The Wedding Album
After the veil has been lifted, the vows are exchanged, and the first kiss is shared… after the cake has been eaten, the flowers have faded and the dress has been carefully packed in a box… after the tears have been dried, the toasts celebrated and two families joined, what remains as the only tangible memory is the wedding album.
As traditions change there is one single element consistent through history ~ the wedding album… the first family heirloom. More than a book of pictures, a wedding is a historical documentation of the joining of lives, the celebration of family and friends and a lasting tribute to a generation.
With so many options, wedding albums can range from traditional matted albums to contemporary coffee-table books. Because of technology, copies of the primary wedding album can be printed for parents and other people of honor, including grandparents, godparents and siblings ~ even guests! Coffee table design not only allows for a beautiful photographic presentation, but also a reflection of the couples taste and personal style.
Because it’s what I do, wedding photography and the album’s design is of great importance to me. I approach each wedding album with a fresh perspective, being sure to consider colors, dimensions and embellishments. It’s important that the finished design is a timeless wedding album, not a trendy scrap book. While a scrapbook style is definitely an option, I’ve learned that clients don’t want to look at their book 10 years from now and say, “what was I thinking?” Timeless elegance and classic design never go out of style.
Here are some answers to common concerns…
Why do I need an album?
Who is the wedding album for? It certainly is a documentation of the wedding couple, but the album is not really for them. The couple will choose the style and the design, bit it is future generations that will enjoy this family heirloom. This book is for the children and grandchildren who will hold it in their hands and pour over the pages to meet the people who have passed. The only mistake you can make is not creating an album ~ even if it is a tiny book of a handful of photographs. Without these books, entire generations may be lost. A temporary CD archive of images that sits in a drawer is no substitute for a family heirloom.
Why are books expensive?
In short, you get what you pay for. Professional books use a combination of hand-craftsmanship and current technology. The printing is state-of-the-art to insure precise color representation, spines are reinforced to provide years of enjoyment, leathers and materials are of the highest quality to last and age beautifully. Each book is a custom creation. Professional books are designed to last a lifetime, several lifetimes, in fact. While the options range from thin art-book style pages to thick, gilded leaves, the professional quality and stunning images make it unmistakable.
What type of album is for me?
Because there are so many options, your professional photographer needs to be your best resource. Just as you evaluate your photographer’s skill, talent and style, you need to talk with them about your album options. Not all album styles lend themselves to all photographic styles. This is a very personal decision, and with so many choices available, you photographer has access to options that you may not know even exist! With the large range of options in mind, it may be possible that your photographer does not have an exact sample of what you want, but they do have access to professional book binders that can create your vision.
Your wedding album. Your first family heirloom… cherished for generations.
~ Robin Pesa
