Exporting American Culture
All but one of the highest-grossing movies in the history of cinema was produced by American film companies (Colombo 756). Furthermore, the American film, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End has grossed over $625.3 million dollars worldwide to date (Reuters), and it is said that almost 95% of movies shown in German theaters were produced in America (Rosenfeld). There are two common threads among these statistics: America and film; currently those two words are synonymous. The American film industry not only dominates the box offices of foreign nations, but has seeped into the culture as well.
According to Thomas J. Saunders, “beginning in 1924 Germany experienced a cultural invasion without parallel since the age of Napoleon” (117). Germany underwent a movement they called Amerikanismus or Americanism (Saunders 1). The Germans couldn’t get enough of America. The movement involved everything from the new “Model T” car to visits from American celebrities. However, one of the biggest fascinations of the Germans was American films (Saunders 1). As America grew as a global power, American films simultaneously rose as the popular form of entertainment in Germany (Saunders 1). Hollywood quickly emerged as “the promotional guardian of the American dream and the primary instrument for domesticating American culture in Europe” (Saunders 1). In other words, Europe became a hotbed for American culture, turning the European people into Mickey Mouse-loving, celebrity-watching, clones of Americans.
Not only has the American film industry affected Germany, Italian film festivals are bursting with American movies and continue into the 21st century. The 2005 Venice Film Festival in Lido, Italy premiered many American films such as George Clooney’s Good Night, and Good Luck and Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain (Nesselson). The film festival is annually frequented by many American celebrities including Matt Damon, Jake Gyllenhaal, Renee Zellweger, and Kirsten Dunst (Nesselson). In another Italian film festival, the 2007 RomaCinemaFest, eight of the twelve movies premiering were American films, including films directed by Robert Redford, Sean Penn, and Sidney Lumet. The festival itself was said to have a “Hollywood flavor;” in fact, two American movies, Terry George’s Reservation Road and Jason Reitman’s Juno, were top contenders for the coveted Marcus Aurelius Award (Lyman).
In other parts of the world, American films are dominating foreign culture at an equally huge rate. In Taiwan, 90% of films shown are American films (Lin). In France, the champagne cellar of the famous Piper-Heidsieck hosts a museum with portraits of American celebrities drinking champagne, everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Clint Eastwood (Gitlin 825). Hollywood stars are obviously a big part of the American cinema industry, and essayist Todd Gitlin refers to them as “the royalty of this century” (825). With so many movies seen by foreign audiences, it’s no wonder that American movie stars are such a sensation overseas.
U.S. films are exported to foreign countries at an extremely rapid rate, and that rate grows more every year. With so many movies being exported to foreign countries, U.S. film companies are collecting huge revenue from box offices overseas. In the late 1980’s, export sales increased from 30% to 40% (Gitlin 828). In 1999, Entertainment was the top export of the United States; film, television, etc. brought in almost $80 billion worth of revenue (Gitlin 825), and the percent of revenue sales that come from overseas has risen from 37% to 60% in the last seven years (Gitlin 828 & Wattenburg). The summer blockbusters are collecting more revenue overseas than ever before. Spiderman 3 collected a total of $525.7 million worldwide, while the Da Vinci Code amassed $339.7 million (Reuters). Zodiac and Shrek 3 both accumulated more than $25 million in revenue overseas (Reuters). While these movies were super successes and brought millions of dollars to the production companies, others surpass the domestic box office, creating more revenue for the companies. Last Action Hero, an Arnold Schwartzenegger movie, bombed at the summer box office, only grossing about $50 million in the states (Nodell). However, overseas the movie was a smash hit, grossing over $100 million (Nodell).
