I look at my watch. 10:03pm. Saturday night.
I am dead-ass sober.
Not warm, having fun, “OMG, I love this song” sober. I am “get me out of here, these people are wasted” sober. There is another hour to go and the couple has a sparkler exit…which means drunk people and fire. I search the room for any reminder of why I love this job.
And I do. I love this job.
The bride is standing in corner talking to people, being gracious. I see her shifting her weight from one foot to the other. Her smile is half-hearted, and her drink is melted ice at this point. A few strands have escaped her tight high ponytail. It is clear to me she wants to be rescued.
So, do I.
Still, I keep watch at the edge of the dance floor. My eyes don’t leave the bride. I am waiting because I am certain it won’t be long. Something will happen and pull the boring from this scene.
The clear tent is still steamy though the blue of night lays on its top trying to cool the magnification of the day’s sun. The line at the bar holds steady all night, 3-4 deep. The dance floor throbs thanks to Simply Irresistible, the hottest wedding band of the year.
Her eyes search. There he is…the groom, disheveled from a wild shot and dance session with his groomsmen. Sweat drips from his face. His shirt is unbuttoned to show his chest, and his bowtie hangs around his neck. He stops jumping, pulls a handkerchief from his pocket and swipes his face clean. She is staring at him, and his smile is wide when he catches her eye.
The music changes and the voices rise high and loud. People rush to the floor.
Comin' out of my cage and I've been doin' just fine
Gotta, gotta be down because I want it all
It started out with a kiss, how did it end up like this?
It was only a kiss, it was only a kiss
He dances her way, singing the lyrics. She laughs and before she can excuse herself, he pulls her away. She hands her drink to a guest as she passes by. The singer jumps down from the stage and shoves a mic in the groom’s hand. They sing at the top of their lungs…living wholly in this moment, alone, surrounded, alone.
Together.
I watch looking for my angle, a clearing. I see it and rush to the floor. I elbow past a groomsmen. I sing, too.
Chest now
He takes off her dress now
Let me go
And I just can't look, it's killing me
They're taking control
And there it is. The moment that brings me back into their world.
I click the shutter. My voice as loud as the bridesmaid next to me.
Jealousy
Turning saints into the sea
Swimming through sick lullabies
Choking on your alibi
But it's just the price I pay
Destiny is calling me
Open up my eager eyes
'Cause I'm Mr. Brightside
I have attended over 500 weddings. Not as a guest. As a paid observer. My career as a wedding and portrait photographer has informed everything I do, from being a wife and mother, to how I treat friends, strangers and even how I say hello and goodbye.