r/MadeMeSmile • u/PacifierForAdult • Sep 13 '26
Wholesome Moments They had no photographer for their courthouse wedding, so she offered to do it for free
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u/SeattleHasDied Sep 13 '26
Beautiful gesture, beautiful couple!
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u/ZealousidealSkirt327 Sep 14 '26
And beautiful dress! It really complimented her features and fit so fell.
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u/ksumbur Sep 14 '26
That dress would have looked like a scraggly bed sheet on me. it looked ethereal on her.
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u/CincyBOO Sep 14 '26
Beautiful marketing !
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u/thanksyalll Sep 14 '26
Un-cynically, yes it is!
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u/UpperApe Sep 14 '26
Nothing to be cynical about. It's win-win for everyone :)
Businesses that sell their customers to (and focus on) investors and shareholders and sponsors are exploitative shitheads.
Businesses that focus on customers and services are just sincere and awesome.
Always happy to celebrate those.
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u/0Gods77Believer4 Sep 14 '26
You are probably the most realistic yet fun person I've seen in this app. Keep it up!
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u/Stuck_In_Purgatory Sep 14 '26
It's also extra practise for the photographer on a day where they've got some free time and want to shoot something hehe
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u/New-Trifle-7097 Sep 14 '26
This is an extremely popular way for photogs to grow their portfolio. Not saying that’s what this photog is doing, but it probably is. And she’s SUPER SMART to hit the courthouse for photog-less “clients”. They’re already dressed and she can see who the good models are!
My ex was a photog who switched from doing weddings, to commercial food photography, because he was bartending in restaurants and had the opportunity to shoot some food and interiors and build that portfolio instead of his wedding portfolio. He liked food photography way better and it paid more too, but it’s competitive so he needed that boost.
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u/BillButtlickerII Sep 14 '26
How dare her… /S I swear the energy vampires and trolls on here are multiplying.
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u/serenwipiti Sep 14 '26
I’m ugly crying.
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u/No_Cake2145 Sep 14 '26
The first photo of the groom smiling, beaming, at his bride during the ceremony got me!
Sure it’s marketing, but for a small biz in a positive way. This I can get behind.
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u/FreedInnerChild Sep 13 '26
they should install old school beautiful front doors in all courthouses for this reason
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Sep 14 '26
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u/kthnry Sep 14 '26
Not what I would have expected in Phoenix.
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u/Csei2011 Sep 14 '26
I don’t recognize anything about this video BUT I heard that light rail ding and knew it was us. Lol
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u/kthnry Sep 14 '26
When they are on the outside steps, you can briefly see Phoenix on the facade when she moves her head. I had to do some fancy scrolling and zooming to see it. Needed to know where that beautiful building was.
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u/steffanan Sep 13 '26
For every couple who gets a free photographer at the court house? Just kidding I know what you mean, at least a nice little area for a photo op would be a great addition to any courthouse.
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u/trent_diamond Sep 13 '26
the i beat my case photo shoot gonna go hard
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u/FearanddopingII Sep 14 '26
Criminal court is not usually at the municipal court house (at least here in NYC) although idk about civil cases. Sorry to rain on the parade
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u/MaxTheRealSlayer Sep 14 '26
Illegally parked car photoshoot in front of the courthouse with the driver that got 10 parking tickets dropped 😎👉🚗
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u/big_american_tts Sep 14 '26
You have the right to your own photography. If you cannot afford a photographer, one will be appointed for you.
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u/PorygonTriAttack Sep 14 '26
Anything you wear can and will be used against you in the court of law 😜
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u/round-earth-theory Sep 14 '26
Everyone has a cell phone and while they may not be good enough for large format prints, they're plenty good enough for web and small print. A couple with a witness can get passable wedding photos just fine with those basic tools.
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u/archseattle Sep 14 '26
I love modern architecture, but you’re right, older courthouses are much more picturesque for these types of occasions.
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u/Jumpy_Ad1631 Sep 14 '26
Our city is pretty massive. So they build a bigger building down the street from the original city hall, but the original building still does civil service marriages and marriage certificate filing specifically for this reason. It always has at least one couple taking pictures in or around it :)
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u/taysmurf Sep 14 '26
My husband and I also got married at our local courthouse. It is a pretty building but I didn't realize just how beautiful it was until our photographer sent us back our photos. My favorite was a photo of us kissing in a closing elevator. I remember in the moment of us taking the photo thinking, "hmm okay... this will be a weird photo". It ended up being the best photo... The right photographer can make even the most mundane shots a masterpiece.
