Wesley & Charmaine’s Wedding Day | Focus Photography at Arlington Estate

Wesley and Charmaine were only two words away from forever. After months of preparation and coordination, the day has finally come. But, of course, not without the beloved door games. I have really grown an affinity with this tradition. Any mention of it, and I am already out on the road on my way to document every second of it.

As per usual, I was red in the face, and sick to the stomach from laughter. But with every ounce of confidence and sheer will, Wesley manages to persevere. Nothing says love quite like a sausage tied to a string in the mouth.

Wesley ran for his life to finally see his wife-to-be in the flesh. And upon gazing at her, he was smitten all over. Wesley grabbed a hold of her hands and kissed her so sweetly. Then, he and Charmaine went down the stairs to proceed with the tea ceremony.

Once the day of their wedding had arrived, I was jittery with anticipation. Some days, I become wracked with nerves, because I want to do well and I don’t want to disappoint anybody who depends on my skills to bring out the best in every picture. But, as soon as I got to the Arlington Estate, I had mostly calmed down. Instead, I was swept away with the decorations.

It looked like I had just walked into an Avant-Garde painting. The aisle was dressed up in beautiful floral arrangements. And don’t get me started on that archway! I was so in love with everything they did to the space.

Right as Charmaine walked along the stony path walk, I became more obsessed with their wedding! Honestly, every moment felt like a showstopper. Her wedding dress had a sweetheart neckline and it had layers upon layers of tulle that made her look like a ballerina. I mean, even Wesley couldn’t keep himself from tearing up… rightfully so!

And the way he held the back of her head so gently as he kissed her, I felt my heart skipping a beat as I snapped a picture of them. As I pressed click, I realized that all this time, whenever the bride and groom kissed, I had just captured the exact moment they finally became husbands and wives. And that epiphany felt so special to me because in the moment, you become so engrossed in what is happening, that you never truly process any of the moments until you review your day in your head.

So, I felt so glad to be able to let people experience the exact feelings, emotions, and moments for a second time when they look back on their pictures. And to be able to give them that experience over and over again, it makes my job all the more worth it to me.

When the reception rolled in, the energy only grew louder and brighter. The room was filled with heartfelt speeches, endless laughter, and a sea of clinking glasses that echoed. Wesley and Charmaine spent the entire evening surrounded by family and friends who clearly adored them. Every toast was met with roaring applause, every dance a memory in motion. As I watched from behind my camera, I couldn’t help but smile knowing that every frame was another page in their love story.

By the end of the night, as guests filled the dance floor and laughter echoed through the hall, I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. To be trusted with moments as intimate and fleeting as these is something I’ll never take for granted. And I shall take every piece of their story with me as I grow more as a photographer.