Martha and Ryan's wedding was at Martins' Caterer Westminster, Maryland and was a joyful and fun-filled occasion.
When I first met the newly engaged couple, I knew right away that the wedding was going to be fun. Both Martha and Ryan just beam with happiness. Yet, they are down to earth in an earnest and real way.
Since Martin's Caterers has a groom and bridal suite, I was able to spend my pre-ceremony time with the bride and groom.Â
And since I got there in plenty of time, I was also able to watch and photograph guests as they arrived. Everyone walking through the doors was so joyous and filled with anticipation of a great wedding.
Martha arrived a little late, and some of the guests were already in the lobby when she came through the lobby doors in her robe. Talk about a grand entrance! I was glad I was there waiting for her to arrive and catch those moments.
Our first meeting was to photograph their engagement photos. I like to laugh and have adventures and love photographing engagements because we can be flexible and spontaneous. I often start my sentences with "What do you think about going there or doing this?" and every time I came up with an idea the both of them were just as eager as I was. While we explored the campus both Martha and Ryan were more than happy to go anywhere and pretty much do anything I thought would be fun.
Westminster is home to both Ryan, Martha, and their families. They both went to the same high school but didn't date or spend much time with each other. However, as Ryan told me "I liked her even in high school but always thought she was out-of-my-league."
"I thought he was cute and but shy, but in all honesty, I was focused on getting good grades and going to college. I didn't date much in high school and then we lost track of each other while we were both in college." Martha said as we walked about the campus.
Now, as luck or fate would have it after college Ryan returned to Westminster to start his career and also started attending the same church as Martha. While doing out-reach for the ministry they got reacquainted with each other and renewed the friendship.
Over time, the friendship blossomed into romance.
During the ceremony, Martha's mom who was not only the mother-of-the-bride but also the officiant and is the minister of their church, told the story of how Ryan would come to the house with Martha, and Martha would introduce him as her friend.
"I could see the disappointment in Ryan's face whenever Martha said that they were just friends. But I have to give him kudos for hanging in there and never giving up. It was like he knew that she felt more than friendship for him but was not ready to admit the truth to herself."
When Martha's mom told the story, I looked over at Ryan and saw his face just beaming with happiness. There is nothing like it for a photographer than watching a story unfold and anticipating the moments.
After the ceremony, the bridal party met on the grand staircase for photos, and then off we went for the reception and the party.
And let me tell you, the party started right away! The bride and groom and the guest didn't even wait for dinner to be over. No, the dancing started right away and only stopped so people could eat.
I am so grateful to have been the photographer for these two wonderful people and wish them both joy and love for the rest of their life.
If you want to see some of Martha and Ryan's engagement photos, click here:Â engagement photosÂ
We photographed the photos at McDaniel college:Â Campus website
Want to see more of my photos click here:Â Portfolio
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