Tucson Museum of Art, Arizona Wedding - Emma & Farley
 

On their wedding day, October 14, 2023, there was an annular solar eclipse will cross North, Central, and South America. It was visible in parts of the United States, Mexico, and many countries in South and Central America, and we couldn’t help but photographed the beauty which will be back 70 years later in Tucson.

Emma works in climate change at a science museum in San Francisco, and Farley is a musician and music historian. They love to listen to college radio, go to shows, and are starting to play music together as well.
Emma was born and raised in Tucson, where her mom still lives and where she has a lot of community; hence, the wedding ceremony was be at a site out in the desert in Tucson Mountain Park, and the reception at the Tucson Museum of Art in historic downtown Tucson. Her best friend bought an old adobe near the museum downtown which was where she got ready.
Emma and Farley have both moved around a lot. After college, she moved around doing climate organizing work, settling for a while in North Carolina where she worked on a campaign to shut down a coal plant. Farley moved to Oakland and then Montreal, studying experimental electronic music performance and musicology. They actually went to the same college for undergrad and knew 'of' each other but weren't well acquainted. Farley was busy playing in bands and she was busy with activism and taking too many Econ classes. There is one photo of them at the same party- 4th of July 2009 at the Grant St. House. There was a super soaker fight that Farley couldn't join because he had to be at his radio station job right after. They then reconnected in Berkeley when they’d both moved to the Bay to be closer to family and were feeling a little aimless. Before marriage, they lived together with our cat Lollie and Farley's older brother, in the old house his brother was born in that is now held together by magic and duct tape.

Brett and I traveled to Tucson the day before the wedding, photographed their wedding with our hearts out. And here is some words we received from them;

“The photos are absolutely gorgeous, you and Brett were amazing We could not have asked for more incredible photographers or sweeter people to capture the day!! Our guests totally loved meeting and partying with you- I’m wishing you were front of the camera!! You guys captured everything so beautifully. We just can’t thank you enough (okay now I’m crying a little).  Please also if you’re ever up in the Bay we’d love to take you guys out for a drink/dinner (for real though.) We love you!! Thank you so much”

 
InterContinental San Diego Wedding, St. Therese of Carmel Catholic Church Wedding - Melissa + Chris

A teaser of wedding film (Melissa & Chris) - “Whisper”

 

Melissa and Chris’s wedding was extra special to me. Not only had I known Melissa from years ago when her best friend Eunice got married in San Francisco (which I haven’t blogged about - shame on me; it’ll eventually happen, though!), but I was also able to work with my lovely team with Brett and our filmmaker Ailin for their candid wedding photography.

A Beautiful San Diego Wedding & Ceremony!

Melissa and Chris - two very shy and smart people who live in NYC, got ready and partied at InterContinental San Diego wedding reception venue, and their ceremony was at St. Therese of Carmel Catholic Church.

Their ceremony and wedding reception in San Diego was filmed and is featured on my website homepage here; please scroll down the page - it’s a 10-minute-long. :-)

One of the things that surprised me was that Melissa was emotional (cried) on her wedding day, as I had been told that she was pretty even-keeled and didn’t show much emotion. And I’m so glad our filmmaker Ailin was able to capture that special moment while Chris was “whispering” to her.

Melissa and Chris met in San Francisco in the summer of 2019. They spent the first few months of their relationship in SF before she moved down to LA during the pandemic. Chris planned to spend 3 months in LA, but ended up spending 9 months in LA as the pandemic went on. He then spent time with his parents in Boston for 3 months before moving back to San Francisco, anticipating return-to-office. Melissa was supposed to follow him back to SF, but because her job had kept postponing returning to (the SF) office, she decided to move to NYC. Now they’re both happily in NYC!

“Christopher is the most patient man I know! The last few years have been anything but predictable, and I'm so lucky he's been by my side during all the unexpected moves,” Melissa said.

Interested in candid photography for your next big event in California? Check out my family collections and wedding collections to learn more!

 
Discover the Difference Between Traditional Wedding Photography & Wedding Photojournalism
 

When it comes to preserving the memories of your wedding day, choosing the right photography style is crucial. Traditional wedding photography and wedding photojournalism offer distinct approaches, each with its own merits.

In this article, we will explore the captivating world of wedding photojournalism through the lens of esteemed Los Angeles wedding photographer, Annie Bang. By understanding the characteristics and benefits of photojournalistic wedding photography, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your vision for capturing the most genuine and emotional moments of your special day.

What Is Wedding Photojournalism?

Wedding photojournalism, also known as wedding documentary photography, focuses on capturing genuine moments and emotions as they naturally unfold. Unlike traditional wedding photography, which often involves posed shots and contrived compositions, photojournalistic wedding photographers take a hands-off approach. This allows couples and their guests to immerse themselves in the celebration while the photographer unobtrusively captures the essence of the day.

