Married . Shannan + Andy


  • Commentary: Dear Mary and Joel, Wow. Your place in the Wedding Photojournalist Association is very well-deserved. Early in my writing career, my mentor told me that a journalist’s job is to simply “hold a mirror up to a situation and reflect back what you see.” You are masters at this; you let a story be itself. You don’t muddy a day with fake emotion, fake smiles or fake fun. (National Geographic would be lucky to have you.) I have never seen the “me” that these photos portray. And I must say—my real smile is so much better than what I flash myself in the mirror. This style is not for everyone; but it is for me. I enjoy the real me. And the fact that you can show me to myself—well, that is simply priceless. On the same note, you have captured my family and friends the way I see them. Their expressions, their laugh lines. And that is a very beautiful thing. Sincerest thanks, Shannan