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The Image Is Found - Heartcrafted Images Since 2002

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THE LEGACY PROJECT

After photographing hundreds of weddings over the past thirteen years, we found ourselves with a deep curiosity about the role our photographs play once our job is finished. Once the wedding day is relocated to memory, and marriage in all of it’s better and worse-s becomes ever-present, do the images we made still resonate? This curiosity led to a collaborative project in which we asked the couples we’ve photographed to write about the one photo from their wedding day that reminds them of what really matters. Which singular photograph has transformed from an image of something into the very memory of something? This is a collection of those images as chosen by the couples as well as their words about why they consider it the one. 

Our intention for the project was to gather the insight from our couples to see if the images that we loved and meant the most to us, were the same ones they loved then, and still loved now. We were curious to see if any of them would choose the images that were “so creative” and on trend when they were taken and were humbled to find that none of them made the cut. What we discovered instead, is that the simple, un-coerced, authentic moments are the ones that time and time again resonate 1 year, 5 years, even 13 years later. Many of the photos these couples selected are not images we would have blogged, Instagrammed, or even put in our portfolio, but they perfectly encompass the honor of why we do what we do. The stories behind them, what the photos mean to them now, and why they chose it, started us down a path of shifting how we photograph today and moving forward. This realization and introspection has resulted in two truths we repeat before any wedding day:

 

LESS US, MORE YOU.

It is not about us or our ego. It’s about you and the images that we need to find, rather than create.

LESS LIKES, MORE LEGACY.

If an image doesn’t matter later, it doesn’t matter now.

 

This project has opened our eyes to the fact that everyone will have the one photo that perfectly reflects how they feel about their relationship, their love, and their wedding day. It’s the one they’ll show their grandchildren someday and go back for if the house is burning down. It’s the one that remains and the beauty of it all is that more often than not, it won’t be particularly noteworthy to anyone else but them. After reading these stories, these photographs mean more to us than any other photographs we have taken simply because their meaning extends far beyond what they mean to us to what truly matters.


June 18, 2015

We have a bajillion beautiful, fun, and creative images of the two of us but this one is our favorite. Initially, I loved it because it reflects both exactly how we were feeling as well as who we are as a couple in general.  The stressful parts of the wedding planning, logistics, etc were finally over and we were about to have possibly the best evening of our (non-parent) life. I had the good kind of butterflies and you can see them.  Also, I was trying to give him a kiss while walking and I'm not the most graceful person (especially in a heavy dress) and he was supporting my weight with his arm so I didn't fall.  He holds me constantly.  When I was pregnant, it was almost creepy.  I'm just that clumsy.  

I ASSUME HE MADE A JOKE BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT WE DO - HE'S SILLY AND I LAUGH AT HIM.  I LOVE HOW OUR EYES ARE CLOSED.  I LOVE THE MOVEMENT.  I LOVE HOW IT WAS COMPLETELY SPONTANEOUS.

Looking back, its meaning has grown even more over time.  My daughters ask me about why I'm smiling and I love to tell them.

- Chrystal and Dalin -

 

June 17, 2015

I honestly don’t remember what we were feeling or experiencing at the moment but looking at it now, it tells a pretty awesome story. It looks like we were in mid conversation about something funny… who knows.

We hardly ever look back at our photos because of how busy our schedules are but when i look at those images now, particular the one of us crossing the streets, it reminds how difficult life can be and the challenges that we both have faced together. Some of those challenges we’ve failed at and some we succeeded in overcoming. but above all, it reminds us that no matter what happens, we always have each other’s back and we’ll always help each other cross that road together.

This one of us crossing the road grew on us over time. 

I THINK WE STARTED TO LOVE IT BECAUSE IT COULD’VE EASILY BEEN A PHOTO THAT COULD’VE TAKEN PLACE ANYWHERE AT ANY POINT IN OUR LIVES. AND WHAT I MEAN BY THAT IS IT’S ONLY A WEDDING PHOTO BECAUSE WE HAD OUR WEDDING ATTIRE ON… OTHERWISE, ITS JUST A PHOTO OF US TOGETHER. AND THAT’S PROBABLY WHY WE LOVE IT SO MUCH. BECAUSE WE SEE PAST THE WEDDING CRAP AND JUST SEE OURSELVES. 

Damn I hope that makes sense.

