The journey to Jenna and Will’s wedding was wrought with unimaginable obstacles; a global pandemic being the easy part. Through it all, their dream was kept alive by loving family, adoring friends, and an indomitable wedding planner. Being there with our cameras, to document it finally come true, was an incredible honour.
These photos tell the story of Nikki, James, Heather, Finlay, and Otis. It’s the story of an intimate, relaxed, family wedding in the midst of a global pandemic. It’s also the story of someone who is not physically present in the photos, but present nonetheless.
Elaine had the kind of quiet wisdom you didn’t necessarily notice in the moment, but its absence is loud. Like her family’s tartan, from her Scottish heritage, her wisdom was strong. It was bold while being subtle and understated. It was a distinct pattern of white, green, and dark blue, with the most beautiful vibrant yellow lines running through it. Its tight weave thick, protective, and rugged. A little itchy next to the skin, letting you know it’s there. Durable. Dependable. An heirloom passed down for generations.
Elaine’s tartan, with its yellow streak of wisdom, weaved into its pattern, blanketed James, Heather, and Finlay, in warmth and protection.
As she got closer to death (from esophageal cancer), the tartan’s protection became tighter, more enduring. As the yellow got brighter, the wisdom got stronger. So strong you could feel it in the air that surrounded her, without even exchanging words. When Elaine passed into another world on Feb. 3, 2015, the tartan’s yellow streak shone brighter than ever. The tight weave of the fabric, steeped in warmth, knowledge, and durability, wrapped around her family as tight as it could.
Slowly, and unknowingly at first, the tartan began to loosen its tight weave. It still protected the family, but the weave loosened just enough for another, completely unique fibre to weave its way into the already bold pattern. The new fibre was different than the yellow streak.
It was silky. It was smooth and it was a bright blue. It felt nice against the skin. It was also durable. And it was also wise, but in a completely different way. It was warming, comforting, protective, accepting, non-judgemental. It was pure. Pure love.
This is also Nikki’s story.
Nikki’s love became woven into the tartan, making it stronger, with a brand new bright streak next to the yellow. It became a pattern so beautiful for its inclusiveness, commitment, and its vibrant contrast.
This is the story of Nikki, James, Heather, Finlay, and Otis. And of Elaine. A beautiful, technicolour family of many weaves and dreams.
Millions of speeches. Speeches for free…
The anticipatory moments leading up to a wedding can be hectic, emotional, hilarious, and downright ridiculous. Documenting it all, can be a challenging adventure, to say the least.
Here are 100 getting-ready photos from the trenches…
Jess and Travis’ wedding was made for Two Mann; and photography’s not the half of it.
Blood, sweat, and tears imbue the peculiar forces that brought us all together atop a wild mountain in the middle of a global pandemic.
Our 2019 adventures in wedding photography gifted us extraordinary experiences with extraordinary people.
These 2019 numbers made possible by a whole lot of trust from a whole lot of people:
123,000 km traversed across 4 continents and 5 oceans.
10,300 hand-crafted photos delivered.
12 sold out workshops in 8 countries on 4 continents (alumni from 42 countries).
11 more Oscars from Fearless Photographers.
9 countries travelled by plane, train, automobile, bicycle, kayak, canoe, ski, and paraglider.
8 keynote performances in 6 countries on 4 continents.
7 diverse weddings celebrated in 5 countries.
2 kids world-schooled through 5 countries across 4 continents.
1 epic Alumni Reunion.
Below are just some of our (and your) favourite wedding photos from this past year.
Charmi Peña is one of our photography heroes. Heck, she’s one of our human heroes. Hence, when she advised her family to trust Two Mann Studios with the memories of Jena and Sameer’s multicultural wedding, we were honoured; then anxious; then terrified; then, ultimately, rewarded with the gratifying pleasure of documenting a beautiful union of two wonderful families. Even though Charmi was tasked with recommending the photographers who’d shoulder this responsibility, Jena and Sameer and every one of their family members welcomed us right in like trusted friends. We were humbled, start to finish, by their unfettered love for one another, and oblivious trust in us to commemorate it.
Freewill is an illusion. Or it’s not. Either way, strange and mysterious forces are at work beyond our wildest comprehension.
Case in point, the miraculous entanglement of external and internal forces that willed Lyndsay and Jason’s lives together (and Erika and mine somehow into that mix). Imagine the labyrinthine brew of coincidences that conspired to compel Lyndsay and Jason to mutually, fatefully swipe right. Or the chronic dating mishaps and near-misses that must have transpired to leave Jason, despite relentless efforts, conspicuously single after 35 years of bachelorhood (to say nothing of Lyndsay’s perplexing eligibility).
Drake the Cat knew something was up. There was a special energy in his cute little home that morning. Not only were Madeleine and Katie spending an inordinate amount of time getting ready (as in, any amount greater than probably 60 seconds), but four peculiar humans had descended upon his territory; two armed with hair and makeup brushes (Blush and Coco), and two with cameras and lenses (Erika and me). But Drake was cool with it, because Madeleine and Katie were cool with it. More than cool with it, they were beaming.
