Kendi and Bryan got married about 18 months ago. I was supposed to play piano at their wedding, but then they changed the date and forgot to tell me until it was too late and I could not make the new date. Someday I’ll forgive them.
Bryan has been sort of like my little brother for close to 10 years when He was still in High School and I had a couple of years of college left. His parents were really good to me and Amy when we first got married, and Bryan’s just cool beyond his years. He’s like my family and I guess I’ve gotten a little protective of him, because when he announced to me a couple of years ago that he was getting married, I was secretly a little suspicious, because, this girl seemed great and all, but no one’s good enough for Bryan. You probably know how that goes.
Well I’ve really gotten to know Kendi since then, and all I can say is man, did Bryan marry above himself. I mean he seriously lucked out. I’m not sure I’ve met anyone ever that makes me laugh as much as Kendi. She’s simply wonderful, and Bryan is lucky to have her, and I hope he realizes it and doesn’t screw it up. (Hear that B?)
They were in town a few months ago and we were chatting over Pizza and Kendi mentioned to me that she had never gotten any bridals done, and wondered if I might be willing to shoot some for her. Of course I jumped all over it, especially when she said “I mean I’m not going to wear it again, so we can do whatever, as long as you don’t set it on fire.”
So we spent our 4th of July morning doing a marathon bridal shoot across Austin. Literally. All across it. In case any of you don’t know, Austin is in the midst of a major heat wave. We started our shoot at 8 in the morning, and it was already above 90 degrees. By the time we finished at 11, it was over 100. So, these guys are not only beautiful, but tough as hell. I know harp all the time about self-editing, but I’ve never had such a hard time narrowing down a group of shots. These are simply some of my favorite photos I’ve ever taken. I’m just going to post a whole bunch of stuff here, and believe me, this is the short list. So I give you, Kendi’s Bridals, in three parts. It’s way too long, and I’m sorry about that. I’m warning you now. Get yourself a snack, stay hydrated and take frequent breaks to rest if you need to. If you can persevere to the end, I think you’ll be glad you did.
Part 1. there’s a great new rail station not too far from where I live, and it seemed like a great place to start. Because, really, what’s more romantic than a girl in a wedding dress at a train station?
See that sky? I swear, I did not enhance it. And I’d tell you if I did. Sometimes you just don’t have a choice, but the sky was gorgeous that day. I just underexposed a little to get the vibrance, and then recovered the rest of the photo in post with a little levels adjustment. If I could have one super power, it might be the ability to form cumulus clouds whenever I want. Because they are so beautiful in photographs.
Part 2. We headed out to my new favorite spot. I know I was just complaining about not getting to use my off-camera lights much in real situations, but I’m using them here, exactly like I did in the shoot with Amy a couple of weeks ago. I love the haunting feel of those photos, and I thought a bride in the middle of the forrest at night could make for some interesting stuff. I am absolutely not above re-using a good idea.
Part 3 I’m not going to say much about part 3. It speaks for itself really, but let’s just say it involved a trampoline, my good friend’s front yard, and some curious neighbors.
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