- Angela and Alain -

 
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June 16, 2015

Ermagherd...Our wedding go-to photo of all time? Hmmm. Far from Sophie's Choice, but a tough decision all together.

As we reflect on why....You know, weddings are pretty crazy, if you think about it. No matter how much planning you put into a wedding (or life!), nothing will prepare you for the unknown. Some of our favorite examples from that evening: drunk family friend/priest who has to be reminded by the bride and groom to have us say our vows. Bridesmaids going "rogue." Groomsmen wearing wrong pants or falling into a duck pond before ceremony. Drunk uncle passing out in the middle of dinner. Not one, but two relatives wearing white.

Needless to say, there is no preparing you for any of it. Yet, those three photos are the most meaningful because they are great reminders of what really matters in a marriage: each other.

NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO, THERE IS NO STOPPING THE IMPERFECTIONS. SO YOU MIGHT AS WELL PUT ON YOUR BEST OUTFITS AND JUMP UP AND DOWN ON A BED WITH YOUR BEST FRIEND, THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE.

- Monica and Richard -

 

June 15, 2015

This was at the same time extremely difficult and surprisingly easy. See, we “live” with our wedding photos. We do look at them very often and know them well. So when you asked which one is the one, we both instantly and separately thought of this one.

Then the second pass was where it got difficult. Because you did miracles that day and there are so many stunning photographs. So we thought, well this may not be the most radical, you know, artsy, amazing one from the session. There were the silhouettes, the dust in the air… Hard.

After some thought we decided nevertheless to go with what our hearts told us and actually that’s probably what you were asking anyways.

Why this one:

IT REALLY CAPTURES WHO WE ARE. WE ARE A FAMILY – US AND LUCA.

We LOVE him. He makes us better – our fearless / fearful ring bearer. We are on the road. Metaphorically and literally, the road is our happy place. Even though we may appear stuck in the city, our hearts, our souls are nomads always on a journey. We are humbly in the background. We celebrate each other and our love and commitment quietly. It’s not a secret but it’s private. It’s a space for two. Our boy, Luca, takes the foreground, curiously drawn to the end of a taunt lead as if protecting us, ready for mischief and adventures, ready for anything! This image is brilliant.

AGAIN, THERE ARE SO MANY OTHER PHOTOS THAT PERHAPS ARE MORE “BEAUTIFUL” (WHATEVER THAT MAY MEAN), HAVE MAYBE MORE STYLE, AND MORE ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENTS, BUT FOR THE FAMILY OF 3, THIS ONE ENCOMPASSED A MOMENT OF WHOLENESS IN THE JOINING OF OUR LIVES.

- Irina and Mahdi - 

 
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June 14, 2015

We were in the middle of our first dance and had valiantly been trying to be romantic and keep our cool. But eventually we surrendered to our genuine, irreverent nature and I just couldn’t handle the lovey-dovey-ness of it all. It was a moment of pure partnership on a crazy day, giving into who we were and how we did life. I love how close we are in the picture and how we’re clearly just having a moment of fun together.

LOOKING AT THE PHOTO NOW, I AM SO ENCOURAGED TO SEE THAT WE STILL LAUGH THAT WAY, WITH ME LEANING INTO MICHAEL OUT OF WEAKNESS FROM LAUGHING AT A RIDICULOUSLY OFF-COLLAR JOKE HE TOLD OR SOMETHING EMBARRASSING OUR 4-YEAR OLD SAID IN PUBLIC.

Our true natures haven’t changed all that much and that makes me happy. Originally I was drawn to the photos that featured us in a more staged setting because wedding photos are one of the few times you get all dolled up and can be a bit narcissistic. I remember checking The Image is Found blog on our honeymoon to see if any pictures had been posted yet and just being amazed that those people were us. But as time has gone on, it’s the photos that tell our story that have found their way closer to my heart.

- Nellie and Michael -

 

June 13, 2015

When we first received the photos from our wedding, the shots that got the most attention were funnier, flashier, more attention-getting than this one.  But in the three years since, this photo - which is a classic wedding portrait, in a way, but with a contemporary journalistic twist that makes the viewer feel like they are witnessing a very private moment -- has proven the one that we keep in the frame and show to our friends (and now, to our 1 year old!).  

