As much as I love to capture a full wedding day, the portraits of the couple alone together are truly the core of what I do as a wedding photographer. These are the portraits that are shared and displayed the most. They are non negotiable for me. Even in the most jam packed wedding day, I will find a way to make them happen.... and happen in the very best light.

While Jessie and I were discussing her family portrait session, she let me know that they hadn't had a photographer at their wedding because it was out of the area. The photographs she did have were taken by friends and family members. 

Today's phones, entry level digital cameras, and filters continue to impress me. There are couples who do not, or cannot, have a photographer present at their wedding for different reasons. All of the technology at our fingertips allow them to still have a visual record of their day. This is a wonderful thing. Every couple deserves to have photos.

I told Jessie the same thing I've told others. She deserved professional wedding portraits and it wasn't too late to capture them. If she and her spouse were willing put their wedding attire back on and be sweet, then I would plan and create the most beautiful photographs they had ever had taken together.

Train tracks were at the top of their list for inspiration and when I knew that they were coming in full Steampunk garb, the Arcata Scrap and Salvage yard was at the top of my list. Both were easy to access via the parking lot for the Arcata Marsh and on a chilly but beautiful morning, we ventured around both and had such fun over an hour. I could have photographed them together all day. 

*Disclaimer: these train tracks are accessible by public trail and are completely overgrown and unused. Don't photograph on active train tracks ever. Don't photograph on unused train tracks because it sets a bad example... unless you have a couple in full steampunk. Then definitely photograph on unused tracks*