Let's look at five ways wedding photojournalism is different from traditional wedding photography.

1. The Authenticity Advantage

The power of wedding photojournalism lies in its ability to authentically portray emotions and interactions. Forced poses can result in stiff and awkward photographs, whereas candid shots elicit genuine emotions that resonate with viewers. By adopting a documentary-style approach, wedding photojournalists capture sincere moments that reflect the true essence of your wedding day. From the tear rolling down a father's cheek as he watches his daughter walk down the aisle to the joyous expressions of guests on the dance floor, every image tells a compelling story.

Wedding reception photography in Los Angeles

A groom’s friend gives him a “lap dance” after taking his shirt off.

2. A Story Unfolded

Wedding photojournalism weaves together a comprehensive narrative of your wedding day. By capturing both significant and subtle interactions, the photojournalist wedding photographer creates a visual chronicle of the entire experience. From the laughter shared among bridesmaids during the preparations to the heartfelt farewells to guests, every image contributes to the story. This immersive style allows couples to relive moments they may have missed due to the whirlwind nature of wedding celebrations. Traditional wedding photography can't tell the whole story of your wedding, because it focuses on staged photos, rather than capturing the intimate moments as they occur.

Wedding photojournalism in California

The groom and wedding guests laugh during his wedding ceremony.

3. Discretion Is Key

One hallmark of wedding photojournalism is the discrete nature of the photographer's presence. Rather than directing staged shots or interrupting the flow of the event as traditional wedding photographers do, photojournalistic wedding photographers blend seamlessly into the background. They keenly observe and capture moments without disruption, allowing the true atmosphere of the wedding to shine through. Although some posed shots, such as portraits and group photographs, may be necessary, they are kept to a minimum, ensuring the majority of the images are candid and authentic.

California wedding and family photojournalism

The groom, his father, and his brother-in-law dress his baby nephews.

4. Highlighting the Guests

While traditional wedding photography often centers solely on the couple, wedding photojournalism celebrates the involvement of your loved ones. Your wedding day is not just about you; it is a celebration of the collective love and support that has shaped your journey. A skilled wedding photojournalist, like Annie Bang, understands the importance of commemorating these meaningful relationships. By capturing the genuine joy and emotion experienced by your guests, you will have a treasure trove of memories that encapsulate the spirit of the day.

Wedding photojournalism in Los Angeles, California

Flower girls make emotional faces during the wedding ceremony.

5. Appreciating the Details

Weddings are meticulously planned with attention to the smallest details. However, amidst the excitement, these intricate elements can easily be overlooked during the event itself. Wedding photojournalists, with their keen eye for detail, ensure that every aspect of your special day receives the spotlight it deserves. From capturing the delicate decor to preserving sentimental items incorporated into the wedding, such as heirloom jewelry or cherished mementos, their detailed photographs allow you to reflect on your wedding in its entirety.

Wedding documentary style photography in Los Angeles, California

A newlywed couple receives blessing from their elderly family members.

Trust Annie Bang for Your Wedding Photojournalism Needs

Choosing between traditional wedding photography and journalistic wedding photography is a deeply personal decision. Annie Bang, an esteemed Los Angeles wedding photographer, has masterfully captured the raw emotions and intimate moments of countless couples in a documentary style. According to the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA), she is the top-ranked wedding photographer in Southern California, ranked 2nd worldwide in 2019, and has consistently ranked in the Top 10 in the world. Needless to say, you know you can trust her with your once-in-a-lifetime memories.

Your wedding day is a cherished milestone filled with unforgettable moments shared with your loved ones. When the festivities come to an end, it is the photographs that immortalize these precious memories. If you desire a collection of photos that captures the true essence of your wedding, showcasing the genuine emotions and candid interactions, then wedding photojournalism is the perfect choice for you. From preparation photos to ceremony photos to reception pictures, Annie is there for every moment.

With our candid wedding photography collections, you can expect a true depiction of the touching moments shared with your loved ones. These photographs may not always be flawless, but they will be a genuine reflection of the joy, love, and emotions experienced throughout your wedding day. We also offer videography services to capture the full spectacle of your special day.

If you are ready to embark on this extraordinary journey of reliving the genuine moments and emotions of your wedding day, we invite you to get in touch with us today. Let us create a timeless collection of photographs that will transport you back to that magical day, allowing you to experience the joy, love and celebration all over again.

Experience the power of wedding photojournalism and cherish the true essence of your wedding forever. Contact us today to discuss how we can bring your vision to life and create a collection of photos that truly reflects the authenticity of your special day!