One movie company that understands international exports and how they affect other cultures in Disney. In the all-time, top-grossing world-wide movie count, Disney titles hold 31 out of 318 total titles (All-time). That definitely qualifies them as one of the leaders of world-wide entertainment. An example of Disney’s export powers is one of its top sellers of all time, High School Musical. The made-for-T.V. movie, known as a Disney Channel Original Movie, had 1.2 million viewers in the United Kingdom its first week and quickly rose to the most watched program in the U.K. in 2006 (High). The movie was released in six countries, and became the top selling DVD in the U.K. and South Africa (High). The exports don’t stop at the movie itself; the soundtrack went platinum in Australia and all major CD stores in South Africa sold out of copies in the first week (High). The success of High School Musical, among others, has some nation’s leaders and citizens contemplating the negative side effects of commercial exports affecting their country.
The massive influx of American movies on other nations has the people in a fuss. According to a history professor at a school in Frankfurt, “European representatives…are concerned about their cultural distinctiveness and fear that they have already lost much of their audience to American products” (Gienow). This view is shared by other foreign representatives and has led to some outbursts of antagonism directed towards the United States. In a 1999 interview headlined “The Higher the Satellite, the Lower the Culture,” the French Minister of Culture, Jack Lang, denounced the imperialistic nature of U.S. culture, the film industry included (Gienow). He felt it was tainting the culture of his own country by replacing its existing entertainment with American productions.
While foreign nations make a fuss about American influence, Americans think this is crazy talk. A poll done by the Program of International Policy Attitudes in October 1999 asked this question: “How much of a threat, if at all, do you think American popular culture, such as music, television and films, is to the cultures of other countries in the world?” (Kull) In the poll, 74% of Americans saw it as a minor threat, if any threat at all. As a matter of fact, most people “saw the foreign concerns as overblown” (Kull).
To say that movies are a global entertainment would be false. However, to say that American movies are a global entertainment would be more accurate. Otherwise, how do you explain a photo taken by Michael Fairbanks where a young boy in a third world nation sleeps in a ratty bed under a poster of Rambo (Fairbanks)? Or the fact that nearly all DVDs come dubbed in French and Spanish. Walter Senior, President of Twentieth Century Fox, said it best: “U.S. movies aren’t made for America; they are made for the whole world” (Nodell).
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
Paper 4
Separation between Church and State
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...” That very well known phrase is located in the Unites States Constitution. Those words keep the government out of religious affairs, and religion out of the federal and state government affairs. It’s titled the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause, respectively (Establishment). In other words, it’s why there is separation of church and state. Despite the American ideal of separation, there is a constant struggle among religious and government institutions to maintain separation of church and state, particularly with the issues of school prayer and same-sex marraige.
One of the many issues centered around this ideal is the issue of prayer in public school. The fundamental question for this issue is this: Since public schools are federally funded, and government is a secular entity, should prayer be allowed in school? The issue has been around since the early twentieth century, and it is still a big issue today. Religious groups are constantly battling Congress and school districts to reinstate organized prayer in the schools. In the legendary Supreme Court Case Engel v. Vitale (1962), it was deemed unconstitutional for state officials to demand recitation of composed prayer. In another important case, Abington School District v. Schemmp (1963), school-sponsored Bible readings were declared unlawful in public schools. Lastly, in the famous decision of Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971), any prayer activity is constitutional providing it follows these guidelines: “1) it has a secular purpose, 2) must not advance or inhibit religion, and 3) must not lead to entanglement of government and religion (School).” The issue was thought to have been settled, until the 1990s when the argument went passed the scope of the classroom. The Supreme Court began to deal with the issue of prayer at school-sponsored events, such as high school football games. They determined in Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe (2000) that prayers led over the intercom were unlawful (School). Presently, prayer in school is not illegal, as long as it is done by the student and not by a faculty member. While the issue of prayer in public was somewhat solved, another, more contemporary, issue was gathering steam.
The issue of gay marriage is just as controversial, if not more, than prayer in public school. Religious groups and anti-gay unions jump on this issue like a fly on garbage, and people of the homosexual community and equal rights activists are even more involved. All of these groups are constantly lobbying Congress for a bill that constitutes or outlaws same-sex marriage. Therefore, adding to the already arguable debate of separation of church and state. If Congress makes a decision on this issue, would it be based purely on religious merit? Or could Congress use a secular reasoning for outlawing or allowing marriage in the homosexual community?