WHEN THIS PICTURE WAS TAKEN, I REMEMBER FEELING THAT JUST FOR THAT BRIEF MOMENT IN TIME, WE WERE TOGETHER AT THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE, A TEAM OF TWO WITH EVERYTHING REVOLVING JUST AROUND US.  

Now our universe has expanded so much!  We have a goldendoodle and a daughter and are buying a house...and our respective in-laws really feel like family.  

BUT WHEN I LOOK AT THE PICTURE, IT BRINGS ME BACK TO THAT FEELING OF BEING UNITED AGAINST THE WORLD - JUST US TWO.  

I'm so happy to have this reminder of the strong foundation upon which we are building the rest of our lives together.

- Lucy and Seth -

 

June 12, 2015

We treasure all of the gorgeous shots from our wedding day as they tell the complete story, and our apartment showcases multiple images as a collection. This shot captures an intimate, private, celebratory moment that we so fondly remember in a public space.

WE SEE IT AND WE REMEMBER HOW LUCKY WE FELT TO BE TOGETHER, HOW BEAUTIFUL OUR MODERN MUSEUM VENUE WAS, AND HOW WE KEPT EACH OTHER WARM ON THAT CHILLY DAY IN SAN FRANCISCO. 

- Olesya and Joe -

 

June 11, 2015

So many of the photographs that you have taken hold so much meaning for us. The engagement photos, the wedding photos, our family photo shoot. In many ways you are the documenters of our entire relationship. We have only been together for five years (our first date was 9/23/09). The walls in our house and the photos in frames on our shelves are close to 50% images that you have taken, including one of the best portraits ever of Moxie, our dog, who sadly passed away this spring.

For our wedding, it is hard to narrow it down to one photograph, however. We are honored that a portrait of us is featured in such a major way in your studio and in your bridal show booth, but that is because it is a great image, and you are mostly responsible for its greatness (some credit goes to the dress and the shoes peeking out from behind the emoticon). The fact is, we would love that image even if it wasn't of us -- it is simply a great photograph.

For us, the meaningful "image" is the photobooth series that you "choreographed" and has hung on a prominent wall in each of the homes we have lived in since we were married.

SO MANY OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN OUR LIVES ARE FEATURED, AND THEY REPRESENT THE DAY SO WELL (YOU CAN ALMOST FEEL THE LATE JULY HUMIDITY EMANATING FROM THE BODIES). THEY ARE ALSO A GREAT CONVERSATION STARTER, AS THERE ARE SO MANY STORIES CAPTURED SUCCINCTLY IN THOSE FEW IMAGES. 

And yes, new stories have emerged: when Heidi, Sondra's sister, and her then boyfriend, John, broke up, we weren't sure how to handle it. The pictures work so well together, and this was the only image of Heidi, so we didn't want to remove it. Instead, we fashioned a small paper bag out of brown paper, and we placed it carefully over John's head, where it remains to this day.

- Sondra and Ben -

 

June 10, 2015

This is our wedding photo. It was taken just after our first look, which we got to do right before the wedding. It was so special and perfect. In that moment, all we felt was pure bliss. We couldn't believe that the day was finally here, and I remember (Dani) wiping away tears on Matt's face, hence my hands on his face. I know it's cliche, but I really felt like we were the only two in the room. Well you know what I mean. Both of us waited, for that one person to completely give ourselves to, and we knew this moment was the start of our beautiful life together. And here we are, almost 7 years later. Two kids, numerous moves, job after job, friends coming into and out of our lives.. What remains? Our love. Yes, we have been through more than we ever thought we would be, life is crazy like that. But we would do it all over again in a heartbeat. This photo brings us back to what truly matters. Each other.

NO ONE ELSE, NOTHING ELSE, NO OTHER OPINIONS, NO CRAZY BS LIFE WILL MOST DEFINITELY BRING, NONE OF IT MATTERS. AS LONG AS WE HAVE EACH OTHER, AND STILL HAVE THIS SAME LOOK IN OUR EYES, IT'S ALL WORTH IT.

- Dani and Matt -

 
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June 9, 2015

This is the one image that for us signifies our wedding.  

ON YOUR WEDDING DAY, IT IS SO EASY TO GET CAUGHT UP IN THE LITTLE THINGS, THE BIG THINGS, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.   

