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The Hard Rock Cafe is an interesting venue.  One person described it as a Cheesecake Factory downstairs with a beautiful show venue upstairs.  The walls have that “Northwest raw lumber” feel to them and what appears to be the building’s original giant wood beams (that’s old growth forest folks!) spanning the ceiling.  The music came through clear and loud (really loud) but the whole truss holding all of the front lighting was not working, making it for a more difficult shooting environment, but that should be fixed soon.  It will be a great and much needed new venue for seeing live music downtown.

Check out Red Jacket Mine every Tuesday this month at The Hard Rock Cafe.  Until then enjoy these images and Red Jacket Mine’s song “The Pose” by clicking below.  To view the slideshow full-screen click on the icon to the right of the thumbnails.

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Although the anticipation of first seeing each other at the altar sounds attractive there are several drawbacks.  The first was mentioned above, efficiency.  I can tell you how difficult it can be to gather family members, groomsmen, uncle Bob, etc when they want to catch up with the other guest or grab a quick libation.  When everyone that you need photographed is near the altar before guests arrive it is a breeze to get your vip’s front and center at the right time.  That allows you to spend much more time giving your guests individual attention at the reception and may avoid a costly “cocktail hour”.  Your adorable 3 year old flower girl is more likely to be uncooperative and less put together too, not to mention her flowers are strewn throughout the aisle.

The solution is what photographers refer to as the first look, or reveal.  I will pick an adequate location with natural light and have the groom facing the camera while the bride slowly walks up to him from behind.  As she moves closer I get photos of his pensive expression and her excitement from over his shoulder.  He is free to show emotion without the pressure of 125 guests staring at him as she walks up the aisle.  I move to the side and ask him to turn to see his beautiful bride, all the time my camera is clicking away.  His anticipation is replaced with adoration when he sees how beautiful she is in her gown and the sparkle of devotion in her eyes.    An embrace, a tear and some almost always her favorite photos of the day.

It's all led up to this.