Indeed, Wedding photographers have seen some S#!+
Michelle and David offered Face Masks and Hand Sanitizers in their favor bags.
I’m just going to say it, Texas Monthly was right on target with their article “Texas Wedding Photographers have seen some S#!^+ “.
We wedding photographers have. seen. some. S#!^folks.... for real. I'm blessed my clients have been respectful, as have 95% of their guests. When I walk into an event, mask on and hand sanitizer constantly within reach, hardly anyone gives me a sideways stare or comments on my decision. I’ll occasionally get the comment of “we’re outside, you don’t have to do that!”, but it’s met with an “with all due respect, Yes, I absolutely do.” and it’s left alone from there.
I honestly can count on one hand how many weddings I’ve been to where EVERYONE has followed Covid regulations 100%…. and I can count on the other hand how many weddings I’ve been to where NO ONE has followed Covid regulations. For me, it’s honestly been a mix, with some guests practicing social distancing and wearing face masks and others letting those go. Everyone has the overall feeling of “it’s their day, I’m going to celebrate how they ask me to,” and most Brides and Grooms are okay with their guests celebrating comfortably and safely.
Nicole and Colin had a larger wedding, but their entire wedding day was outdoors and had a max capacity of 8 people per table.
I’m also definitely NOT immune to it….
At a wedding I photographed recently, I had a bridesmaid commenting about me wearing my mask. I spent the better part of a an hour giggling and sidestepping her as she teased me for taking this precaution... She finally asks me this;
"So, are you afraid of the 'rona or something?"
It was my breaking point.... no more giggling, no more side stepping. If I didn’t take control of that situation RIGHT THEN AND THERE, I would’ve had to listen to her (and possibly others) for the rest of the event. It would’ve infringed on my coverage of the wedding and I absolutely could. not. have. that.
I deadpanned responded to her
"No, I'm not so much afraid of getting it as I am afraid of spreading it. As far as I know, I could be an asymptomatic spreader. I do photograph ALOT of events and am exposed to ALOT of people, I can't take any further risks. Especially at your pregnant best friends wedding." **[See notes at bottom]
The color immediately drained from her face... so I continued:
"How about I do me as I do my job, cool?"
I didn't hear another word from her until I took the mask off at dinner and that’s okay….I ate alone at a table far away from the crowd, like I normally do, and just let her comments roll off of me.
Full Disclosure; I'm pretty damn happy about it.
There are stories I hear from colleagues and other event professionals about Covid-Positive guests, non-mask wearers, brides finding Covid Loopholes to have larger events that break capacity restrictions, and some not-so-professional vendors not abiding by regulations. It absolutely shocks me there are still professionals out there who will proceed as though the regulations aren’t a concern. I’m so grateful my stories are so mild compared to many others.
I’m SO grateful to event staffers, planners, and coordinators who now have the extra job of enforcing safety protocols are in place. They’ve seen some S#!+ and have been on the receiving end of some very negative feedback and disrespectful behavior from brides grooms, and guests. Y’all, for real, be nice to these individuals! They have a hard job as it is. Not only are they making sure your wedding day goes to plan and matches your dreamy vision of your perfect day…. but they’re also responsible for the safety of you, your guests, and other vendors. It’s tough having to lay out events to ensure the safety of literally everyone who chooses to come…. and to stay up to date through the confusing and conflicting amount of information there is regarding COVID.
Seriously, don’t make their job harder.
I’m also grateful at the wealth of information that is available regarding COVID and resources like the Knot, Wedding Wire, Brides, and local resources like Brides Of Austin, the Association of Wedding Planners, International Live Events Association, as well as the Covid Dashboards by the City of Austin for providing so much useful knowledge during this difficult time.
Austin Covid Dashboard
The Knot’s Covid-19 Resources
Brides Covid-19 Resources
Wedding Wire’s Covid-19 Resources
I’m grateful to my couples who assure me that wearing a mask is absolutely welcome on their wedding day they’re understanding of the work I do and I’m doing everything to protect myself, future clients, and other vendors. I’m grateful none of my couples have had any negative comments regarding my choice to wear a face mask and that I’ve been able to document many intimate celebrations.
I absolutely adore my Covid Brides. We’ve all been through ALOT!
Lastly; I’m grateful to my friends, colleagues, and fellow wedding photographers who are also having a very difficult time navigating through this tough and confusing time. I’m thrilled so many of you are making sure your voice is heard with regard to your safety and that of your current and future brides. I’m so sorry you’re having some first hand experience with nay sayers, dodgy clients, and Covid-Positive guests. I really, and sincerely hope this whole Covid Pandemic is starting to end…. I know we’re all SERIOUSLY missing time on the Dance floor. :-)
Til Next time, y’all!