It is easy to get frustrated trying to make sure everything is going according to "the plan."  It is easy to get caught up in the smiles, laughs, and joy of your friends and family.   It is easy to forget the most important reason you are there.  Each other.  

THAT IS, UNLESS, YOU TAKE A MOMENT.  THIS IMAGE CAPTURES THAT MOMENT FOR US.  

It represents our past:  our thoughts of the years of love and devotion for each other that brought us to this day, exchanged with a glance.

It represents the present:  a fleeting singular point in time where nothing else in the world matters but us, brought forever into the now by this image.

It represents our future:  that we will live each of our moments yet to come in this beautiful world, forever in each others arms.

- Shivali and Ankur -

 

June 8, 2015

BRADY AND I LOVE TO MAKE EACH OTHER LAUGH.  

When we first met, we made each other laugh right away, even though we were sitting at a table with a bunch of other people we didn't know well.  We have this picture framed on the fireplace in our family room and it still makes us so happy.  We were 24, the light was golden, we were by the ocean and had just said "I do".  It was so exciting and we couldn't wait to share our joy with our families and friends.  

FOUR KIDS AND NEARLY 10 YEARS LATER, THIS PHOTO IS SUCH A GREAT REMINDER OF THE FUN BEGINNING TO OUR JOURNEY. 

- Michelle and Brady -

 

June 7, 2015

Reason we chose you both is because your wedding photos consistently brimmed over with wonderful aesthetics chock full of authentic  smiles, joy, spontaneity… which leads me to our favorite photo.

HOLDING HANDS, ALL THE HAPPINESS (RELIEF!) AND FLAT-OUT EXCITEMENT AT WHAT WAS TO BE!  

I can tell you at that very moment (well that day) we were both uber-excited about our dream house we just purchased (two years to find and close the deal!), the honeymoon we were about to embark on (a rented car, Normandy, Provence, Paris… yowzer!!!)… Oh and a baby we discovered we would be having only three months after that very favorite of ours photo was taken!  A wild 2013 for sure and definitely what we see in that extraordinary moment every time we look at that photo on our living room wall. We think it’s an amazing photo with great memories attached to it, so kudos, an electronic hug, and BIG thanks again.

- Emmie and David -

 

June 7, 2015

Our favorite photo is one from our ceremony - the exit. It's not the most intimate detail or creative shot (although there are plenty of those as well), but for us, our wedding was a pretty emotional day. Having been a wedding photographer myself for a couple years before the photo was taken, I had always seen weddings as a time for the couple to enjoy each other and seal their commitment. I didn't take it lightly.

But once those moments were over, after we had said our vows, exchanged rings, and kissed, it blew me away when I realized as we walked out from our ceremony the amount of support we had in the people who were there.

IT HIT ME HARD THAT WE WOULDN'T BE WHERE OR WHO WE ARE WITHOUT THAT SEA OF FACES.

This photo immediately became one of our favorites because of the pure joy on our faces and the amazing colors, but it has lasted as a favorite because of the way we can look at it and see immediately the amount of support we continue to have in our lives! When we see it every day in our home, hanging large on our wall, we are reminded constantly of this and we love it!

- Megan and Bronson -

 

June 6, 2015

This was especially hard because there are SO many memorable photos from our wedding day, but I chose this one because it perfectly captures us and our story. Todd and I met while surfing, spent years living together in Hawaii, and loved the idea of a beach wedding. As crazy as it sounds, I don’t really love getting sandy and it’s also a logistical challenge to plan a beach wedding. The W hotel has this “beach” on their rooftop and it was the most perfect venue for our wedding. I look at this photo often because it’s framed in our living room. I always giggle when people ask what beach we got married at, not realizing this is a photo printed on a wall!

SIX YEARS LATER + ONE TWO YEAR OLD LITTLE GIRL WHO DOESN’T MAKE IT EASY FOR US TO SURF TOGETHER MUCH, THIS PHOTO ALWAYS REMINDS ME OF WHAT BROUGHT US TOGETHER, AND WHY IT’S SO IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE TO SHARE OUR LOVE FOR THE OCEAN TOGETHER. 

Thank you Nate & Jac for capturing the most amazing photos of our wedding day. They are forever treasured.