The struggle for and against this right occurs every day in the United States, and currently, the states are divided. The only state to allow same-sex marriage is Massachusetts. Other states, such as New Jersey and Connecticut, offer “civil unions” or commitment ceremonies. Still others are constantly debating the issue. Some states will honor a same-sex marriage if it took place in Massachusetts (Same-sex). Honoring these marriages has added to the turmoil surrounding this issue. The desire for unity among the states has inspired many people to come together for this issue.
Many groups are formed for and against this cause. Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, otherwise known as GLAD, fight to end discrimination against the homosexual community. GLAD is a non-profit organization based in Boston, and is recognized for achieving the same-sex marriage law in Massachusetts (Gay). The American Family Association is an organization devoted to Christian values and often lobbies Congress in hopes of outlawing same-sex marriage(American). One extreme anti-gay group from Topeka Kansas took its platform to a new level. The members of the Westboro Baptist Church, led by Fred Phelps, formed an anti-gay protest outside an Army soldier’s funeral. The group held signs displaying “THANK GOD FOR DEAD SOLDIERS” and “AMERICA IS DOOMED” (Vets). This is just an example of the many groups that have voiced their opinion on the issue.
Our founding fathers insisted that the federal and state governments should not coincide with any type of religion or beliefs. However, with 87% of the American public claiming to be of the Christian faith, it becomes difficult to keep these ideas separate. It is an ongoing struggle that will continue into the future, and at the center of that struggle are the issues of same-sex marriage and prayer in public school.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...” That very well known phrase is located in the Unites States Constitution. Those words keep the government out of religious affairs, and religion out of the federal and state government affairs. It’s titled the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause, respectively (Establishment). In other words, it’s why there is separation of church and state. Despite the American ideal of separation, there is a constant struggle among religious and government institutions to maintain separation of church and state, particularly with the issues of school prayer and same-sex marraige.
One of the many issues centered around this ideal is the issue of prayer in public school. The fundamental question for this issue is this: Since public schools are federally funded, and government is a secular entity, should prayer be allowed in school? The issue has been around since the early twentieth century, and it is still a big issue today. Religious groups are constantly battling Congress and school districts to reinstate organized prayer in the schools. In the legendary Supreme Court Case Engel v. Vitale (1962), it was deemed unconstitutional for state officials to demand recitation of composed prayer. In another important case, Abington School District v. Schemmp (1963), school-sponsored Bible readings were declared unlawful in public schools. Lastly, in the famous decision of Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971), any prayer activity is constitutional providing it follows these guidelines: “1) it has a secular purpose, 2) must not advance or inhibit religion, and 3) must not lead to entanglement of government and religion (School).” The issue was thought to have been settled, until the 1990s when the argument went passed the scope of the classroom. The Supreme Court began to deal with the issue of prayer at school-sponsored events, such as high school football games. They determined in Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe (2000) that prayers led over the intercom were unlawful (School). Presently, prayer in school is not illegal, as long as it is done by the student and not by a faculty member. While the issue of prayer in public was somewhat solved, another, more contemporary, issue was gathering steam.
The issue of gay marriage is just as controversial, if not more, than prayer in public school. Religious groups and anti-gay unions jump on this issue like a fly on garbage, and people of the homosexual community and equal rights activists are even more involved. All of these groups are constantly lobbying Congress for a bill that constitutes or outlaws same-sex marriage. Therefore, adding to the already arguable debate of separation of church and state. If Congress makes a decision on this issue, would it be based purely on religious merit? Or could Congress use a secular reasoning for outlawing or allowing marriage in the homosexual community?
