Should I Photograph My Sibling’s Wedding?

I got a LOT of questions regarding shooting my sister's wedding. A few years ago, I photographed my twin sister's wedding (Bianca and Matt at Sunstone Winery in Santa Ynez), and agreed to do so without thinking things through. I merely thought, Well, of course I'll be the maid of honor, shoot the wedding, and facilitate my family's requests…easy! But what transpired was a lot more working than being in the moment. That's my biggest regret. I spent most of the day running around like a mad woman that I didn't take a step back just to be.

I swore to myself that I'd never shoot another family wedding again.

When Alexandria and Martin asked me to photograph their wedding, I sat dumbfounded. I mean, I either shot the wedding or they were passing out disposable cameras to guests. No, really. But before I could think things through, Alexandria said the one thing I needed to hear: I don't need a thousand photos…I just want my memories preserved by you, but I also want you to enjoy the day. I want you to put down the camera and be with me, with us.

Alexandria granted me the liberty to be her sister with a fancy camera, not her wedding photographer. That made all the difference in the world.

If you'd like to see behind-the-scene photos of what it's like to work with family, here are a few…I don't even know what the heck was going on in this photo. I didn't know what to wear for the wedding, so I opted for my traditional black dress attire, but changed my shoes for photos. I think JD said to pretend like I was walking during an earthquake.

JD just always looks cooler than me. Always. When I give posing prompts, I look like I'm making SOS signs with my arms.

CASE IN POINT!
This is me trying to corral my family for portraits…I took no prisoners.

Sister…hair stylist…photographer…and, yes, I asked Martin to hold my camera while I worked. Can you say DIVA??

Happy Friday!