First, let's do the short version: YES, you should trust Pasha and his amazing team of…read morephotographers to take amazing pictures for you. His combination of creativity, unique viewpoints, bravery (snowstorm!) and talent is what you want. You'll smile while going through your pics. And that's all that needs to be said.
But if you're staying for the details......Alright, let's do this:
We learned a few things from Pasha, Mark and Taylor while they were snapping pics at our wedding. One -- we kiss a lot, but that's beside the point. Two - taking the time to get the small details the way you want them (I mean really putting in the effort) was worth it. And three -- we have a lot of people that love us. We now have pictures to prove it all.
Nothing like catching someone smiling at you when they think no one's looking (except Pasha -- he knows, he's there for the shot). Nothing like going through your wedding photos and seeing a snap of someone writing "stay weird!" in your guestbook, or getting to retell the story of why your wedding dress has a tiny unicorn hanging from it (we got that shot too). Nothing like the smirk you get when you see that your photographer noticed the little bride-and-groom mice statues you hid inside your pastry tower.
He got the special lining of the suit, he got the calligraphy on the signs, his shots show the fire in the opal and beauty of the ring its on. We got to see a million moments we didn't notice the first time around.
Okay, okay. The details are captured. What about the photography? I said creative, unique, brave and talented, right?
We were gasping when we hit those photos of us outside in the snow. You know how when you dream of a winter wedding you imagine snow? Yeah, we got snow....And snow is cold. But Pasha braved the storm (literal storm!) and got out there with us. This guy grabs his assistant, leads the way with his awesomely groomed viking beard and goes to work on absolutely killing the shots. They're crazy good! That's brave.
So now we get to relive the feeling of snowflakes landing on us forever. We even have the cozy moment of the groomsmen playing human shield to keep the bridesmaid's warm and dry (his idea to keep them warm, btw, while me and the new Mrs. were taking more pics -- oops!).
Pasha took the time to meet with us before the wedding to make sure we understood his style and that he understood ours. Everything was comfortable and friendly, and that set the tone for the wedding. He and his team just became part of the bridal party for the "getting ready" pics -- never an awkward moment. Then they hit the wedding party and became family. That's what you call people that care about your happiness and help you make the most of a special day, right?
It's important to mention we didn't have to point out the details. Not all of them, at least, not by a longshot. They got the snaps anyway. That tells me they were paying attention, absorbing the details, respecting the effort, noticing the happiness of our guests and enjoying themselves. It's awesome when your photographers are part of all the warmth. That's talent. ....Well, that and making everyone on the dance floor look like they had swag to spare.
Bottom line? We feel like everything got captured. Not just the people and deco, but the mood of the whole day and night. Top quality and resolution obviously. The only complaint I have is that his beard was cooler than mine.
Forget the posing and planning every little shot. You want pictures that are YOU? Get someone that lives in the moment and knows how to capture them. Your pics will be amazing and a blast to go through.
Five stars for Mr. Pasha Plugovoy and his team. Bravissimi! Thanks for the memories -- and that one shot where our hair looks cool.