The struggle for and against this right occurs every day in the United States, and currently, the states are divided. The only state to allow same-sex marriage is Massachusetts. Other states, such as New Jersey and Connecticut, offer “civil unions” or commitment ceremonies. Still others are constantly debating the issue. Some states will honor a same-sex marriage if it took place in Massachusetts (Same-sex). Honoring these marriages has added to the turmoil surrounding this issue. The desire for unity among the states has inspired many people to come together for this issue.
Many groups are formed for and against this cause. Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, otherwise known as GLAD, fight to end discrimination against the homosexual community. GLAD is a non-profit organization based in Boston, and is recognized for achieving the same-sex marriage law in Massachusetts (Gay). The American Family Association is an organization devoted to Christian values and often lobbies Congress in hopes of outlawing same-sex marriage(American). One extreme anti-gay group from Topeka Kansas took its platform to a new level. The members of the Westboro Baptist Church, led by Fred Phelps, formed an anti-gay protest outside an Army soldier’s funeral. The group held signs displaying “THANK GOD FOR DEAD SOLDIERS” and “AMERICA IS DOOMED” (Vets). This is just an example of the many groups that have voiced their opinion on the issue.
Our founding fathers insisted that the federal and state governments should not coincide with any type of religion or beliefs. However, with 87% of the American public claiming to be of the Christian faith, it becomes difficult to keep these ideas separate. It is an ongoing struggle that will continue into the future, and at the center of that struggle are the issues of same-sex marriage and prayer in public school.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
First off, I think it is funny that I can get more information from a political cartoon than my Political Science book.
Second of all, I totally agree with what Joel Andreas is saying. I think we need to take care of business at home before we try to get into to complicated business overseas. He mentions that in the cartoon, when he regards to the terrorist in Florida, and how the president is desregarding it...It was a little disturbing also to find out that the first President Bush pardoned a convicted felon who associates with escaped felons, and these guys were trained by our CIA and the Pentagon, according to Andreas. How is that right?
Second of all, I totally agree with what Joel Andreas is saying. I think we need to take care of business at home before we try to get into to complicated business overseas. He mentions that in the cartoon, when he regards to the terrorist in Florida, and how the president is desregarding it...It was a little disturbing also to find out that the first President Bush pardoned a convicted felon who associates with escaped felons, and these guys were trained by our CIA and the Pentagon, according to Andreas. How is that right?
Friday, November 2, 2007
Babel and the essay
That movie was intense! But it was very interesting how something that happens with one person in one country can effect people in a whole different country.
Much like the essay we read, the world is almost morphing into one country. People in other countries know about Mickey Mouse and Tom Cruise. There is even a Disneyland in Japan. Culture and news spreads faster than we think, and it is possible to see beyond the relm of the horizon.The movie did a good job of highlighting that fact. When an American woman is shot it another country, people all over that country, plus the U.S. and Japan heard of it. And it is not a surprise that the first conclusion is that of a terrorist act.
A couple of weekends ago, I went to visit a friend at Baylor University. And in the coffeeshop on the corner an Indian song was playing. It reminded me of something in Bend It Like Beckham. What is interesting is, 50 years ago, that wouldn't have happened. It would have been really strange to hear music from another country in a local coffeeshop.
Much like the essay we read, the world is almost morphing into one country. People in other countries know about Mickey Mouse and Tom Cruise. There is even a Disneyland in Japan. Culture and news spreads faster than we think, and it is possible to see beyond the relm of the horizon.The movie did a good job of highlighting that fact. When an American woman is shot it another country, people all over that country, plus the U.S. and Japan heard of it. And it is not a surprise that the first conclusion is that of a terrorist act.
