved the light streaming through these windows but I’ve never shot a bride or groom there. I think I like it.

Favorite image: just because. A lot of times there are these images that you see coming a mile away and you just do your best to be there in the right spot at the right time to capture it. This was one of those images, except the mile was more like 1.5 seconds. This is a completely pedestrian moment when we were done shooting outside and Lisa was heading inside to prepare for the ceremony. I decided to follow her and as I saw her begin to transition from the beautiful wash of outdoor light into the recess of the Cathedral I pushed the camera down to knee level, aimed, blind focused and… got the image I saw in my head a moment or two ealier.

Congratulations Lisa and Phillip!

Ben Vigil, CTK Rain Man.