Rita and I had a wedding photography business. We worked everywhere from the firehouse to the country club. After working one very long day at a country club, we found out that “ the help “ , dj and photographers were not to be fed. We didn’t care much for that so we took a few “ candid “ shots of the bride demonstrating her nastiness. We were fed. Blackmail? Hell yes !
After this debacle we changed our contract and decided to concentrate on the budget weddings. We found this to be a great market and the people were appreciative of our work. Lots more fun and we were treated like family.
One bride to be insisted that all of the “getting ready “ shots included her schnauzer, Amy. We absolutely loved her. Amy was also maid of honor and accompanied the bride down the aisle. Fully outfitted.
Each of our weddings were special in their own way. From the blue eyed blonde who took cold medication the morning of ( blazing red eye alert) to the couple whose five year old was flower girl. One bride got her new set of teeth the day before. We really had to work to get her to smile. However, the one that is most memorable and satisfying was the one we didn’t do.
We always did our interviews at the bride’s home as we would be doing a lot of
“ befores “ . In this case the groom to be was a real jerk. He had a laundry list of demands to prove his alpha status. We finally packed up our materials and told her we would not be able to work with him, but if she wanted to choose someone else,let us know. The next day she called and asked us to reconsider if all contact was through her. Nope ! Life is just too short to be dealing with some people.
One picture we never got, but wish we had. When delivering the finished product to the new couple, I wish we had recorded the look on their faces when we informed them that the best pictures were taken by a legally blind photographer.
Priceless expressions.
I really miss her.
—
Fred Prout
Fred … your photography story brings back so many memories of our Balance Rock days. Entering the photo contest fundraiser for Griffin Hospital. We sure showed them how its done didn’t we!? I saved the calendars and every once in a while I flip through the pages and admire our work.
I especially love the one of the winter scene that Rita took that ended up on a candy bar wrapper. It was beautiful! I wonder if that company is still in business.
Keep up the good work!
Love Ya! Val
We all do…I do.
Wonderful experiences. This reminded me that Rita was the photographer who took the recorded pictures at the “all out” 3-day Timber Valley 20th Anniversary Party.
What can I say…..all your stories are so much fun. Thank You so much for sharing.
I miss her too.
Ever do one-off a pregnant bride?
Great to hear your memories, and remember some we had on some of our trips on back roads getting to Arizona.
Love it! Your stories are all great, but this may be the best one yet!
When my inbox shows a timber valley skp link I’m already smiling before I open it.
Well done!
Love your stories Fred. Miss everyone at Timber Valley. Howie and Billie Treese.
Loveya Fred
What a “fun” job that one was. Thanks for the smiles. Love ya Fred
Miss her too.
Your letters are a hoot. Love reading them. Hugs Anita C.