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u/Fine-Pace-3053 Sep 14 '26
Honestly, I’d love that. If I’m walking into a courthouse, at least let the entrance have some personality instead of looking like a government office from 1978.
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u/Almost-Handsome Sep 13 '26
Those pictures are exactly what made this day even more special for these folks. Content creators using their powers for good is something the world could use more of.
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u/Mathfanforpresident Sep 13 '26
This trend is much better than strapping 15 cameras to your body to go by food and other items to get out to the homeless.
Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the homeless appreciate the charity. But something still feels so wrong with creators making thousands of dollars, if not millions, off the suffering of the less fortunate.
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u/happysri Sep 13 '26
I get you and it is wrong in many ways but much rather someone get a meal. Maslov’s herirachy and what not.
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u/OkProfessor6810 Sep 14 '26
Facts. I know there's been a lot of pushback against Maslow's hierarchy but I worked with the unhoused for about 20 years and yeah, that shit tracks. It's not set in stone but it's beyond difficult to tackle self esteem when you don't have things like shower access or laundry facilities or food.
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u/matlspa Sep 14 '26
It's the upper echelons of Maslow that are more under dispute, from what I remember.
People aren't focused on social recognition and self-actualization when they haven't eaten or had water in three days, and have a huge open wound on their neck.
That doesn't take much figuring out.
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u/W0nderingMe Sep 14 '26
And it might motivate other people to do the same, which gets more people fed.
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u/lightFracture Sep 13 '26
If your content involves make people happy and feel good, you deserve every view you get.
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u/Ok_Science_8502 Sep 14 '26
There is so much content out there that does exactly this, it's just that negativity rises to the top because it's more engaging.
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u/NUNHUSTLER Sep 13 '26
So true. And as consumers, we should be mindful of how we're interacting with content! Less engagement on the little substance pieces, more on things that are good for the world. Let's train the algorithms (and influencers) to show us more things like this!✨️
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u/butterfly_ashley Sep 14 '26
Right. Its the one thing I carr the most about when getting married are the pictures to cherish. I rather have thos then the venue..cake..food..etc.
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u/Alpha_zebra1 Sep 13 '26
Wed my missus 26 years ago just like this at the county court house. This made me tear up. Such a beautiful offer. I wish them happiness and love.
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u/muscularsharpie Sep 14 '26
Wife and I went to the kiosk during COVID. It was so memorable, the county clerk clearly loved her job and gave his the most beautiful ceremony. :')
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u/ManzanitaSuperHero Sep 13 '26
Gorgeous couple who are clearly very in love. So sweet.
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u/iaposky Sep 13 '26
This literally made me tear up it’s so sweet. Makes me want to do it in our city. 💝
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u/Ispan_SB Sep 14 '26
Me too, I’m tired as hell and have been super grouchy all day but that made me smile and tear up. Love it ❤️
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u/Thebazilly Sep 14 '26
Haha that first picture with the groom looking so giddy is the sweetest thing. What a gorgeous couple
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u/Soupy_Twist Sep 14 '26
He looks so happy!
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u/LucretiusCarus Sep 14 '26
I mean, did you see the bride? She's stunning!
And the photographer knew how to show her in the best way possible
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u/torturekiller2025 Sep 13 '26
"If you can't afford a photographer, you can have one appointed to you."
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u/ratstronaut Sep 13 '26
I bet she saw this exquisite bride (ok, exquisite couple, they’re both really attractive) and envisioned her portfolio. But I don’t mean that in a bad way! Just that this bride is insanely beautiful and begging to be photographed.
That was such a cool thing to do. It would be so fun to do this for people if you have the skills. Make their day even more special. The bride’s excited “Yeah…!?” would have made made my year. Love this!
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u/bark-beetle Sep 14 '26
My initial reaction as well. "Wow, she looks so amazing and happy!"
And then I start reading the comments and go back and realize the groom looks just as beautiful. You know some good decisions were made when me, a gay guy, doesn't even notice that.