A couple of weekends ago, I went to visit a friend at Baylor University. And in the coffeeshop on the corner an Indian song was playing. It reminded me of something in Bend It Like Beckham. What is interesting is, 50 years ago, that wouldn't have happened. It would have been really strange to hear music from another country in a local coffeeshop.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Paper 3 revised
Success in the Pop Culture’s Eyes
What is success? Pop culture expresses it as having a Ferrari with a sunroof and custom 22-inch rims. Dictionary.com says that success is “the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors.” Although pop culture describes successful people as having expensive material possessions and outrageous fortune, I define successful people as achieving the highest ambition they set for themselves. In other words, to achieve success, a person must strive to accomplish their biggest dream: the ultimate job, award, or position, etc. Success is reaching your personal best, whatever that may be. Success is achieving that daydream that lingers in the back of your mind while you are supposed to be studying for a calculus test. To have or be a “success,” a person must outdo his own standards.
According to news, radio, and the most recent articles about Paris Hilton, dreams don’t equal success, money equals success. Christopher Flockton, narrator of a show called “The Fabulous Life,” highlights this ideal in his show. The superfluous lifestyles of various movie stars, musicians, and the latest basketball star are emulated. In one episode, Lindsay Lohan is the newest subject of adoration. The audience is supposed to fawn over her $7.4 million base movie salary and the fact that she drops $20,000 on scarves at an L.A. boutique. The fawning continues with billionaire Wall Street bigwig Steven Cohen, who owns a 32,000 square foot house, complete with a private ice rink and a 700 square foot house just for the Zamboni and other ice rink equipment. The ridiculousness continues season after season. After watching the show, you can’t help but soak up the idea that it portrays: in order to be successful, you must own two houses on opposite ends of the country, and a private jet to take you to and from each one. Shows like this are suggesting that if you have outrageously expensive possessions, you are successful. This is not the case. The only true measure of success is how you have accomplished the goals set for yourself.
While looking at all the reality shows on television now, there seems to be a common theme: do anything to make lots of money, and the magic number is apparently a million dollars. In the show Surivior, contestants conspire against each other to vote each other off a secluded island, all the while having to survive on that secluded island, just to win a million dollars. Regis Philbin hit it big with Who Want to Be a Millionaire, where contestants were asked impossible questions in an attempt to win the lucrative million. In the recent hit, Deal or No Deal, Howie Mandel asks contestants to decide between identical suitcases, trying to find the one with the million in it. People will do anything to make their millions the “easy” way. Some delusional Americans will subject themselves and their personal lives to this embarrassment for any amount of money. On a show called Who’s Your Daddy, an adopted woman gets $100,000 if she can correctly guess her adopted father out of a panel of imposters. Shows like this are distorting America’s idea of success; they suggest that an amount of money with make a person successful.
These shiny, seemingly inaccessible lifestyles are appealing to the masses, and they seem to be the measure of success. However, I identify success as working towards an ambitious goal previously set for yourself and not stopping until you have completed it. As an avid photographer, my biggest ambition is to be a famous portrait photographer. I want to run with the likes of Anne Geddes, Jill Freedman, Duane Michaels, Elliot Erwitt, and the late Ansel Adams. The greatest high would be to have my photos premiering in a posh art gallery in New York City, while other respected artists and guest marvel at my latest “work.” Sure, famous photographers make money, as do many people celebrated for distinguished achievements, but that isn’t what appeals to me. There is no greater high than having your personal photos viewed by millions of people.
What happened to the idea of hard work and discipline helping you achieve your goal? The media, along with these television shows, are giving people the illusion that if you have money, you are successful. Again, this is not the case. They lead people to believe that expensive houses and cars are measures of a successful person. Success can only be measured through a person’s determination and dedication to their personal goal. Despite the illusion that pop culture exudes, there is no quick step to becoming successful, at least not according to my definition of success.
What is success? Pop culture expresses it as having a Ferrari with a sunroof and custom 22-inch rims. Dictionary.com says that success is “the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors.” Although pop culture describes successful people as having expensive material possessions and outrageous fortune, I define successful people as achieving the highest ambition they set for themselves. In other words, to achieve success, a person must strive to accomplish their biggest dream: the ultimate job, award, or position, etc. Success is reaching your personal best, whatever that may be. Success is achieving that daydream that lingers in the back of your mind while you are supposed to be studying for a calculus test. To have or be a “success,” a person must outdo his own standards.
