Albany Country Club Wedding Overflows with Love

Kate and Jason have got to be among the most easy-going couples I have had the good fortune to photograph, but they were more than that – they simply overflowed with graciousness and love.

Their requests were few; almost non-existent really, they wanted me to capture the spirit and events of their small wedding at the Albany Country Club.

I asked how they met, as I often do, as a sort of short cut to understanding my subjects. Knowing if my couple are high-school sweethearts, folks that met online, or old friends who finally realized they couldn’t live without one another, helps me understand a little about who I’ll be photographing on the big day.

In this case, it was PhD math students who met while studying at the State University of New York. I confess I wasn’t sure exactly how that would compute.

Arriving a little early, as is my habit, I found I had opportunities to photograph preparations we hadn’t counted on. Staying late – which always the case, I found I had an appetite for just one more shot of these lovebirds.

Every bride should be joyous on her wedding day. If there’s nobody around to run interference between the future Mrs. and any problems that arise, she is well blessed who bears the temperament of one that takes it all in stride.

Personally, I love it when a groom gets emotional. A few tears go a long way to cement sincerity. Nerves are normal. An iridescent smile says a lot.

Kate and Jason had all of this and more.

With an interesting array of family and friends attending this smaller wedding, I found myself breaking bread with the officiate (among others) and the conversation was jovial. At the end of the night I offered my hope that more of his flock would return from their pandemic absence, and he offered similar wishes for Jonathan Ment Photography. It was uplifting, after a year of far less and fewer traditional weddings.

I enjoy wedding photography days and as I’ve said before, ‘being a part of one of the greatest days of a couple’s life together is an honor and a pleasure.’

Family reunions like those I’ve photographed this year and in the past in Tannersville or Monticello, Hunter or Coxsackie – anywhere… are often fun. Portrait sessions around Windham or Hunter are a pleasure. I always enjoy commercial shoots – like real estate photography. Seriously, it’s a chance to keep my muscles toned and shutter finger nimble while framing properties in the best light as I do with people.

But weddings…

Weddings have the potential for the most stress. A lot is riding on these once-in-a-lifetime events, and much can go wrong.

Since getting into the business of wedding photography in the Catskills, Adirondacks, Capitol District and beyond, I’ve always had the reputation of being easy-going myself – even a calming influence. Since I’m often the ‘professional’ in the room, I can offer informed answers to common wedding day questions. I almost always offer assurances. I heed warnings, like who can or can’t be photographed well but take them in stride, as I usually know how to bring out the desired results.

The pictures speak for themselves. Kate and Jason were so gracious. They loved the photographs of themselves and their guests, and I am wishing them decade after decade of good health and happiness as I think back to that night and write.

Looking for a photographer that wants you to look back and smile when you think of looking at the camera? Let’s talk.

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan Ment

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