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u/laluna_maria Sep 13 '26
Stunning couple 🥰🥰 she’s gorgeous in that dress and you see him giddy in the ceremony 😭
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u/4silvers Sep 13 '26
Omg the bride is gorgeous! Beautiful couple.
Thank you to the photographer for capturing that moment!
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u/ThisIs-mYnAm3 Sep 13 '26
To be a human
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u/LawnCareHippie78 Sep 14 '26
Thank you. These kinds of things should just, be. It shouldn't be something people stop and take note of, because being there for our fellow human beings should just be the default.
And yet, this was a beautiful moment that should be commended, Because we don't see this normally.
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u/thatothabrotha88 Sep 13 '26
That was so awesome of you to offer your services. The pictures are great and they'll have so many wonderful memories of their special day because of you. Kudos!
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u/Witty-Stand888 Sep 13 '26
Why are the stills more out of focus than the video?
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Sep 14 '26
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Sep 14 '26
[deleted]
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u/hawkinsst7 Sep 14 '26
Cropping and some basic post-processing can make a mediocre photo pretty decent.
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u/kapitalis Sep 14 '26
True but a good photographer knows how to frame the photo while taking it, decreasing as much post processing as possible.
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u/rtyoda Sep 14 '26
Which isn’t at all surprising considering how she shot them. Literally point and shoot, she’s not looking through the viewfinder to frame the shots, just pointing in a direction and hoping for the best. I guess it makes the video more interesting as you can see the camera taking the shots but your framing’s going to be very hit and miss that way.
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u/funkhero Sep 14 '26
Yeah and the aesthetics and lights in that room were just terrible. I didn't think she was going to get anything worthy out of that, but they at least have shots of the ceremony.
The shots outside were the real deal.
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u/The_Bard Sep 14 '26
I'm glad this couple will have their ceremony photos, they will be great memories. Bad ceremony photos considering this is a professional photographer, but great memories.
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u/laidlow Sep 14 '26
Yeah she needs to learn to frame up her shots properly, she's just spraying and praying.
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u/cheesegoat Sep 13 '26
The video is taken with a smartphone/gopro which will have very small apertures, everything tends to be in focus with those kinds of devices.
DSLRs/mirrorless cameras have larger sensors and usually are used with lenses with larger apertures and due to optics will naturally have a thinner plane of focus.
It's usually a matter of taste but wedding photos usually aim for more out-of-focus backgrounds for a more classical look and better/easier subject separation.
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u/wheelperson Sep 13 '26 edited Sep 14 '26
I love that the bride did not straight up say yes, cuz I bet it was the cost, but her man looked like he realy walked to do it, then she said free and thw bride was NOT going to let them miss their chance!!
What a beautiful couple!!!3
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u/crashandmontyburns Sep 14 '26
The ways the groom's eyes widened 😆
Such a cute couple.
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u/Mean_District4880 Sep 13 '26
Wow! What a beautiful thing to do for a beautiful couple! These turned out great!
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u/Separate-Operation71 Sep 13 '26
This is my favorite thing I’ve seen all day. 💕 I love it all. I hope they have many happy years together!
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u/PerformerMindless100 Sep 13 '26
They’re so beautiful already. So glad they have these photos. It would truly be a shame not to memorialize this.
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u/JediMasterKev Sep 13 '26 edited Sep 14 '26
Dear Photographer, you are amazing.
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u/MyBitchCassiopeia Sep 13 '26
You know she saw the bride and thought “oh this one will be easy to knock out of the park”
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u/Critical-Star-1158 Sep 13 '26
I am so grateful when my husband and I went to West Hollywood to sign papers for our Domestic Partnership. This was in the day of digital cameras - before mobile phones, and one of the staff took our photo - with confetti all over us. Best day of my life
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u/Caity_Cat131 Sep 13 '26
This is an amazing idea! I got into photography and I have gotten really good! My main goal was to always offer affordable photos with great quality. I think it would be amazing to go to a court house and offer free sessions! Everyone deserves to have pictures for their special moment! Also these look amazing!
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u/Cardinal101 Sep 13 '26
The black-and-white photo when he’s kissing her cheek literally I took my breath away!
Beautiful couple, and such a sweet gesture by the photographer.
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u/whatthelovinman Sep 13 '26
Good way to build your portfolio and also give something memorable to the newlyweds.
