I can't tell you how lucky I felt - and still feel when I look at these photos - to have been a part of Ayla and Daniel's incredible wedding party in Chestnut Ridge, NY.
This all happened for me at the last minute. I'd never met the couple prior to this event - but a couple of days before the wedding, I had the fortune to meet Daniel's father Ed.
Ed, who ran a local nature camp for kids, is a wonderful man and he volunteered to come to my home to walk, with myself and my family, through the little bit of forest we had and to help us learn about what trees and plants we had and teach us a little about harvesting maple syrup.
He happened to mention that his son was getting married in two days and I asked if he had a photographer lined up. It turned out that Daniel and Ayla didn't but were relying on an enthusiastic friend with a camera to capture the day - or two days in this case, for the actual wedding ceremony was up a mountain on one day and the wedding party was going to be the following day.
So, I sent a link to my photographs to the couple and volunteered my services for free as I wanted the experience - this would be my first wedding experience. Luckily for me they took up my offer to shoot - but just the wedding party. I would have loved to have shot the ceremony too, but I think Ayla and Daniel, who'd never met me, were sensibly cautious about having an unknown photographer at their big day.
Daniel worked with his father in the nature camp and he'd known Ayla since they were at kindergarten together! They are both very lovely, down to earth, all about nature folk - and generally all round lovely, warm people with a love for life. I heard from those that attended, that the outdoor ceremony up on the mountain - despite pretty heavy rain - was a very simple but very moving and unforgettable affair. The wedding party that I was honored to photograph was equally unique and amazing to witness.
In line with the couple's values and the way they lived their lives, the party was very humble but incredibly rich in the most amazing vibes exuding from the couple and their guests. I've never seen so much genuine, love, joy and laughter at a wedding before!
There were many wonderful characters for me to capture and everyone welcomed me into their fold in the most warm and uplifting way. Some people I already knew because they were part of the fabulous Steiner school community that my young boys attended, but most of the key players I didn't - nevertheless, I was made to feel very welcome and appreciated.
The party started in the early afternoon and went on until at least midnight, which is when I left - but there wasn't a dull moment during the whole time. I shot over 3000 photos and was downright physically exhausted by the end but, amazingly, I was buzzing so much from the beautiful energy of this gathering that when I got home, I imported the photos and worked on selecting the keepers and editing all through the night. I couldn't help it, I was so excited to see what I'd captured and to share them with Daniel and Ayla as soon as possible.
Here is a selection of shots from the day. I hope you get a sense of the warmth and joy that I experienced that day.
© Mark Saunders Photography, UK