This post is part 3 of a 3-part series. Read part 1 – Read part 2 - Read part 3

This fabulous couple’s wedding reception was held at 515 in Santa Cruz. Talk about a challenge for these photographers! It was dark in there. I couldn’t have gotten the shots I did without the Lightscoop, a small, inexpensive piece of equipment that made it possible to shoot in those dim rooms without the awful results that happen with forward-facing flash.

The newlyweds treated us to an hauntingly sweet duet, with Peter playing the guitar and both of them singing. They claimed that this duet would replace their first dance, but then they gave us a sort of first dance anyway, and everyone was utterly charmed by them for the hundredth time that day. Here are 32 (!!) photos of the first evening of their married lives.

As a special bonus, I’ve included another behind-the-scenes Red Bat shot, about halfway down in this post. It’s Patrick, helping to test the lighting in the area where we expected the first dance to be. By dancing with an invisible partner. Because at Red Bat Photography, we know how to use our imaginations.

Hooray for Crystal and Peter!!

This post is part 3 of a 3-part series. Read part 1 – Read part 2 - Read part 3

Did I mention that the awesome dance moves at the Alicia and Lawrence wedding reception? Our photos simply can’t convey the awesomeness. I tried hard to capture it by spending a large part of the reception crouching on the floor shooting up at people. They were remarkably understanding about my need to do this, and kept on dancing.

All over the world, people dance to celebrate transitions and rites of passage. I think dancing is a terrific way to launch two people into the matrimonial state (not that I have any firsthand experience with being launched into that). Similarly, throwing lavender is a terrific way to hasten the bride and groom to their getaway vehicle. And so, with lavender in their hair and clothes, and embarrassing phrases lovingly scribbled on their car by their friends, Alicia and Lawrence began their married life…

This post is part 2 of a 3-part series. Read part 1 – Read part 2 - Read part 3

Future wedding clients, be warned: I WILL follow you everywhere I possibly can on your wedding day. (Don’t worry, it won’t be creepy or anything.) I especially like to ride in the car with the bride because it’s such a perfect opportunity to use my wide-angle lens. And lots of interesting stuff happens in the car on a wedding day.

The most fun thing to take pictures of at a wedding? Definitely the dancing. First dances get me all choked up, and then when everyone’s had a glass of champagne and starts dancing as a group, we photographers start clicking like mad, not having any idea what we’re getting pictures of but knowing it will be highly entertaining to look at in the days to come.

This post is part 2 of a 3-part series. Read part 1 – Read part 2 - Read part 3