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u/bark-beetle Sep 14 '26
It's also a good way to learn how to shoot/edit/publish stuff from environments with less-than-ideal lighting.
Whether you're a wedding photographer or a war journalist, you don't want to get back to your computer, plug in the SD card, and realize your material is flat forever.
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u/haeziedaze82 Sep 13 '26
Well, it helps that they’re an absolutely stunning looking couple. What a nice thing to do!
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u/Ordinary-Earth6022 Sep 14 '26
I once got to be a part of a couple’s special day. I was playing classical shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) music in a park after I’d had a flute lesson. The wedding photographer heard me and ushered the couple to pose near me while I was playing so that they would have a musical accompaniment while posing for their pictures.
When I noticed what the photographer had done I switched to the most joyful pieces that I had brought along. A happy memory.
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u/Terrible_turtle_ Sep 13 '26
What a lovely gesture and gift! The photos are beautiful.
Thank you for doing this.
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u/TheNewNumberThirteen Sep 13 '26
This is the best way to do self promotion and increase exposure, by giving someone a once in a lifetime gift. Lovely.
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u/Tsmart Sep 14 '26
they weren't going to have any of those, incredibly kind gesture to do that for them
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u/coquihalla Sep 14 '26
That's beautiful!
I had a courthouse wedding as well, and while we were waiting, the father of an a different bride drew me a beautiful calligraphy of my married name, just on the back of some random piece of paper. I hadn't even realised he was doing it as we all chatted. It's one of the things I'd grab in a fire.
This gives the same vibe, I bet they were over the moon. Memories for a lifetime.
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u/LowImpressive1989 Sep 13 '26
This is incredible. And not for clout. That couple will be so thankful.
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u/Significant_Ad_2715 Sep 13 '26
Oh this is DEFINITELY for clout let's not joke here. They literally recorded themselves shooting lol
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u/Tagov Sep 14 '26
Yes, clout is effectively the payment here. I don't see it as a problem as long as she's clear with the couple that she's recording them for social media.
It's also not clear if the free photography services actually involve providing the couple with digital copies of the photos and if the couple has the licensing rights to reproduce or print said photos.
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u/dalaiis Sep 13 '26
Very nice gesture.
Lets see if someone will fucked it up by taking the photos for free, then later demand big money to actually send them to them/print them
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u/BadnewsBaggins Sep 13 '26
A more likely scenario is someone else seeing the conversation and also demanding free photos be taken for them, some people can't stand to see others happy or get something for free and not them
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u/SmokedBeef Sep 14 '26
This is a really easy way for new photographers to gain experience or for experienced shooters to build up their wedding portfolio/skill. It also allows the photographer to be picky over the appearance and style of bride and groom they want to choose, which is big when building a portfolio.
I’ve considered doing it but realized I prefer/am better suited street, landscape, product and architecture work that is less time/moment sensitive, giving me more time to compose. Maybe one day, as some of these projects and examples I’ve seen are truly inspiring.
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u/zipper1919 Sep 13 '26
This is definitely in the right sub. I didnt realize I was grinning like a fool till I stopped and my cheeks hurt lol.
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u/henry23na Sep 13 '26
The “That’s Me!” Is such a hard statement and proud at the same time cause I say the same about my wife
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u/Commercial_Match_935 Sep 13 '26
He said " thats me!" When someone asked if she was his bride. They have a strong love
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u/mrsbusdriver Sep 13 '26
That was so incredibly sweet of you! And a beautiful couple to boot! They will totally add to your portfolio!
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u/dryelbow Sep 13 '26
Goddamn they're a beautiful couple. They look so in love it's ridiculous. Love them!
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u/StringerBell34 Sep 14 '26
It would have been a travesty not to capture the women on that day. She looked great. They're kids will be greatful
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u/likeablyweird Sep 14 '26
So generous of you. Your work is fabulous and the subjects made it easy. Bravo. Well done. 😊
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u/Firebreathingwhore Sep 14 '26
There's some good on this world, Mr. Frodo, and it's worth fighting for
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u/Terrible_Reality1092 Sep 14 '26
Beautiful gesture for a beautiful couple in the most beautiful day! 🥰❤️
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u/Leather-Air5496 Sep 14 '26
Grumpy old Scottish man here... I love this for them. Hooray for all involved.
