This wedding is significant to me as it involves a community of people I find very dear. Who make where I live, not just a town, but a village. A village I am very proud to be a part of.
This month marks the 4th year my family and I moved to Port Townsend.
Moving to a small, sophisticated, bustling town is tough cookies. When we first arrived, I felt like the “new kid” who didn’t have a network, peers, or friends. The weirdo with strange ideas, mannerisms, and an odd sense of humor. Needless to say, I was very alone.
When introducing myself to strangers, the question, “So what do you do?” often came up. My reply? “I’m a photographer.” The responses received were a mixture of pity and “awe that’s cute.” I even offered my card to someone and was waved away along with the words, “Oh, no thanks. We have plenty of photographers in town.” I felt myself sink, much like a snail finding safety within a shell.
I didn’t touch my camera for 8 months.
It took nearly a year to find the gumption to pick up my camera again. But when I did, I did it for me. I photographed what I loved about this town, the people I grew to know and admire. I had no boundaries and began finding confidence in my work. I pushed myself to capture stories of people in the most honest way. To find their quirks, their uniqueness. I wanted these people to see why they were so wonderful.
Danny and Meredith’s wedding was one where much of the village came together to celebrate their love. The people who attended have become some of my dearest friends. People who support one another, who understand the importance of what it means to be a part of a community.
To say I was honored to photograph their ceremony is an understatement.
It was an overcast, yet warm March afternoon. We were surrounded by trees and flowers just bloomed and the words spoken below a canopy of budding leaves were sincere and heart-warming. There was an aura of respect for the wild as 250 plus people witnessed the union between two genuine human beings.
Games like Kubb were played, fresh farm-to-table food and drink was aplenty, and music from live, local bands got everyone on their feet to dance the night away.
It was a good day to remind myself that I am so incredibly lucky to live in this tiny, seaport town.
