Elina + Marek::Going the Distance

About 3 days before Christmas I received an email from my friend Elina. The subject of the email read "Big Favor". As I read the email and came across the line "I'm getting married on December 31, 2009" the first thing that came to my mind was, "She wants me to shoot her wedding. But a wedding that is going to take place in a matter of days?" So I go on reading and the entire time I was subconsciously looking for the line "Can you take our photos?" About three quarters of the way down she says "We were wondering if you were available and willing to be our..." get ready for this one "...wedding officiant." I rubbed my eyes to make sure I hadn't misread. Maybe she meant to say "Official photographer" I thought to myself. As I read on sure enough she was asking me to be her officiant.

So for those of you who don't know the County of San Francisco has a 1 time deputation program in which one can carry the title of Deputy Marriage Commissioner. This title allows one to conduct and legally sign off on a marriage certificate. The only requirement is to be 18 years of age and speak English fluently.

Nonetheless I was in complete shock and awe. No words can describe how honored I felt to have been the Deputy Marriage Commissioner for Elina and Marek. Of course, being a wedding photographer I offered to take some portraits afterwards. But as good fortune would have it before the ceremony (which by the way was performed at the Sutro Bath ruins)we came across a couple who were photographers. Alex, the gentleman offered to help take a couple of photos for us during the short ceremony. So yes, that's me down there conducting the ceremony.

Here's to Elina and Marek going the distance (literally as they've been flying across the country to see one another as he lives in South Carolina).







Here I am with Marek right before swearing to uphold all the duties for a Deputy Marriage Commissioner (Photo taken by Elina)






Ryan, Elina's brother from Miami stood in as the witness and during our portrait session was my assistant.


Our view




Here's my perspective of the first kiss


Here I am getting the shot above