When Wedding Photographers get married – Our Story
Wedding photographers shoot weddings. And sometimes the bride and groom are wedding photographers:
Critsey and I both belong to an online forum for professional wedding photographers, the DWF. We met in Las Vegas at the DWF’s annual Convention in March 2007 while I still lived in Munich, Germany.
I was bummed that I couldn’t memorize everybody’s name so I started taking pictures with my cell phone of all the attendees holding up their name tags. This was when I also took a snapshot of Critsey and her friends.
Critsey says she noticed my accent and asked me where I was from. When I said I was from Germany, she told me the only German she knew: “ich liebe dich” (I love you). She says I totally blew her off then and turned away! That’s her version … :-)
My version: I really didn’t know what to reply. I wanted to say something witty, but my brain was blank. She was pretty cute …
A few days after the Convention and back to our homes we both started contacting each other via email. Then came the phone, then Skype with video. And it went from there. We quickly recognized that we had a lot in common – we were soul mates. And the visual attraction wasn’t bad either …
In May a business trip to London for Critsey was extended to a week long date in Paris. It was like a honeymoon. There’s no better place than the City of Love!
This was when it became clear: it is true love. Not much later I came to the States to stay with Critsey and I never left. The following months brought us together in work as well as in private life.
Several trips to Chicago, New York and other places followed, when I eventually proposed to Critsey in NY in late 2007. We knew it would happen!
Critsey and I didn’t want to wait too long to finally be husband and wife, and on March 19, 2008 we said “I do!” in a small and intimate ceremony together with closest friends and family.
Of course wedding photographers want great pictures of their wedding, so the amazing Amanda Pryde of Indigo shot the ceremony.
Soon after, Critsey and I went to NY again to have an After Session photographed by the very talented photographers Monika Broz and David Mielcarek.
As photographers we’re hard to please, but we were totally blown away when we saw the images. And we had so much fun doing the session with them!
Later this year Critsey and I are going to Europe where we will have a ceremony with my family and friends in Germany followed by a “real” honeymoon.
Greek or Italy, we haven’t decided yet. But our cameras will definitely be in the luggage!
July 4th, 2008 at 12:53 am
T – This post made me all teary. I kind of knew the story (um, after the wedding!) but it was great to see it in photos and so well written. You guys are so smokin’ hot in these photos, both the wedding and after session. You radiate happiness. I am so glad to have met you and Critsey through one of your DWF GTGs last summer. You are both so awesome and I am blessed to have you as friends. You rock both behind and in front of the camera! When is the next GTG, by the way? I miss seeing you.
July 4th, 2008 at 3:27 am
Awwww……What a sweet story, and FABULOUS photos! I want to be Critsey when I grow up!!! Congratulations again, you two.
July 4th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Oh my goodness, these are beautiful! What a gorgeous couple you make!!! Critsey, you are such a stunning bride!!!!!
July 4th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Oh My Goodness! I started crying. Why? Because you two are so great! I could feel the love through the pictures! Critsey I am so happy that you found your dream man. Thomas I am so glad you found your soul mate. You two are perfect for each other. Some people search their whole lives to find that special mate. When you find them your heart will know! The rode will be long and sometimes dumpy. But take it from me when you look into the eyes of your spouse and see that love, you know its all worth it. I feel blessed and honored to have been a part of your special day. Critsey you know I have loved you for many years, we have been through a lot and you are very dear to me. Thomas I loved you the minute I met you, I knew you where the one for Critsey, I am very glad to now have you as a friend. Michael and I are very happy to have great friends like you two.
I pray God will bless your lives with never ending love and romance.
I love you both, Joni
July 4th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Well well! I knew you two sneaky snakes were up to something!! A HUGE congratulations to you! I’m thrilled for ya and your shots are (of course!) brilliant!
Cheers, Alan.
July 4th, 2008 at 11:43 am
You guys are too CUTE!! :) I’ve heard the story but it was so much fun to see all the pictures to go with it! Congrats again my friends! :)
Love,
Mel
July 5th, 2008 at 9:14 am
I am the luckiest girl in the world to have such great friends and such a hot husband! Thanks for the sweet comments!
July 5th, 2008 at 9:56 am
BEAUTIFUL pictures of a beautiful person – how amazing to see your huge smile and your handsome husband – wishing you a lifetime of happiness!
July 5th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
What a wonderful story! Thanks for sharing! =)
July 5th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Congrats you two! And Thomas thanks for sharing more photos of your wedding day. You two are so cute together!!
July 6th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Wow! What an amazing story! There is something to be said about serendipity……..
Thanks for sharing with me…….your story brings me brilliant cheer!
much love,
Frasia
July 6th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Love you guys! Congratualtions & Thank You for sharing your special day with us!
July 6th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
[...] Read more of their love story (and see more photos) at Thomas’ blog. [...]
July 7th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Congratulations Critsey and Thomas! Critsey, you are truly a beautiful person and deserve all the happiness in the world!!
July 7th, 2008 at 11:00 am
So bascically you’re saying that you fell in love shooting John and I at our esession and our wedding? :) Ya’ll are awesome. What great shots! Ya’ll are wonderful and I’m so happy for you both. John sends his love and congrats as well!
September 10th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog. :) Cheers! Sandra. R.