I Do X's 40

Posted by Barbara (Florida, United States) on 15 February 2009 in People & Portrait.

On Valentine's day 40 couples said their wedding vows at the wedding garden located in our local Botanical Gardens.
Here they are lined up waiting to get into the gardens.
A group ceremony was performed by the county clerks office.
It was interesting to see some dressed in formal attire while others appeared to dress very casual.

As an observer the ceremony did not seem personal at all. To me marriage seems much more sacred than that.

Lately I have been caught up in this time thing and not able to accomplish what I want with photography. My creative spirit is ready to burst.

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All images are copyrighted ©2009 by B. Derusha
and are not to be used or reproduced in any media such as
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If you wish to purchase or use any of my images, please contact me.
Respect of copyright is appreciated.

Comments (9)

john4jack from Corvallis, United States

You're photograph and your message make me feel very sad. I feel especially sad that they are not surrounded by family and friends.

15 Feb 2009 6:07am

@john4jack: It made me sad too. After everyone gathered in the gardens I followed to take a few photos. I actually left before it was completely over. Some had a family member or two with them but it was so impersonal, completely lacking the emotion of an important time in two peoples lives.
Thank you for commenting.

Tammy/Cricket from Huntsville, United States

Hey Barbara. I have to agree that this does seem some what strange. The message in the photograph speaks for itself.

Thank you for sharing.

15 Feb 2009 7:03am

@Tammy/Cricket: It was very strange, to me as well. It was so instant, more like a dress up party than a wedding. It did not feel genuine to me. Thank you for commenting.

Judy from Brooksville-Florida,, United States

Okay, I'm the fourth to vote this down, not your photo, Barb, but this is more like a media circus than a wedding IMHO. Why would anyone want such an 'affair' for one of the most important days of their lives?

However, I like the perspective you captured with the 'lineup' among the palms.

15 Feb 2009 9:54am

@Judy: I like to hear what feeling or emotion others get out of a photo. I agree with what you expressed.
I actually felt disappointment as an observer. Many faces looked uncertain.
Thank you for commenting, Judy.

Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada

I love this wide angle...

15 Feb 2009 2:36pm

Col from Winnipeg, Canada

I like how so many are captured here. It gives us a chance to really study them. I see young, I see old ... and you are right about the variety in the styles of dress. It does seem impersonal to the bystander... but I can't help but hope that each couple is having their own private (between the two of them) happy celebration. And maybe even a party afterwards. :-)

15 Feb 2009 3:16pm

dang from Atlanta, United States

I agree also, Barb. It's a sad commentary of todays "fast food" standard, showing the breakdown of family unity and decay of roots. Your photo is a good example of instant gratification in a "throw away society". Too bad we can't peek into the future ten years, though we have a good idea by viewing todays divorce statistics.

15 Feb 2009 3:20pm

Ronnie 2¢ from London, United Kingdom

One of those lifetime moments that leaves one not knowing whether to laugh or cry. A surprisingly moving image.

15 Feb 2009 10:30pm

Michael Skorulski from Cigel, Slovakia

A beautiful romantic image, Barbara.

16 Feb 2009 2:53am

Twelvebit from Victoria, United States

I'm not one who stands on ceremony, but I'd have absolutely no interest in being married in public as part of a group.

18 Feb 2009 12:26am

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