I’ve always enjoyed history and I’m particularly fascinated by looking through old photos. Particularly those photos which are meaningful to me in terms of specific people and places I have known. Maybe I’m just a bit of a geek…
As our family back stories are so personal and unique to us, we’re naturally drawn to the nostalgia of old photos – especially those involving our parents, siblings and other close family. I could spend hours flicking through old family photo albums. And it’s amazing how many family ties you can explore online.
My parents were married in 1974, a few years before I was born. So obviously I have absolutely no memory of their day! But looking back at the faded Kodak prints of their wedding I can’t help feeling intrigued about their wedding day schedule and how it all unfolded.
It’s funny to see my grandparents, aunts and uncles in their garish 1970s clothing – with my dad & others rocking their crazy long hair, and some pretty bold suits and flares!
But what I’m drawn to the most is not these kind of awkward-looking group photos with forced smiles. I’ve always preferred the more real, candid moments. My favourite is probably a simple moment between my Mum & my granddad in the back of the wedding car.
You can tell he is bursting with pride & she just looks really excited & happy. So I love this photo and feel like it captures a special moment.
But I also love the image of my dad cutting their wedding cake, which the page boy is clearly eyeing up!
These are exactly the kind of natural, documentary-style wedding photos that I strive to take for my couples, and not just for them – for the next generation who might not have even been born yet. Authentic, meaningful and joyful photos that will become part of family history.