According to news, radio, and the most recent articles about Paris Hilton, dreams don’t equal success, money equals success. Christopher Flockton, narrator of a show called “The Fabulous Life,” highlights this ideal in his show. The superfluous lifestyles of various movie stars, musicians, and the latest basketball star are emulated. In one episode, Lindsay Lohan is the newest subject of adoration. The audience is supposed to fawn over her $7.4 million base movie salary and the fact that she drops $20,000 on scarves at an L.A. boutique. The fawning continues with billionaire Wall Street bigwig Steven Cohen, who owns a 32,000 square foot house, complete with a private ice rink and a 700 square foot house just for the Zamboni and other ice rink equipment. The ridiculousness continues season after season. After watching the show, you can’t help but soak up the idea that it portrays: in order to be successful, you must own two houses on opposite ends of the country, and a private jet to take you to and from each one. Shows like this are suggesting that if you have outrageously expensive possessions, you are successful. This is not the case. The only true measure of success is how you have accomplished the goals set for yourself.
While looking at all the reality shows on television now, there seems to be a common theme: do anything to make lots of money, and the magic number is apparently a million dollars. In the show Surivior, contestants conspire against each other to vote each other off a secluded island, all the while having to survive on that secluded island, just to win a million dollars. Regis Philbin hit it big with Who Want to Be a Millionaire, where contestants were asked impossible questions in an attempt to win the lucrative million. In the recent hit, Deal or No Deal, Howie Mandel asks contestants to decide between identical suitcases, trying to find the one with the million in it. People will do anything to make their millions the “easy” way. Some delusional Americans will subject themselves and their personal lives to this embarrassment for any amount of money. On a show called Who’s Your Daddy, an adopted woman gets $100,000 if she can correctly guess her adopted father out of a panel of imposters. Shows like this are distorting America’s idea of success; they suggest that an amount of money with make a person successful.
These shiny, seemingly inaccessible lifestyles are appealing to the masses, and they seem to be the measure of success. However, I identify success as working towards an ambitious goal previously set for yourself and not stopping until you have completed it. As an avid photographer, my biggest ambition is to be a famous portrait photographer. I want to run with the likes of Anne Geddes, Jill Freedman, Duane Michaels, Elliot Erwitt, and the late Ansel Adams. The greatest high would be to have my photos premiering in a posh art gallery in New York City, while other respected artists and guest marvel at my latest “work.” Sure, famous photographers make money, as do many people celebrated for distinguished achievements, but that isn’t what appeals to me. There is no greater high than having your personal photos viewed by millions of people.
What happened to the idea of hard work and discipline helping you achieve your goal? The media, along with these television shows, are giving people the illusion that if you have money, you are successful. Again, this is not the case. They lead people to believe that expensive houses and cars are measures of a successful person. Success can only be measured through a person’s determination and dedication to their personal goal. Despite the illusion that pop culture exudes, there is no quick step to becoming successful, at least not according to my definition of success.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Religious Experiences
Ok, so I am a Christian, but I certainly don't have convulsions in church or anything. Although I did have one moment that was really intense. I went with a friend of mine to her church's student youth group-type thing in the sixth grade. A student minister was talking and invited eveyone up to the front to "get closer to God." My friend and I went up there, and the minister starting talking about forgiving our sins and "letting His light shine on us," etc. Well I don't know what came over me, but all of a sudden I burst in to tears uncontrollably. I even felt a weird warming sensation. A few minutes later I was ok. I don't know what it was, but I always remember it when people talk about religious experiences. It was really intense, and it still shakes me to think about it.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Paper One...
I recently had the privilege to attend a beautiful wedding ceremony of a good friend’s sister. As a passionate photographer, though amateur at best, I was hired by the family of the bride to take some casual snapshots. Through my camera lens, I was able to absorb the energy and emotions that buzzed around me. There is nothing more beautiful than an afternoon wedding of a close friend or family. It’s a treasured tradition that easily warms my heart.