- Stacie and Todd -

 

June 5, 2015

We truly love and cherish each and every one of our wedding images so very much! Looking back at all of our photos, the first image that comes to mind is the one from the portrait session in the back of our pick-up truck. The moment was candid and it captured our joy! We see this image constantly because we have it hanging in our living room on a giant canvas. When we look at this photo, it makes us both feel so happy, knowing that our wedding day was everything we dreamt it would be. Looking back, we will never forget how we felt and how genuinely excited we were to finally be married to one another. For both of us, the meaning of this image has grown over time. Although we have always loved this photo, the significance has grown just like the rest of our photos, because now we have a greater understanding of the value of them.

LIFE GETS HARD AND HAS DEFINITELY THROWN US SOME CURVEBALLS, BUT LOOKING AT THIS PHOTO, MAKES US BOTH FEEL INCREDIBLE JOY. THINKING BACK TO 6+ YEARS AGO, WE NEVER COULD HAVE IMAGINED WHAT LIFE WOULD BE LIKE, BUT THROUGH IT ALL, WE LOOK AT THIS PHOTO AND REMEMBER THAT THE GOOD FAR OUTWEIGHS THE TRIALS. 

This photo captures our love and excitement to be husband and wife. It holds so much meaning to us and truly brings us back to our wedding day and exactly how we felt. Before we were married, our wedding photos had a monetary value, but now 6+ years down the road, they have turned into something priceless and irreplaceable. 

- Kelli and Dylan -

 

June 4, 2015

Matt (my husband) and I were ecstatic for many reasons. First, the pressure of the ceremony was over. Second, we could now spend some time with family and friends. And third, we could finally relax, dance our arses off, and eat cake!

LOOKING AT THIS PHOTO SEVEN YEARS LATER, WE CAN’T HELP BUT TO SMILE. THE LOVE WE HAD FOR EACH OTHER IN THIS MOMENT HAS ONLY GROWN AND MATURED. WE WERE IN OUR TWENTIES THEN, STILL FIGURING OUT CAREERS, LIVING ARRANGEMENTS, AND FAMILY PLANS. WE WERE YOUNG AND ENJOYING LIFE. AND WE STILL ARE.

Will this image be our favorite five, ten, twenty years from now? Who can tell? What I do know is that it will always remind us that there’s a carefree part of life that must always be cherished.

- Erica and Matt -

 

June 3, 2015

When I think of our wedding I go back to this picture. It reflects just how happy, how joyful we were that day. That joy is apparent by the smile on both of our faces, glowing, radiant. We did it!

NO MATTER THE OBSTACLES WE FACED, OR WILL FACE IN THE FUTURE, NOTHING ELSE MATTERED THAN THE FACT THAT WERE FACING THEM TOGETHER. 

So in love even to this day, we can gaze at each other, with laughter and joy, and continue to bring out the best in each other.

- Nicole and John -

 

June 2, 2015

THE PHOTOGRAPH THAT I CONSIDER "OUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPH" ISN'T A PARTICULARLY MOMENTOUS MOMENT IN OUR WEDDING. 

It was taken in the photo booth at the very end of the wedding when you were about to close up the booth. I love this picture because it perfectly captures how we felt in the moment, which was pure excitement. The stress of the wedding was over and we could let loose and enjoy beginning our lives together.

THREE YEARS LATER, THIS IS STILL THE ONLY PICTURE I KEEP IN MY OFFICE. WHEN I LOOK AT IT, IT REMINDS ME TO STAY LOOSE, STAY EXCITED AND TO STAY IN LOVE.

- Stella and Alex -

 

June 1, 2015

We chose this picture because we feel like it best represented both our wedding and now our marriage.  Mike and I both love the beach and the ocean, hence the location we chose.  But we did not at all anticipate the most spectacular sunset that ended the reception.  This picture captured that moment, plus the excitement, and a bit of relief (!) that we both had for our future together.  We absolutely loved our wedding, we felt it captured the best of who we are, and this picture nailed it on the head.  

HAPPY, EXCITED, RELIEVED, AND PROBABLY SLIGHTLY SCARED, BUT IT ALL HAPPENED AROUND THE PEOPLE WE LOVE THE MOST, AT THE PLACE WE LOVE THE MOST, AND UNDER THE MOST PERFECT SKY.  

This picture is the showcase for our wedding, and now our lives together.

- Sarah and Mike -

 

 

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