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u/CanAhJustSay Sep 14 '26
There is no down-side to this. What beautiful people and beautiful images. I hope their love lasts a lifetime :)
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u/neolegen Sep 14 '26
If you *ever* find yourself in a position to do something like this for someone, please do it. You won't forget how good it feels.
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u/eye_no_nuttin Sep 13 '26
💕👏👏👏MADISON IS A GEM!!! Bless her tenfold:)
This couple looked AMAZING, and they were perfect!! Many blessings to their future on new adventures ❤️🙏🏻
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u/BumblebeeFirm2249 Sep 13 '26
They look very nice go ahead!
Idc where a person gets married at you can get married at a courthouse and it last forever and someone can spend a million on a wedding and it last 6 months.
So the cost don’t matter it’s about the value or the relationship in my opinion!
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u/Amunds3n Sep 13 '26
Wow! Great photos, and such a beautiful couple. I'd hate to imagine them not having photos of such a wonderful day. Props to the photographer!!
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u/CeemoreButtz Sep 13 '26
One time, I went with a buddy to marry his stripper girlfriend and I was going to be the witness. We were in the Army, so....ya know. Anyways, we're at the courthouse waiting to go next and a couple came in. The woman asked if I could also witness her and her boyfriends wedding. She had just bailed him outta jail and they were getting married, asap. I said sure, cuz that's a fun story. I often think about them, though. Wonder how they're doing. My buddy divorced his within a year.....
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u/Some_Difficulty9312 Sep 14 '26
She’s incredibly beautiful! Wowwwww! She’s perfect! Thank you for being kind.
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u/Nacho_Beardre Sep 14 '26
Apparently you have a right to a photographer, if you can not afford one, one will be appointed
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u/Candid_Yak4541 Sep 14 '26
Shes far too beautiful to not get professional wedding pictures. How kind of you to do this for them. ❤️
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u/Ol_Hickory_Ham_Hedgi Sep 14 '26
Incredible way to build a portfolio, and an extremely kind thing to do for a courthouse wedding couple. ♥️
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u/AtmosphereSome1730 Sep 14 '26
They are adorable. The way her face lite up melted my heart when you offered and showed her your work not only do they have beautiful pictures of their wedding but beautiful memories of the you and your kindness. The pictures are absolutely beautiful.
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u/Vriss_4550 Sep 14 '26
Statistically they are one of the most likely couples to stay together. The more bourgeoisie the wedding than the less likley it is to stay together.☺️
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u/Hefty_Environment_40 Sep 14 '26
Congrats on saving thousands of dollars and not wasting it on a bunch of wedding guests. the majority of which you’ll never see again.
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u/i_believe_you_NOT Sep 14 '26
Seriously, if she does this all the time and crois sources, she will make a nice living. That was just amazing.
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u/wenrdogred Sep 13 '26
If I remember right, she is some sort of influencer type and this was all planned as a collab. I'd have to look up the original post to be sure. Manufactured wholesomeness.
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u/Kygunzz Sep 13 '26
It does seem a little bit too perfect to just show up at the courthouse and find an incredibly beautiful woman just sitting there waiting to get married.
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u/indiosoldier Sep 13 '26
Awesome pictures and gesture, but this couple could have used a disposable camera and been okay. Good-looking couple.
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u/slinks33 Sep 14 '26
Beautiful couple! I wish them a lifetime of moments that feel like this! What a perfectly suited post for this sub❤️🥹
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u/nowiserjustolder Sep 13 '26
When my son was born I had an instamatic to take a few pics. There was a new dad that had been there for the birth of his child but had to go 200 miles back home for work the next day. I gave him our camera to take some pics to take home with him. Cost me nothing really but meant the world to him. If I was any good at taking pictures I would gladly do this to make other people's lives better.
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u/Dizzy_Juggernaut_313 Sep 13 '26
It would have been such a shame for this beautiful couple to not have this moment captured. ❤️
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u/Essembie Sep 13 '26
Humans are bros when we're not poisoned against each other. Don't drink the poison. Be kind. Be a bro.
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u/Equivalent_Soft_2019 Sep 13 '26
So cute. What a lovely couple and kind hearted, talented photographer
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u/Silver_Adagio138 Sep 13 '26
All you need is a lovely couple and good photographer. Forget the bothersome guests, the catering, flowers, etc. Wonderful memories are all there!
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