At this wedding I was intent on doing my job, so I tried to capture moments throughout the entire day. It gave me the chance to see all the aspects that go into planning and achieving the perfect wedding. Knowing how much effort and collaboration went into such a big day helped me appreciate the wedding for its intricacy. Every detail, from the location to the cuff links, screamed the classic personality and style of the bride and groom. While there are hundreds of details that go into a wedding, each one has its own beauty. The artist in me deeply appreciated the beautiful architecture of the old church the couple chose, while the photographer in me cherished the light coming in from the countless windows surrounding the alter, giving the bride an angelic look. The lavender thrown as the newlyweds departed was a new twist on the traditional rice or flower petals typically seen at ceremonies. Details such as these plus two very gregarious families made it an enjoyable day.
This particular wedding was complete with the typical characters such as the nervous bride and groom, teary mothers, charming best man, and the distant family who just came for the sit down dinner. This is one of the things I love most about weddings: the characters that show up on D-day (or shall I say W-day). What is a wedding without the shy younger brother refusing to dance, or the affable aunt telling stories of her childhood? Every guest I encountered was different from the last, and I learned something new about the family from each conversation.
The most magnificent part of weddings is the utter hope and joy that the day inspires. That giddy excitement that comes when the bride enters to “Here Comes the Bride,” puts a smile on everyone watching. Even from my spot in the corner, I could feel the anticipation in the air when she entered with her father. The feelings that weddings arouse are so positive, nothing can ruin the day, even if rain pours or hairdos fall.
As I uploaded my pictures onto the computer, I was ecstatic that they revealed what I saw all day: the happiness hanging in the air. The bride’s breathtaking smile, the adorable father-daughter dance, and the lavender catching in the folds of the dress were icing on the cake, so to speak, to a wonderful ceremony. The pictures were proof of a flawless day. There is nothing more beautiful than a union of two people in love. The summer wedding I photographed was a perfect example.
At this wedding I was intent on doing my job, so I tried to capture moments throughout the entire day. It gave me the chance to see all the aspects that go into planning and achieving the perfect wedding. Knowing how much effort and collaboration went into such a big day helped me appreciate the wedding for its intricacy. Every detail, from the location to the cuff links, screamed the classic personality and style of the bride and groom. While there are hundreds of details that go into a wedding, each one has its own beauty. The artist in me deeply appreciated the beautiful architecture of the old church the couple chose, while the photographer in me cherished the light coming in from the countless windows surrounding the alter, giving the bride an angelic look. The lavender thrown as the newlyweds departed was a new twist on the traditional rice or flower petals typically seen at ceremonies. Details such as these plus two very gregarious families made it an enjoyable day.
This particular wedding was complete with the typical characters such as the nervous bride and groom, teary mothers, charming best man, and the distant family who just came for the sit down dinner. This is one of the things I love most about weddings: the characters that show up on D-day (or shall I say W-day). What is a wedding without the shy younger brother refusing to dance, or the affable aunt telling stories of her childhood? Every guest I encountered was different from the last, and I learned something new about the family from each conversation.
The most magnificent part of weddings is the utter hope and joy that the day inspires. That giddy excitement that comes when the bride enters to “Here Comes the Bride,” puts a smile on everyone watching. Even from my spot in the corner, I could feel the anticipation in the air when she entered with her father. The feelings that weddings arouse are so positive, nothing can ruin the day, even if rain pours or hairdos fall.
As I uploaded my pictures onto the computer, I was ecstatic that they revealed what I saw all day: the happiness hanging in the air. The bride’s breathtaking smile, the adorable father-daughter dance, and the lavender catching in the folds of the dress were icing on the cake, so to speak, to a wonderful ceremony. The pictures were proof of a flawless day. There is nothing more beautiful than a union of two people in love. The summer wedding I photographed was a perfect example.
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